Finally...the Playground!

With Scott out of town today/tomorrow, Ava and I had a great girl's day together!  She helped me clean the house this morning, and after a good nap this afternoon, we went down to the playground at the school, and then came back for a spin around the backyard in the CC.  I'm hoping she sleeps well tonight - it was the perfect day to be outside.  Sunny and warm, and not very breezy. 

It was fun being at the playground today...we hadn't been there since last fall, and my, how things have changed from 7 months ago.  Last year she sorta played on the equipment, but we really needed to be right by her.  She took off running when she saw the equipment today, and walked right up those stairs on her own.  Granted, she didn't even want to go through the plastic tube (yup, that hasn't changed since last year), so she really spent about 30 minutes walking up and down the stairs.  And up and down.  And up and down.  I don't think she would have ever stopped on her own if I hadn't eventually picked her up to head home.  It was really neat to see her walking down the stairs instead of sliding down on her little booty.  Overall, she did really well holding onto the railing - there were only a few times where she got distracted by passing kids or planes, and even a leaf one time, where she started to lose her balance.  Most of the time she was able to catch herself, but one time, well, let's just say it was a good thing I was right on the stairs with her!

We're looking forward to going back with Daddy next time so I can take more pictures.  Plus, I don't have the mad sliding skills that he has, or the strength to continuously pick her up and put her at the top of the slide.  I lasted 3 times and then I was done.  For the record, I kept telling her that everything would be easier if she would just put those darn fishies down.  Note to self: bring snacks, but don't give them to her until she asks for them.