Monday, July 16, 2012

Cousin Slumber Party!

It's a slumber party! Aliza, Josiah, and Anna spent the night with us while Carla and Jeremy were out of town. Five little children in my two bedroom house! I kept reminding myself, Mom had five, she had five children, this is what five feels like!!! Really we had lots of fun. They were all excited about it, Aliza had detailed plans for how the two days were to go, I hope a few of her plans came true. She brought her doll, Chocolate, and its playpen. Renee and Anna hijacked Chocolate's bed, I would never have guessed they could both fit but these little girls were not to be stopped.
We needed to get them out of the house, the adults needed a change of scenery so we went to the park and river. Jeff took the children for kayak rides one at a time. I stayed with the remaining children at the edge of the water and supervised while they waded and played in the water. It was such a hot day that wading turned into swimming and even though they were fully clothed I didn't have the heart to tell them no.

Lydia babysitting Chocolate.

By the time Carla and Jeremy came to pick up their kids we were all happy to see them. Aliza and Josiah weren't ready to leave, I'm glad they had a good time. It was special to spend the time making memories with my nieces and nephews. I managed to feed them, get my work done (it was end of the quarter report time!), and have some fun. 


Thursday, July 12, 2012

The Posts That Weren't

With Jeff off for the summer June gave us plenty of opportunities for family time and we have been enjoying it. Somehow the days are still busy but here are some pictures to show you the fun we are having.
We have been having frequent picnics, when it isn't too hot. Both of the girls love being outside. We've added a swing and a sandbox to our backyard and they are being well used. Lydia is enjoying an egg roll...she will eat anything within reach!

Renee has been asking to go to work with me for awhile now. One Friday Jeff brought both of the girls to have lunch with me. My office is quiet on Fridays and this one was particularly quiet so I let Renee stay for the afternoon. I remember how special it was when I got to go to work with Dad in the mower shop and I hope it created a good memory for Renee as well. She sat across the desk from me and colored for a long time and then we found some toys. She was a good worker!

My little fashionista! She has good taste.

She tried to make an exchange - put her shoes on the rack and took off in the heels.

Lydia got her first ride in the bike trailer. It was the first time we had two in there and they did well. Renee is giving Lydia a kiss. I wish I had a picture of them from during the ride. They both quickly fell asleep with Renee leaning against the side and Lydia leaning on Renee.

Another picnic with Renee's best friend. These two love to play together. 

No hands! This is now old news, not only is Lydia standing without holding on but she is walking all over the place. She only resorts to crawling when she needs to move fast! My "delayed" baby walked at 9.5 months!!! So much to be thankful for. She was discharged from physical therapy this week. I readily agreed that she is doing just fine...more than just fine she is amazing.

Enjoying a popsicle...I love that smiling face.

We've been taking the girls to this mini beach. They aren't interested in going much further into the water than this but they do enjoy playing in the sand. Renee likes to hunt for pebbles and shells and throw them into the water. The bigger the splash the better.


Do they look like father and daughter to anyone else? Renee was very focused and turned the wheel carefully. She catches on to things so quickly. She watches and imitates everything she sees. I'm blessed to have such beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband. They make each day special.