06/07/2007

Oh! The new skills Nathan has acquired during his trip to Grand Rapids! The picture above shows one of the more fabulous activities that the toddler has learned to enjoy: bestowing sticky-notes on himself and others. This would explain the little clumps of post-its that can be found in various locations around my parent's house.

Other things...Nathan has learned to blow bubbles. Grandma Jones really inspired this activity. And, technically, no blowing is involved (except for the blowing of the wind!). Nathan used Grandma's dollar-store bubble wands to 'blow' bubbles all over her backyard. Today I went into Dollar Tree and picked up a couple wands for us to keep. The wind was whipping here in Michigan, and the bubbles filled the neighborhood.

Grandpa McNeil tried to teach Nathan to wink. I'm afraid the result was terribly unsuccessful. Instead of winking, Nathan closes both eyes so tightly that muscles in his forehead are exposed. Yesterday we caught him 'winking' in this manner as he walked down the hall. That is an accident waiting to happen.

Grandma McNeil has taught Nathan to 'one, two, three....jump' off of all manner of furniture. The step down into the living room, the front porch, the la-z-boy, the couch...leave no place behind! This is all well and good when someone is right next to Nathan and holding his hands, but what happens when he attempts these stunts on his own? Oh, dear.

At any rate, Nathan has had a TON of fun. He will probably feel a complete lack of attention when we return to Houston. Maybe not at first--his Daddy will probably be quite ready to play with him after our 18-day sabbatical. As for me, I'm looking forward to taking a nap in my own bed. I'm sure you know how that is.