outside and in

Contrary to what a certain one of M's aunties might think, it really doesn't rain every day here in the Emerald City. In fact, if the clouds hold off for the rest of this afternoon, we officially will have seen a rainless July.

With weather this nice, we're spending lots of time outdoors. M's had two bikes rides with dad now, which seemed to go fine--except for the part where the helmet goes on and off...

We've also logged a few more hours at our local sprinkler park. I can't believe that M is the only kid in these pictures, because every time we go there, the place is absolutely mobbed. When she's not handing me cigarette butts and broken water balloons, M has a great time chasing the big kids and trying to make all the sprinkler heads stop spraying by covering them with her hands. So far, it hasn't worked, but our kid's no quitter.

We're regulars at our playground--the awesome one, not the sketchy one. M's new thing is climbing all the toddler equipment without Mama's help, thank you very much. She is getting bigger, after all.

Unfortunately, she has yet to outgrow her stick- and wood chip-eating habit.

Even when it's nice out, we can't be outside every minute, if for no other reason than that Mama cannot stand the afternoon heat. This week, M has used her downtime to read the junk mail,

enjoy a post-nap cuddle with the cats,

and bring together two of her favorite things: shoes and snacktime.

She's also started wearing tiny, mouth-sized things in her hair, although it's going to take a lot more practice--and binks--to keep her from trying to eat them all...