Our budding outdoorsman

Kieran has taken to spending as much time as possible outside now that the snow is gone and the temperatures are a bit friendlier. It's a challenge to get him in the house for meals, baths and bedtimes. For the most part we've let him sneak out to enjoy the evening sun at the end of the day when he should be heading upstairs. After such a long and dark winter we can empathize with his desire to make the most of every warm, sunny evening. In preparation of summer camping opportunities and spending whole nights outside we found a perfect Kieran-size sleeping bag that has become a very favorite thing. This is his first few minutes of getting to know his new bag and all of its features.


Happy outdoor kiddo!

After receiving the bag Kieran moved himself out of his toddler bed and onto the floor in his room where he sleeps every night in his sleeping bag. It also gets moved downstairs on chilly weekend mornings when Thomas the Tank Engine plays on PBS. We'll get the chance to try it out in a tent when we fly to meet Max out on field work near Glacier Bay later this month where we'll visit friends Janet and Sean and sleep out in their yard for a few nights.

With the snow gone we have begun exploring the woods below the house - now one of Kieran's favorite activities. Rufus won't be left behind on these backyard expeditions.

Some first tries at climbing trees.

Little buddies. Who needs a dog with a cat like Rufus?

This is one of Kieran's favorite features - the big hill. It has perfect steps for climbing up and jumping down again. The only downside of the big hill is an abandoned hare burrow at the top. The hole is a bit scary for Kieran, especially after Rufus found (and presented to us) the leg of a hare, most likely the one that was living in the burrow. How young is too young to explain that animals eat other animals? He was quiet for awhile after hearing that but luckily it hasn't quelled love of exploring the woods.