Fourth of July Holiday Stay-cation

Since we had to arrange a trip last week at the last minute, Mom and Dad chose to have a stay-cation this weekend. All of us needed to catch up on sleep. In fact, I think Mom and Dad are still working on that part. It's taking them a little longer to recover.

It's been pretty warm over the last few days, so we spent some time yesterday at our complex's pool, then today Mom and Dad took me to the swimming pond. Mom and Dad have spent more time in the water and on sandy beaches in the few weeks of summer we've had so far here in Minnesota than they spent in the five years Mom and Dad lived in Maryland.

The last couple times I've gone in the water I've practiced kicking under water.

The nice thing about our pool is being able to walk to and from it. Yesterday, I insisted on helping carry the camera bag. 

Then I saw a few BIG rocks sitting to the side of the sidewalk, and I made a run for them.

Dad helped me climb up, then jump down, the biggest one.

Mom and Dad like the swimming pond because there's a shallow area you wade into. It gives me the chance to play alone in the water, with Mom and Dad close by, of course. It helps me feel a little more comfortable in the water when I can touch the bottom of the pond.

Elm Creek Park

There's a big, new playground at a park nearby called Elm Creek. Mom took me there on a weekday, thinking it wouldn't be too busy, but it was really busy.

When we first got there I took of my shoe and headed straight for the sand.

But I got a little overwhelmed with all the other kids around, and I quickly left the playground. I decided to go in search of rocks to collect.

I found a few.

 I was very proud of my collection.

Then I thought it would be a good idea to go for a walk.

I called out to Mom to follow me.

After a bit I decided I would go back to the playground. I ran into a couple of other kids I know while there. 

We didn't stay much longer because it was too hot outside, but I was happy to have a few minutes with my friends.

Pool Girl

I got to spend an evening with my grandma and grandpa on my dad's side, as well as some other cousins. A pool was set up in the backyard of my grandparents' house, and I had a lot of fun playing in the warm sun and water.

I also got to meet my newest cousin.

I was very intrigued by her. I'm not around such small babies often, so I really had to check her out.