Mio can’t get enough of being outside and walking around lately — when I take her outside, she’ll initially stand outside on the pavement, stunned and taking in all the sights and sounds and fresh air… and then a huge grin will spread across her face and she’ll start toddling around everywhere. It’s pretty adorable! But then when it’s time to go back inside, she starts crying and has a meltdown, because she wanted to stay out longer.

So you can imagine Mio’s excitement when she got to go to the park for the first time on Thursday! We had a playdate with her friend Sofia, and they live right by the park — both Mio and I had never been there, so it was a new place for both of us! Mio was overwhelmed, trying to take everything in and seeing all the other children at the playground (she’s really interested in other babies/toddlers lately, especially ones that are older than her). She even rode on the swing for the first time!

Mio's first time on a baby swing!

 

Apprehensive Mio
She was pretty apprehensive, with her signature furrowed brows.

 

Taking in the environment
Watching the other kids.

 

Mio warily looking down
It looks like it may take some time for Mio to really enjoy the swing, but at least she didn't cry!

 

Bathed in the afternoon light...
Bathed in the afternoon light...

 

On their knees!
Sofia and Mio crawling

 

Playtime on the grass...
The weather was gorgeous, and it was so relaxing to have playtime on the grass!

 

15-month old Sofia and 11-month old Mio
15-month old Sofia and 11-month old Mio

 

They are so adorable together!
They are so adorable together!

 

 

Mio and Mama at the park
You can see from Mio's smile how much she's loving the park!

 

She throughly enjoyed her first park experience!
(Thanks Sonya for the photo)

 

The park is about a 25-30 minute walk away, but we’d love to take more trips over there as the weather gets nicer! It’s great stimulation for Mio and good exercise for Mama, too! πŸ™‚ I’m such a homebody, so it’s sometimes difficult to push myself to get out of the house, but I have to do it for both our sakes!

Thank you Sonya and Sofia for inviting us out to the park — we had such a fun time! πŸ˜€