Photo Shoot and Walk

I am pleased to say that Abby has overcome her fear of the stroller and is now happy to go on walks once again! Yay! We used the gradual approach (increasing the time every walk) and a fun association (we now go to the park each time so she can ride the teeter-totter and go down the slide). It seems to have done the trick. I can't believe how much she loves the park, being only 6 1/2 months old! It's so cute to help her on the slide. I set her at the top, hold her hands in my hands, say, "1...2...3!" and help her slide down. At the bottom, I let go and she sits there waving her arms up and down with a big smile on her face. So sweet!

We have really enjoyed the sights and smells of spring. I love seeing all the beautiful flowers...although it makes me feel guilty for neglecting my own yard so much these past few years. One place that has become a favorite stopping point along our walk is the chicken coop a couple blocks from our house.

Abby watching the chickens (upper left hand corner of picture).

Abby checking out a lilac flower.

Stopping for a photo by the blooming dogwood tree and phlox ground cover:

We ended at the park and decided to have a little photo shoot. The lighting was good for pictures - overcast but bright. And the subject matter was as cute as ever:

And, of course, we had to take several pictures with "the tree," which is fast becoming our favorite picture spot. I think you will be seeing lots of pictures of us with this tree over the years... =)

Of the previous two pictures of Abby and me, which one is your favorite? I'm leaning toward the second one to hang up and frame.

We tried to take another one of just Abby in the tree (the one from last week was a bit blurry, unfortunately), but she wouldn't quit touching and examining the bark! She was so intrigued by its texture. We finally gave up since it was Abby's naptime and headed back home. I'm sure we'll be trying again soon to get the "perfect" tree picture. =)