The Great Outdoors

The temps have been rising and the Cicci family couldn't be happier!  

John has gotten a start on getting back to working on the house.  First up, filling in the pond on the back patio:

He started on a colder day because we knew once it was warm enough, we wouldn't be able to deny Rudy the chance to run around.  John rented a jackhammer one morning and provided the entertainment for us:

This picture cracks me up... how pitiful.  Rudy wanted out to help his dad soooo much.

He kept a close watch on what he was doing and was ready to jump in and help as soon as he was let out (I say "let out" because the kid acts like he's a caged animal until we open that door!).

John had to take a break from the project to go to work, but his next day at home was nice enough and safe enough that Rudy was able to help out lots.  They finished laying the bricks and filled in the cracks with sand...and by this time out, Rudy had some tools of his own to assist with

All while Avery and I watched :)  She was one happy little girl to get some fresh air, too though!

And the job was done for the day so while John rested I made us a quick picnic lunch...

Rudy is just a tad wet (ok, basically soaked) because we let him play with a little water in his bucket.

It was such a nice little morning following our almost week-long sickness!

A few days earlier when I was sick, Gran came over and took Rudy to the park.  This is an example of Rudy wanting to get out of the house if we don't leave.  I was in no shape to take him anywhere and he was crying at the door, so Gran was nice enough to take him to find some ducks and play.  And if you haven't noticed, the weather has been pretty inconsistent.  One day we are out in shorts and t-shirts, the next we need our hats and coats... and sometimes both on the same day.  Good thing it's starting to warm up, though because Rudy's jeans that he's been wearing for almost a year now might be getting a bit short, what do you think??  :)

We were also at a benefit this weekend and got to enjoy some outdoor time there, too.  Avery was so relaxed swinging, letting the wind blow in her hair.

And Rudy and Papa were having fun swinging, too.

We went back to Isabela's to pick up some outdoor toys she has outgrown and was nice enough to give to Rudy and Avery.  We were able to play for a bit and see Grace again...isn't she the cutest?!

Avery now has her own Cozy Coupe, but Rudy will keep it warm until she's ready for it..

...and a playhouse!  Rudy LOVES it!  (if you can't tell)

That, and throwing water at his mom...

I am really looking forward to playing with this stinker all summer!

To sum it up, we are outside as much as possible.  As soon as we are up in the morning, Rudy is ready to go outside.  We went from 0 outdoor toys to a patio full in about 4 days, thanks to Grandmas and the Burke's.  And the more we are out, the more anxious John and I are to get the outside of the house looking good.  We have been doing little things while Rudy plays and our creative juices are flowing...so here's to a fun, productive summer!