Getting ready for sleep-

Having a snack first.

Potty training

My youngest is getting so close to being potty trained. He had a dry diaper tonight and then used the potty before bed.
I will not take a picture of him on the potty so you will just have to be happy with me when I say I can't wait to stop buying diapers!

A Milestone

Check it out!
I hope we can get in touch with the Tooth Fairy at this late hour.

Social Norms

I find being with my 2 year old refreshing in a lot of ways.
He asks lots of questions that are off-limits for an adult to bring up but a 2 yr old can.

Today we were walking up the block and a man and woman were walking in front of us obviously just after some sort of exercise.
'Why isn't that man wearing a shirt?'
'Why is the other man wearing a shirt?' (It was a woman with a pony tail so obviously he wasn't paying attention...)
'What's that man's name?'
'Where is that man going?'

These are some examples of the questions I answered as we were walking behind them. I especially like the social norm questions. Why do men get to be in public without a shirt but women can't? I wanted to answer that it's because men can't control themselves around breasts. Obviously I didn't say that - but I have a hard time explaining why some things are the way they are.

If any of you want to borrow my 2 year old for some good fun - let me know. He usually talks loud enough for the person to hear at least his side of the  conversation so that makes it extra fun.

Where I can be

A familiar cycle in my life has come around again and I cannot believe that my time in the BWCA is that far in my past. 
I miss the consistency of the week - living in a tent, eating what we cooked over a fire in close proximity to nature and those we love, dipping my paddle into the clear water while my head is tipped to the heavy wind.
I sometimes wish that I could infuse my life with this schedule but modern times do not wait around for the fire to consume the fuel. So instead I yearn for those moments in my life where I can leave my city life behind and I can burden my back with my packs and canoe and search for those lovely spaces where I can be.

First Camping for the youngest

My Trees

For quite a while now, when we travel past these trees, I have said, 'There are my trees'.

Classic photo

From the Dubuque River Museum.

I could NOT get my youngest to listen.
In his defense, it was 2p and he hadn't had a nap yet.

This is my 'fire-fighter'

 

The little man spent quite a bit of time on this 'fire-fighter'. 

I did try to tell him that that was his 'fire-fruck' and he was the fire fighter but he wasn't going to listen to me.

'A' Words

I am feeling a bunch of 'A' words are appropriate for my feelings today.

Anxious and Anticipating are the two biggies.

I am planning a trip that is going to require physical toughness and I am just not sure where I am from 3 years ago.

Can I carry a 50 pound pack on my back? Am I going to be able to walk a few miles with that 50 pounds?

I think I am tougher because I carry my 30+ pound 2 year old around daily so that should have been good training. But I don't like the not knowing for sure. I don't want to be the weakest link! Getting older just plain sucks in that category.

I am excited to be on the water with my paddle, water bottle, and friends. I am anticipating that all my fears will melt away after I ask my hubby to help me heft the pack on and I take off down the portage for the first time in a while.