DOWNTOWN FOR KIDS

A couple of months ago, I started writing and illustrating a column called "Downtown for Kids!" and you are my muse, Maeve! Your love of activity, downtown strolls, the outdoors and sense of adventure inspired this project. I decided to begin writing the column to build a portfolio of freelance work as I'm hoping to start freelance writing more in the new year. And it's really taken off! So far I've written several columns. The goal is to create simple, fun itineraries that foster bonding time between caregivers and children and a sense of community pride.

I hope one day you can read these columns on your own and know that they were created with you! And maybe remember some of the adventures we shared.

Below are a few snaps I took while we created our downtown Durham Central Park itinerary. So fun!

I love you, Maeve, and thank you for being the best muse a mama could ask for! xo

BEACHES AND SHOVELS

Digging is one of your very favorite activities as of late. And "shovel" (I carry one with me wherever we go) and "beach" (what you call even the smallest patch of sand you see) are two of your favorite words. You are such a passionate digger that often other kids at the park will take note and want to help. So we now carry multiple shovels with us. It's so cute! xo

ATLANTA TRIP 2016

Last month you and I accompanied NaeNae to Georgia for our annual Atlanta trip. NaeNae takes part in a local art/chalk festival while you and I hang out in the city and visit mommy's favorite cousins. You had a ball, of course. And above is NaeNae's finished portrait. I still can't believe she created this work with chalk. It blows my mind.

Highlights of our trip include swimming at the hotel pool, playground-hopping downtown, and of course, visiting with your aunties Tina and Jess and uncle Peter. xo

MURAL MURAL ON THE WALL

We were out and about in Raleigh's Warehouse District not long ago when we ran into one of NaeNae's murals. And then a mural depicting Raleigh artists. Yep, another artist painted your grandmother in a mural a few years ago. When you saw it you thought it was very amusing! xo

EVERY DAY IS AN ADVENTURE WITH YOU

I'm so glad that I get to tag along with you, love!