Outings

I started this post back in November, to show some special trips Esme went on around town.  Now it's March, so I thought I'd come back and finish it off.

'The Cube' is near the Michigan Union.  Her stroller is under the corner of The Cube for scale.
It's mounted on a vertical axel, so the whole thing spins like a top if you push it.

At one of our favorite newer restaurants in town.  Esme is getting much more proficient with a glass.

Over Christmas, we visited Grandma in Lansing.  Esme received a toy bottle set where the liquid disappears as you tilt the bottle upside-down.  Literally overnight I noticed her playing change.  She now feeds her baby, or the dog, or her Cheshire Cat, or Tina or me.  Imagination is a part of her world now!

She was also able to play outside in the snow several times this winter.
She loves to get outside every day.

 We had several visits to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum this winter.  Tina and I have taken her individually, we have gone as a whole family, and we've met friends there to enjoy the child-friendly environment.  Esme loves the water table, though she always ends up much wetter than one would think possible.  (Yes, I know you would think a lot is possible.  Not far enough...)

You can't see my skis in this self-portrait, but that is Esme asleep on my back.
I look forward to more 'backpacking' outings as winter eases into spring.

Esme at the playspace in the mall.  I don't really do malls,
but this play area is cushioned and has neat things to climb on.

Esme loves the Main Branch of the Library downtown.  There's one table with a rotating toy selection that she loves, in addition to the incredible chess set.  (I always have to be on close guard if there's a game going on -- Esme's libel to walk off with a queen or a knight just when it's most needed.)
Though they do have the Infant/Toddler hour here on Monday mornings, I've found it's a great place to go with Esme anytime.  Toys to play with, people to watch, stairs to climb, plus it's not a quiet library type of kids room.  It sounds more like the hum of learning in an active classroom than a library.

Finally for today's post, I bring you Mardi Gras in Ann Arbor.  There are paczki all around, and one can find an occasional King Cake, but this is not Coastal Mississippi, so the celebrations are mild.  Esme did get into the spirit while sharing one of our three paczki with me and helping to decorate the pub.  They even gave her beads to bring home, which she's been playing with for the intervening weeks.

Thanks for reading and sharing the journey!