bean wears a bear hat

bean and her bear hat

when i was in seattle over new year's weekend,verbena's mom and dad had to run some "grown up" errands, like getting a new bedroom furniture set and going to the dump. while they were away, the Bean and i got up to some fun of our own, including a walk around their new neighborhood...a hilly neighborhood at that. it was a fun time. i brought my phone so our walk could have a soundtrack. the playlist included bob marley, miles davis, raffi, and some classical composer i cannot pronounce. the hills were something else and i found myself sweating in the first 5 minutes. i proceeded to sweat even more as i realized that if the stroller were to get away from me for any reason, it would be the ride of a lifetime for my niece. i gripped that stroller so tight my hands hurt afterward. we promenaded in and out of the sunshine.we waved to all passersby. at one point i noticed that verbena was moving her hands in the air like she was  mr. holland directing his opus. it was delightful. we made friends with a few droopy eared dogs. it was soo cold out but bean was bundled in her snow pants and mittens and that cute bear hat. though this picture is pretty darn cute, i assure you, it was even cuter in person. what a great way to spend my day!