Great news everyone! Slightly old news but still fantastic.

Rowan has never really referred to me as Mommy before. He has up until recently only called me "Eway!" or something like that so I am glad to share with you the fact that he now refers to me as "Moggy." Not quite "mommy" yet, but it will do just fine for me. Yay!

Our visit to the state park this morning was a wonderful way to start our day. We enjoyed a walk through the woods. Rowan found himself some sticks and made a point of stopping and poking at a tree or two along the way. We also spotted some interesting wild flowers and roots from old trees that seem to stitch stretches of pathway together. As soon as we set foot on the path leading through the woods, Rowan noticed the canopy of bright green leaves and branches overarching the trail and seemed rather impressed by it all. Our short journey ended with some quiet time at the pond. A frog was seen. Sticks were thrown into the water. All in all a good outing.

Then, in the afternoon, we had some fun with play dough. I think he thinks his Mom looks silly.

The photograph below shows Rowan sitting in the makeshift vehicle that he and his Gran put together a few days ago, only this time he has invited some of his friends along for the ride. It is so interesting to watch him interact with and give life to these otherwise inanimate objects.

This weekend was a long weekend because of Independence day here in the US. It is a much anticipated holiday characterised by big parades, fireworks displays, good food and good company. We unfortunately missed the parade and fireworks display - not for a lack of trying - you can ask Richard more about that ;) We did however enjoy some great American food (burgers on the grill) and good company too. Our friends, Vince and Tricia, invited us over to their house to celebrate this special day with their family (our adopted American family.) It was great to see everybody in good health and good spirits. Rowan made some new friends and had a chance to swim with everyone in a big swimming pool. I was surprised and pleased to see just how comfortable Rowan has become in the water.

Today we had some sunshine and as you can see in the photograph below, Rowan soaked it all up as he played in his sandbox and swam in his pool.

Richard had a brilliant spur of the moment idea for a day trip this morning. We were going to COSI and were very excited. I was especially keen on going since I have never been to Columbus.

So we drove and drove and drove. When we arrived at the gate we realised that the science center was in fact closed for the day. So...what to do? We searched the GARMIN for possible alternatives but no luck. We then settled on the idea of exploring parts of the city on foot.

I absolutely adore walking through new cities. Looking at the building facades and even exploring the ally ways can bring me hours of entertainment.

Rowan also had fun. He walked along with us just looking at everything around him. He spotted some geese on the river and found a small hole in the ground, big enough for his foot to fit snugly. When he spotted a large black ant on the concrete wall he backed away from it very quickly and squealed in utter disgust.

After a while our little guy got very tired and literally collapsed as we were walking while holding his hands. (He just really lifts his legs and hangs by his arms when he is tired.) Richard had to carry him the rest of the way and of course Rowan enjoyed that too.

Rowan enjoys making tracks by driving his toy cars over a slab of clay. Each car produces a different pattern and texture. As he drives the car over the clay he pays careful attention to the entire process and he really seems to be absorbing everything about the activity.

Today he took this particular play dough activity a little bit further. His Gran was rolling balls of dough and placing them within his reach. He then decided that these balls had the potential to completely transform the look and perhaps even function of his tractor. How is this for a pimped out tractor?

Rowan was having fun with our cat, Mia this morning by pushing her around the house in a box. When Mia finally got the nerve to jump out of the fast moving box, Rowan's Gran made another plan for a fun game. In just a short while the box was outfitted with a strong and super long shoelace and voila! Entertainment for Rowan for at least a day. He ran around and around our kitchen, playroom, entry and dining area as fast as he could dragging the box behind him. It was great fun and taking photos of this event was challenging.

Later in the evening when Richard came home the game changed a bit. Rowan was now being dragged along by his father. As Rowan was seated in the box, he could then drag his cars along the ground with him. This might just be the most energy efficient way of playing with a toy car that I have ever seen - energy efficient for Rowan that is. Ooh, and then you can attach the box to your bike too. What fun!