Isaac's Love of the Great Outdoors

Well, I have 5 days of school left, and I am ready for summer!  I have so many projects that I just can't wait to get started on.  Also, I can't wait to spend more time with Isaac.  He has gotten to be a lot of fun, especially outside, and in about a week and a half, we will begin the ever-important potty training and will begin the transition to the "big boy bed".  So, that all out ahead of us makes me antsy to get going. 

I'm posting a few pictures of Isaac's new found passion:  the outdoors.  He absolutely loves it.  You can tell that he is Tim Wood's child, because he loves to be outside.  It doesn't matter if it is hot and humid or if it's raining cats and dogs, Isaac would rather be outside than anywhere else (except maybe McDonalds!).  Anyway, with our new fenced area (which Isaac calls the "pay yard"), this love has only increased.  However, my dilemma has also increased.  I am trying to think of all kinds of fun activities to put out there for him that won't cost me a ton of money.  I ordered him a slide, and he has his wagon and tricycle, but the ride-on toys are not keeping his attention long because the area is so small.  We usually leave the fenced area to ride those toys.  So, I'm now questioning:  sandbox or no sandbox?  I have always had a strong distaste for sandboxes....they double as a nesting ground for fleas, a litter box for cats, and dirt and grime from who knows where, however, right now, Isaac is sitting in a tiny splotch of dirt and digging with his shovel, and moving dirt with his bulldozer.  So, for me to say that I won't get a sandbox because they aren't clean is really silly.  I mean, the ground isn't clean either!  Anyway, I'm still thinking on that.  I don't want to turn it into a whole playground because I don't want him to be overwhelmed with options, but I'd like for him to enjoy playing outside enough to be able to play by himself.  Any ideas would be welcome!  I'm also making myself a very nice sitting area out there (if I do say so myself).  It's not finished, but when I get it done, I will post pictures.  I have lots of projects in the house for when school let's out so I'll try to post lots of pictures.  In the meantime, enjoy these!

As for a "Tim update":  he is doing well.  He just moved into a new room and it's much better than  his old one.  He is getting more sleep now being further from the office area.  He is keeping up with everything that's been going on through the internet, so that's been a real blessing.  He wants to tell everyone hello!