'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015'
The look of determination in this shot was too good to pass up! Soren has become a monkey bar champ this summer. I don't know how he does it - every time I take my turn I feel like my armpits are going to rip!
I know - seriously HOT outside. So the timing of this post may not be the best, but important none the less.
I had an amazing surprise visit a couple days ago from a friend of mine and mother of an adorable toddling babe, that lets the wee one fall. I should rephrase that. Not epic crazy falls, but on her tush without reacting immediately or running to the rescue. Fall - and climb, explore and do the things that she feels her little body is ready for. My first response 'wow! look at her balance! Kudos sweets!' and then to momma (be it I was much more reactionary, although I tried diligently not to be) 'kudos momma for letting her try and be'.
She then sent me this fantastic article. Great read and so inspiring. Soren is no stranger to the outdoors. Bug bites, bug hunting, camping, canoeing (of which we received TONS of backlash for), and now - my personal favorite, mountain biking. He begs to go outside everyday no matter what the climate. He walks barefoot through rocks and grass and will take any opportunity test his balance and jumping skills.
His physical confidence is incredible to me.
And there is so much to do in this fair City! From Woodland Mound:
Sharon Woods:
Otto Armleder Park:
Canoe the Little Miami:
And those are just from last year. This year, there's been Rock Climbing, Smale Park, Mountain Biking at Idlewild and fishing at Isabelle Park. So much to do! Get out and be active! (need incentive? They will eat just about anything, sleep soundly and have stories for DAYS!)
And never discount what you can find in your own back yard!
Or rather, sings! Soren wrapped up his last camp of the summer. It's been pretty epic from Ballet to Circus to his favorite - Bug. Cincinnati Parks has great programs for kiddos through out the summer at a super affordable price.
Soren spent 3 hours a day for 5 days at Burnet Woods learning about birds, bugs, reptiles - all kinds of things in nature by hiking through the woods and crafting. He had puddles of information for me when I picked him up and was thrilled to go everyday.
Here is Soren on the big marble slide outside of the Nature Center at Burnet Woods. Everyday after camp - 'mom, just 5 slides pa-leeeeeeeease....'
So this week, Soren sings. Here's one of the tunes he learned at bug camp!
'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015'
I'd say 'little climber' but little just doesn't suffice. Soren is everything but little these days and I can barely keep up. No longer a babe, but a boy. We hit up Smale Park for the first time (play ground not spray ground) and wow! Nice work Cincy! More pics below:
Watching Soren discover, create, think and wonder is truly amazing. This shot will always remind me of the curious seeker he has been these past 4.5 years.
'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2015'
oren has been creating 'collections' from outdoors. Leaves, rocks, acorns - you name it. He's even snuck in a daddy long leg or 'Harvestman' from time to time. We live next to a bird reserve so it's been great stomping grounds for this curious kiddo. Here he is investigating the veins on a leaf. 'It's where they get their nutrition, mom!'