Expressions

Katie found Chloe the other day, and they went through a series of different looks.

Our Concerned Looks

Our Serious Looks 

Our Happy Looks

Our Reflective Looks

The Museum of Flight

During my Spring Break, my parents, Jennifer, and I took Katie on a road trip. We went to The Museum of Flight by Seattle.  Like always, Katie was a pretty good traveler. It was fun to look at the museum and explore how the history of flight has changed.

Katie was able to walk through a former Air Force One jet that was used by Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. She also walked through a Concorde jet.  She liked the airplanes for sure, but she especially liked walking up the steps to get onto the planes.

We spent the greatest amount of time in the World War II section of the museum. It's amazing to even compare those planes to our current planes.

At the end of our visit, Katie discovered a room designed for kids. She was able to "fly" a helicopter with her grandma. Since our trip, we've been hearing lots and lots about airplanes and helicopters!

I can hold my arms like an airplane, Aunt Jennifer! 

Aren't you going to stop and read that? 

It's always fun to stand in front of a shuttle model! 

How did three astronauts fit in there? 

Grandpa and Grandma had to stand in front of Air Force One.

Now it's my turn! I sure look little though!

I can walk just like you, Grandpa! 

I really liked the model planes. 

There was a button I could push in front of this bench. It would play World War II music that I liked a lot. After I pushed the button, I'd just sit and listen. 

I LOVED this! I pushed the button, and it would sound just like an airplane motor starting!  I tried it out at least ten times. 

We found a room just for kids! 

Let's take off, Grandma!

The Helper

As I've mentioned before, Katie likes to help Chloe eat. The other day, Katie stood in front of Chloe giving her directions for eating.

Don't worry, Chloe! I'll tell you what to do.

Twirl, Twirl, Twirl, Stop! Bow!

Katie wanted to wear her flower costume again to do some twirling. I love her must-wear accessory when she wears her costume - her slippers. I think that she thinks they're ballet slippers!

On this particular night, Aunt Jennifer did some twirling with Katie. She also taught Katie to stop with the word, "stop" and to take a bow at the end.

Learning to Bow

A Trip to the Library

While I was on my Spring Break, I was happy to be able to take Katie back to the Story Time at our local library. During the school year, my mom continues to take her there, but I always miss going. I had so much fun watching how Katie has changed since the last time I was there with her. She was very independent. As soon as she got in the room, she took off and she was on her own. I was used to her wandering off and then coming back to see me or sit with me, but she was perfectly happy to enjoy the surroundings by herself.

Before the stories began, she had fun gathering all of the toy pigs that she could find. When she got tired of that, she handed toys to other kids who needed them.

When the stories and songs started, Katie took an active part in everything. She even felt like it was her job to help others. She'd watch other kids during a dance or a movement song, and when she saw someone who needed help, she'd move their hands for them…hopefully without being too pushy about it. I just sat back dumbfounded as I thought back to when I first took her there. She'd sit on my lap the whole time and listen nicely, but she was so reserved. It was so much fun to see her interacting so comfortably.

After the stories, Katie did the finger painting craft. She was thrilled that it was a non-messy finger painting activity. The finger paints were in Ziploc bags, and the toddlers practiced making letters with an adult.  As it was time to leave, Katie waved good-bye to her much-loved library teacher and left her with a big hug!

I'm so happy to be at the library! 

There are sure a lot of people in this room! 

It's always fun to see the toys that they have.

The girl next to me is really nice. I take good care of her! 

Do you want this toy? 

There's Miss Kendra! I love her! 

I wonder if I should help that girl with her arm movements. 

Guess what I'm doing? My curly-haired friend and I decided it would be fun to peel the name stickers off of kids and stick them on her vest. Shhh…I'm taking one right now. 

These scarves are so much fun! We dance with them. 

Bubbles are starting! 

I'm the only one who tried to catch one with my mouth. 

My artwork was for one of my very favorite dogs, Sam.

A Good Set-Up

One morning, Katie decided to read books to some of her stuffed animals. I liked her set-up for her reading time!

Do you think Pig is comfortable with Pat the Bunny on top of him?

Taking Pictures

My mom let Katie look at her camera one day. Katie quickly learned how to turn it on and take a picture.

 I can't figure out why this isn't taking a picture of Chloe!

Success! It's my first picture of Chloe!