Playtime at the Park

There is a really neat, very toddler friendly playground at a park next to our local rec center. It's big and much nicer and safer than the playground within walking distance from our house, so we've driven to it a few times lately. They have two huge play structures, one for kids probably 5 and up and the other for smaller tots. Both are pretty safe structures in general and a lot of fun for Freedom to explore. He's getting more and more daring with his playground activity. He is generally pretty fearless and courageous, rarely hesitating as he climbs and plays. Probably though, his favorite thing to do is to follow any other children, especially bigger boys, around and mimick what they do. Lol! Sometimes there are no other kids at the playground, but when there are, Freedom will be sure to do everything he can to keep up with them, whether they want him to or not. He is very interested in the big kids and they often challenge him or push him to try new things, which is a little scary for mama, but fun for him!

Free Day at the Denver Zoo with Freedom

The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) was celebrating their 20th year birthday at the Denver Zoo and it was a free day for the public. They had activities, art, environmental, cultural & entertainment tents and booths and performances by local groups throughout the zoo day. We decided to go and check it out, because we like to walk around, see the animals and doing it on free day makes it all the better! It was a sunny and warm fall day and fun to meet up with our good friends Ginny & Tulah to take in a lovely afternoon at the zoo. We splurged for a train ride, a carousel ride, a chocolate ice cream waffle cone & a couple goodies at the zoo gift shop. These splurges were perhaps a special treat, since we did not have to pay the normal zoo entry fee. Freedom climbed around on some neat wooden pieces that were designed to be neurological gym equipment and enjoyed being able to walk around a bit, get out of the stroller and exert his independence. Freedom's frolicking is for the most part a good thing (he is curious and sweet and listens to mommy, staying nearby most the time), other than when he gets frustrated or can't clearly communicate his demands/needs, doesn't get his way, or can't understand mama's directions, because then we were faced with Freedom's few screaming melt down/tantrums, making for a slightly undesirable/unwelcomed attention getting scene. I believe we have entered into the "terrible twos" a bit prematurely. Freedom struggles a little bit with waiting and being patient, imagine that, a 19 month old that is impatient. We are working on improving his patience with my patience (hoping it doesn't wear thin) and a few time outs here and there too! I am still trying to figure this whole screaming fit thing out. It's a little stressful and weary, but we'll keep trudging forward and hope that this stage does not last long, it is a stage right?

Cute Kid Thursday!

Freedom was chosen on this fun parents blog, GoodyBlog, to be highlighted as their cute kid of the day! Thanks GoodyBlog, we appreciate it!