night night

Today was an easier day for Dennis since he wasn't confined to a stroller or airplane or carseat all day. We spent the morning here at Mom & Dad's place, letting Dennis walk around and play with his toys. After lunch we went a mile down the road and walked around Lake Padden and Dennis enjoyed seeing some north woods scenery. We put him in the stroller because he was sleepy when we got there, but he was so engrossed in the scenery that he didn't sleep. We strolled all the way around the lake, a nice 3 mile trail that was level enough for the stroller. Michael and Kristin and the kids met up with us at the halfway point and hiked back with us the way they had come. We turned the kids loose at the playground, and they had a great time. I got a little misty eyed watching Dennis walking around in his windbreaker, jeans, and tennis shoes, just running around like a big kid. He and Mirella enjoyed the swings and both tried to climb up the slide. Caedmon climbed all over the place and had a good time as well.

Dad (Pop) grilled out a fabulous supper of burgers, hot dogs, and sausages, and we ate together as much as a group including 3 toddlers can eat together. The babies played sweetly together and alongside each other. Caedmon was engrossed in his train number puzzle and didn't have anything to do with the little ones, but they enjoyed stealing each others' pacifiers and sippy cups and neither complained a bit. Before we ate, all 3 were sleeping in their 3 pods, and Michael referred to them as gestating Gremlins.

Tonight, just as Michael and family were leaving to handle bathtime and bedtime at their house, Dennis began very loudly saying "Nie Nie" which we figure is "night night", and he said it dozens of times. As soon as we accomplished hugs and kisses, they were out the door and Dennis actually went night night. No complaints, not even a whimper, so I suppose he was really ready to go to sleep.

Do you know how hard it is to clean up after a greasy dinner where 3 toddlers ate on a clear glass table? Fingerprints all over the table and underneath the table as well where they crawled under and peered up at us and made many handprints. Yuck.

Dennis enjoyed playing with the moss on the side of a tree that was within stroller range today, and he tried his best to touch some lichens on a fallen log. I think he was amazed by the sheer enormity of the trees here. His big eyes were open wide the whole time, taking everything in! Can't wait to see what he does tomorrow.