Pushing limits

I wanted nothing more than to write about how this weekend was all sunshine and roses but being truthful, it wasn't. Eli has been pushing us to see how much he can do and get away with. It seems like we spend a lot of time redirecting him from undesired behaviors and as a result, he gets upset and sometimes throws a fit with us. Then, again being honest, when he gets very fussy, Mommy gets very cranky and Daddy has to put up with both of us (sorry Daddy, you really are the world's best hubby and Daddy!). It is so frustrating sometimes and what worked yesterday sure doesn't work today. Meal times have been adventurous to say the least - sometimes he's hungry and interested, other times he throws his plate and wants nothing to do with it. Then when we remove him from the table, that upsets him too. Any of this sound familiar anyone?!

But even with all the roller coaster action of the weekend, we did manage to have some fun times. Saturday we went hiking at Umstead - took Eli on the Oak Rock Trail. Our goal was just to get him outside and let him walk around / explore. He walked almost the entire .6 mile trail on his own. He loved touching trees, picking up rocks and running down the hills. He's getting very good "trail feet" and does well with his balance. Then all afternoon, we played outside at home and worked on picking up sticks and pinecones to help Daddy clean the yard. Our goal was to spend as much time outside as possible.

Leading the way down the trail
Reading about the trees in front of him

White square trail marker - we've been working on colors and shapes a lot

Crossing the rock bridge with Daddy

Saturday night, I volunteered at the Umstead 100 trail run. Many years ago, I did the 50 mile version but in 2002 started volunteering. Let me tell you, I enjoy the volunteering part MUCH more than the running part. It's great to be a part of helping people achieve their goals. This was my 8th time volunteering and it's like a mini family reunion. Reunion with the Ptomain Tavern staff and a reunion with the runners who look forward to seeing you every year. (I used to pace a guy from Germany - he no longer runs it.) I worked the 6p-midnight shift and had a great time. Hopefully next year, I can take Eli to help a bit during the day. Here are a few pictures:

Runners coming up the hill from the aid station on Turkey Creek trail

Our aid station sign - I think we're also known as Aid Station #2

Sunday: Tim tried so hard to let me sleep this morning but Eli wanted to see Mommy. He was in a semi-fussy mood and unless he was watching 'Bob' he didn't seem to happy. We try to limit his tv watching so when Bob was over, he got upset with us - again. After errands and a nice long nap for cranky Eli and cranky Mommy, we went to the park and lake with Carol & Ryan to play on the equipment and then feed the ducks. Eli & Ryan had a great time laughing at the ducks and feeding them snacks. It's so great having them close to us and able to do things like this on short notice. We had nothing planned but it was so nice that we all wanted to be out of the house. Fortunately Eli & Ryan love to play together and Carol & I help each other keep the Mommy sanity in check! (Thanks friend!!)

Now (8:30p) Eli is sleeping and it's time to go hang out with Tim before heading to bed and starting a new week. Fortunately this is a short, and hopefully good, one. Hope you all had a great weekend and were at least able to get outside and enjoy the warmth and sunshine. We sure tried to!