Soakin'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nothing a quick shower and a change of clothes won't fix, right? 
Let your kids play in the rain!!!

Fishin

 

 

 

 

 

Grandpa took Z outside for some fun in the rain. He found this strip of rubber, and started fishing off the porch with it. He brought me his catch of the day: a rock, a lily bud and a soaking wet pair of shoes.

Momma's Girl

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Z was a little baby, he would happily cuddle up with anyone. He'd occasionally need what we called a "Momma Recharge." But after a few minutes with me, or a nursing session, he was cool to go back to a warm body. Elara, not so much. Her batteries must be low, because she needs constant Momma-Charging. For weeks now, she has firmly declared her need for Momma. If she catches someone else sneaking a cuddle, she gives them the stink-eye, and bursts into screaming tears. If she discovers I have put her down sleeping in a bed, bouncy seat, swing, she immediately starts crying. It's been a challenge, with thousands of pacing, bouncy,swaying steps registered on my pedometer. But perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This weekend Elara curled up with her daddy for several hours...more than once! I hope this trend keeps up, I love snuggling with Elara, and all the walking has been good for my baby-weight loss, but I'd like to eat a meal in peace, take a shower without listening to cries, and use two hands to do my hair.

Backyard

 

 

 

 

 

I love my backyard. I love the rock wall, and the pretty flowers. I love that I have trees lining the back, and solar lights sprinkled through the rocks. I love that Zachary adores playing out there, and he can run around playing hide and seek with his Aunts and Uncles, or sit and shovel dirt and rocks. All while I watch from the deck. I look forward to next year, when I can spend more time out in my garden, playing in the dirt myself.

ZaZa and CriCri

 

 

I can practically guarantee that Zachary was watching Hansel and Gretel while he was sitting here with Auntie Christine. I'm not sure why, but he associates particular shows with different people's phones. When he has Auntie Christine's phone, he wants to watch Hansel and Gretel. He watches How to Train Your Dragon on Nonna's phone, Brother Bear on mine, and Shrek on Poppa's tablet (I think Poppa's phone is Despicable Me). Z will also tell you that you can't watch shows on Grandma Ann or Grandma's phone. 

I'm not sure if this specific association thing is a Zachary thing, or a toddler thing. As I'm writing this, I'm also realizing that I'm not sure that Zachary is technically a toddler anymore. I'm going to have to look that up. Although my guess is, like many things about children and parenting, there isn't going to be a hard and fast rule. How long can I hold onto the sentiment that Z is my baby? Forever, right?

doppleganger

 

 

 

 

True, the obvious choice for Elara's inherited great looks is Big Daddy Paul. He is of course directly responsible for half her genes (and he's great looking!) But I think Grandma and Grandpa have it pegged--Elara looks like her Auntie Christine! Lucky little girl taking after those two. =)

lounge lizard

 

 

 

 

We need Auntie Lizzie to hang around more often. My kids just find her so comfortable! Or maybe she just keeps them so busy playing, that they have no choice but to pass out in exhaustion at the end of the day? Either way, I'm a fan!

Smokey

 

 

 

 

I love using our fire pit as a table out on the back deck...but it's even cooler when used for it's intended purpose!

Light up my Life

 

 

 

 

 Grandma and Grandpa were here for a nice long visit (though I'm sure they would have happily stayed on a few more weeks!). They were able to get lots of cuddles and snuggles in with Zachary and Elara.

Acorn, Nevermore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Grandpa and Z, there will be no stray baby oak trees growing in our yard. Grandpa directed Z to pick up all the acorns in our yard, and throw them all into woods. Then they ran out of acorns, and started gathering and throwing sticks and rocks. 

I wonder if I can use this game to get Zachary to clean up all the leaves this fall! Ha!