Date Night Fun

Every weekend we are soooo spoiled to have date night, and our children spend the night at one of our parents' houses. It works out well for everyone, especially us. Big big big deal when you get to sleep in until 8:30 without anyone needing something from you.

Last night, Dave and I did something that we have been talking about for at least the last 4 summers. We rented a canoe at the UW and packed dinner. We headed out on the water and had the most amazing time together. We were warned that more than likely our time would end up in a fight due to paddle disagreements. I thought this through ahead of time, and was able to dissipate any disputes with just having Dave paddle the whole time.

Parker, the Water Buffalo

So as each day that passes in the Needham household, we begin to see the differences in our children. When Parker was an infant, all the way up until a couple months ago, it was like raising Blake all over again.

Now that Parker has reached 18 months, he is more commonly referred to as a Bulldog, or a Tank. The kid is unreal. He is full speed ahead. And if anyone gets in the way, he will hit you...on the back, and make his mean face (check the photos in the red shirt). Many times in the day you can see him racing through our house, with his arms flared, directly behind him.

So last Wednesday we headed back to Forest Park with our darling friends The Arnolds. Blake was quite timid around the spraying water that would randomly pop up from the ground. It actually took him about a half an hour to even walk close to it. Once he committed to getting his shoes wet, that was as far as he would go.

Parker on the other hand, I couldn't get to him quick enough. I brought extra shoes, swim shorts and a sun shirt. Parker dove right in, and within moments, was soaked. He was running back and forth between the springs, standing on top and placing his fingers on the water holes.

My favorite was when his little body would stand back from the edge and shake violently. He was freezing, but would head back for more.