Just outside the gate

We've been spending the last few days outside, enjoying the sun and the mud and the ability to be in the backyard for the first time in months. Mike's been concentrating on cleaning out the garage and pruning trees, while the boys rediscover toys and take me for long walks around the neighborhood.

Grady has been starting to string words together in the last week or so, which has been interesting. Mike's button-down dress shirt is "dada work", if he wants milk on his cereal it's "wawa eat", and if something's going on below deck he'll say "butt butt". He always wants a "butcha" (blanket) when he's sitting on the couch, and once in a while he still asks to "nuss" but is sadly denied. It's fun to hear him come up with new words all the time.

Evan made his first phone call to a friend yesterday, without prompting. He got off the bus from school and called someone from his class just to chat. I was floored--I never expected him to do that. He even invited this boy over for a play date this weekend. I'm not sure if the timing will work out for Saturday, but just the fact that he's making friends has me so excited. He still has a few issues with social stuff, but he's doing so much better than he was.

I'd like to write more, but Grady is screaming. I guess he's not going to bed any time soon!