Obsessed

Ellie is completely obsessed with our fireplace. She loves to climb inside it and sit on it like it's her own little stage.

Now I'm sure you are horrified at the thought of letting a ten month old play inside a fireplace but this isn't just any fireplace. It's sort of a "faux" fireplace. See pictures above. Our house didn't come with the real thing and we are big on seasonal tchotchkes (you name a holiday and I will decorate for it). Where else would I be able to put my pumpkin/turkey/miniature Santa collection? And when you have a house full of curious fingers it's so helpful to have a high spot (to hide the remote controls of course). We even have the logs and fake flames to go with the fireplace but we had to put that away for the time being as Ellie was trying to do gymnastics moves on the logs that were decidedly unsafe. Eventually the plan is to purchase one of these. It's a heater that goes inside the frame of the fireplace so it doesn't look quite so, well, fake. We're waiting because it's not exactly kid friendly (it actually gives off some heat!). I don't mind Ellie playing in what we have now but she keeps forgetting the fireplace is elevated and she tips over backwards. Not good. I am amazed by her climbing skills though. At this stage they are just like little monkeys. She is Curious Georgia.

Speaking of obsessed, I cannot wait for this weekend. We are taking Leo here for a special Dora the Explorer exhibit. I know, Dora is beyond annoying but she makes Leo exceedingly happy (I can't explain it either but hey, my kid likes it and it's not hurting anyone and if he learns a little Spanish along the way, so be it). And when he watches her I can actually cook dinner in peace (when I'm not rescuing Ellie from toppling off the fireplace). Make sure to check back here on Monday for photos of Leo's head exploding when he sees the Dora exhibit. The museum also has a "water feature" (I'm guessing this is where kids play with water?) and an area where they can dress up like firefighers and climb a fire truck. There is also stuff for those Ellie-sized. Did you hear that Ellie? More climbing. I wonder if there will be fireplaces?

I completely forgot that Monday is a holiday until oh, yesterday. It will be nice to be home with the kids and if the weather is good which it's supposed to be we'll go to the park for sure. And maybe a barbeque. Here is where I will admit my unabashed love for hot dogs.