Seattle Aquarium

We had a fun family outing to the Seattle Aquarium a few weekends ago.  Nate hadn't been with the boys yet and hadn't been to the aquarium since they had completed their renovations.  I really wanted to go see the new otter pup.  We arrived as they opened and avoided the crowds by starting at the "end" of the aquarium and working our way to the beginning. 

The boys loved the underwater viewing areas of the otters and seals.

They loved the giant dome with all of the local fish.  We have a book "In Sea Star Ocean" that has a hidden sea star on each page.  Magnus found a sea star in the dome area and pointed to it right away and said "star."  They both then wandered around the area looking for other sea stars.

They also enjoyed it when Papa held them up and they could lean back and look at the fish swimming over us.

I think one of Magnus' favorite parts of the day was when he was able to touch a sea star in the touch tanks.  He was extremely gentle (surprisingly!) and used one finger like we told him to. 

We had a wonderful time as a family and I'm excited to keep going back to the aquarium and see how it appeals to Ragnar and Magnus at different ages.

Park

We have been trying to go to more parks.  It's hard as there are two of them and one of me and most parks in our area either have the playground by the parking lot or a body of water or some other hazard that they are drawn to.  We met up with my friend Beth and her two nanny kids, Hailey and Owen, at a great park in Issaquah that has toddler playground equipment.  Magnus love Owen and followed him and tried to do what he did.  Ragnar played with the wood chips, sticks and on the playground equipment a bit.  A great day overall.

Ragnar & Magnus

Magnus, Ragnar, Owen & Hailey

Magnus, Haiely & Ragnar

Ragnar & Magnus

Chewing

Magnus has been chewing on EVERYTHING lately.  I think he might be part beaver. Here are a few items he has chewed. I'm hoping that these phase will be over soon as he has eaten many books/toys.  He now has all 16 of his teeth and I don't expect his 2-year-old molars for a couple of months, so I'm not sure that the chewing is due to teething at this point.

NOM NOM NOM!

*Ragnar did help rip this one

CHUNKS of his crib have been eaten



17 Month Update

Magnus

• Size 4 diapers and size 4 overnight diapers
• 12 M pants, 12-18 M onesies/shirts, 12-18 M sleepers
• Got 6 new teeth this month and now has 15 teeth!
• Words: hop, stab, dig, dump, share, toes
• Very confident walker
• Climbs everything
• Prefers playing outside (rain or shine)
• Happy and cheerful most of the time but is starting to get frustrated when we don’t understand what he wants.
• Really good eater and he uses his fork very well
• Loves to give surprise hugs and kisses

Ragnar

• Size 4 diapers and size 4 overnight diapers
• 12 M pants, 12-18 M onesies/shirts, 12-18 M sleepers
• Words: Auntie
• Got his 1^st molar and now has 9 teeth!
• Walks and runs everywhere
• Climbs on everything: tables, chairs, couch, playground equipment, mama, papa….
• Happy and giggly baby. Very easy going.
• Great eater.  Uses his left hand for his fork
• Cuddle bug!

Both

• Enjoy playing with other children.  We have started having weekly play dates with some friends
• LOVE playing outside.  They especially like their new sandbox
• Play with each other and us all day long
• Love reading books.  This is one of their favorite activities.  They are starting to be a bit gentler with their books too. (Not eating them as much!)
• Will spontaneously clean up their toys when they are ready to take a nap or change activities
• Are able to do simple puzzles