Summer Favorites

Although we are just in our second week of summer, Ben and I have found a few favorites that are extra special this summer. First, and foremost, is the park. In particular, slides and swings are our favorites. A playground was recently built in our neighborhood and it is wonderful to have somewhere to walk to. Ben could swing all afternoon, whether at the park or in our backyard. Last week, I also discovered his love for the slide. He sits on my lap to go down and wants to go over and over again. There is always a little squeal of delight at the end. Not only are we now regulars at our park, but are making the rounds to many other Ankeny parks as well.

The second summer favorite is ice cream. After a trip to the park a few days ago, Ben and I met my friend Heather at Dairy Queen to have ice cream. I bought a dish thinking Ben and I would share it, but my bites seemed minimal. The kid loves ice cream! We will definitely be doing that again!

The third summer favorite is music class. We go to music class on Monday mornings. Since starting music class in January, it is fun to think about how much Ben has changed. He has certain activities and songs he loves. He loves Ms. Tina's (his teacher) finger puppets, loves the peek-a-boo song with scarves, and loves some of the dances we learn. We have a CD of the songs to listen to at home, which is also great.

The fourth summer favorite is simply the great outdoors. We have learned that Ben is a child that loves to be outside. In fact, sometimes he cries when we have to go back in. He explores the grass, enjoys walking up and down the sidewalk, points at all the birds he sees and says "buh", checks out all our trees and bushes, and even likes to sit on our porch chair. I'm so thankful that he likes being outside so much, as I get a bit stir-crazy being inside too long myself.

The fifth summer favorite is a selfish one of my own. It is nap time and bed time. I love spending my day with Ben, but I also thoroughly enjoy a little summer time to myself when he is sleeping. I look forward to summer to have some time to read or do little things around the house. The peacefulness and quiet that nap and bed time bring is so, so sweet and never unappreciated.

We are hoping to add another favorite to our list soon, if the weather will warm up a bit. That favorite will be the Ankeny Splash Park and the baby pool in our own backyard! Hopefully, those adventures will occur soon.

Oops... apparently I forgot one thing. As I was sitting here on the stool at our breakfast bar, I looked down to see Ben holding his current favorite book. He was looking at me with pleading eyes, so I had to take a break to read it to him, followed by quite a few other favorites. Reading would not just be a summer favorite, but an all-the-time favorite for Ben! I wonder where he got that?!?