When It's Cold Outside, I've Got the Month of May

April and May have been incredibly busy months in the Hopping-Winn household! The onset of beautiful weather in the Bay Area, trips to Bakersfield and LA, and Bub's first visit to Disneyland have ensured ample time outdoors these past several weeks. As it turns out, Owen couldn't be happier! We're pretty sure he would live outside if possible.

Water is pretty much his favorite thing on earth. He doesn't care what he's doing, as long as water is involved. From washing his hands to playing with (in) water tables to swimming in pools, this kid is a water baby through and through. In fact, the only ride he rode in Disney (mostly due to hour+ lines) was, shockingly enough, a boat.

If he absolutely has to be inside, he has shown himself to be incredibly helpful around the house. Whether he's feeding the dog (anything and everything he can find, which may or may not include actual dog food) or making lemonade (ie- making the floor sticky), he just wants to help. In fact, a great way to redirect him when he's about to throw a fit is to give him a "job" to do, like throwing something away or handing the mail to Mama.

His vocabulary is growing every day, it seems. He can make several animal sounds on command, point to most every body part (including his elbow- thanks Aunt Pammy), and name any animal he sees. Even though his language skills aren't developed enough where non-relatives would necessarily understand his words, he makes his needs/wants CLEARLY known to all.

If Owen were writing this post, he would tell you that his current favorite things to do (other than the activities listed above) are:
- blowing and popping bubbles
- searching for planes
- looking for squirrels
- feeding ducks
- climbing stairs
- watering the plants with Mama

And now for a few Disney photos, just because.

We're heading camping this weekend. Last time we went, he was 7 months old and still relatively stationary. It will be a whole different experience this time! We can't wait!!!