Long Walks

Lately Owen and I have been taking more walks outside without his stroller.

Not only is it a great way for him to burn some energy, but with baby #2 coming in just a few

weeks, it's helping me to teach him to follow verbal instructions.  For example, 

stopping at the alley and street to grab my hand before he crosses.  

With as fast as Owen runs everywhere you'd think we would fly through our walks.  

Turns out it is quite the opposite.  Let me just take you through a typical afternoon walk.

Actually, one block of our walk to be exact.

He starts out running along like normal.
 

Then, if there are any steps of any kinds he has to stop, climb up the step, then have you tell 

him "1, 2, 3, Go!" before he'll jump down and continue his run.  Thankfully this block only had

one step.  Ryan and I made the mistake a few weekends ago of walking down a block that

had a step nearly every 10 feet.  Needless to say, that was the longest block ever! 
 

Once we get the steps out of the way, there are all of the random trinkets that interest Owen

and sidetrack him from his walk.  Think garage doors, sprinklers, hoses, yard ornaments.

 You name it, he's probably stopped for it.  At which point I tell him it's not a toy 
and he needs to leave it alone and stay on the sidewalk.

 

Sometimes he will continue on without any questions, but lately he's started his rebellion

phase.  What is that you might ask?  Let me show you.

Yes, you are seeing that right.  He will lay on the concrete completely silent and refusing

to move for a good 30 seconds.  Then once he's made his point, he'll get back up and
continue running down the block.  I can only imagine what people think as they watch
us walk down their block, but as long as he's tiring himself out and we're learning
directions in the meantime, I'm a happy mama!