Determination

Bennett oh so determined to figure out how he will cut down this tree, "...like the tree-man did, mommy." He even has a pretend delimber (daddy's real drill, minus the bit) - which we think might not be a real word, but we will continue to keep it a part of our everyday vocabulary in the meantime. We even found a "delimber" video on you tube.

7 1/2 months old and she crawls. I didn't think she had it in her to do this early, but her determination to reach her brother's toys proved to be enough. And when she is on the hardwood floors...she is fast. Bennett is not so sure how he feels about this accomplishment. And while I couldn't help but cheer her on, I am with Bennett. I would have been okay with a stationary little girl for a bit longer.

welcome, summer.

Today is June One, yet the past four days have me feeling behind....like get your act together with the pool bag and toys because it went from barely 60 degrees on Friday to nearly 90 degrees on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and today. So be it. We gathered what felt like our entire house and brought it to the pool. Happy to have a routine return that includes lathering our babies in sunscreen.

Chest-bumping the good news...pool is OPEN!!

Not sure what all the hype is about. Actually, she loved it. Kicking and splashing.

Happy hot weather! (and thank you to my sis for taking pictures. part of bringing my whole house to the pool did include my camera, but couldn't find a free hand to actually take it out of the bag.)

soakin' them up.

I think that is a good summation of how we feel at the moment. Just loving our babies and feeling blessed that they give us the title of parents. Challenges are many, but the rewards cannot be measured. The other day, I said to Bennett, "I love you..." and without hesitating he wrapped his arms around me and said, "...so much!" That is right, buddy. We love you so much.

Bennett photographed (with Zach's phone) at his 2 1/2 year old appointment. He did such a great job. He adores Dr. Cumming. And we do, too. I love this moment and that belly. His stats were 28.2 pounds and 35 inches.

Bennett continues to be our worker bee. He held daddy's hand throughout the entire mowing of our backyard. When it was time to move to the front, he brought out one of his ride-on toys and pretended to mow behind Zach. Starting it, gasing it and emptying the the pretend bag of grass...just like daddy.

She spotter her daddy filling Bennett's box with sand. 7 months old...she is growing and changing faster than I would like. Sitting more confidently, trying yellow and green vegetables and reaching for us if she wants picked-up.


Cheeeeese! A little bright out for those sensitive eyes. I love early mornings when I sneak upstairs to nurse her and the sun is shining through our trees and into the east window of her room. It is quiet - the day just beginning. It is our little bit of time before we greet bubby.

The sandbox was assembled this weekend - hooray! Bennett has been looking at the picture on the outside of this box while it sat waiting in our garage for quite some time. Auntie Whitney, Uncle Eric and Charley sent this to Bennett. When we opened Bennett's door on Sunday morning, the first thing he asked for was his sandbox. After nearly 2 hours of asking, we headed outside to play at 8:55 a.m.

Bennett was so proud and wanted to show Elly Rose his sandbox - over and over. "Elly Rose play..." he would say. We sat her on the side and she immediately tried to eat it. I love Bennett's expression.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms

Proper Introduction

Charley Sinclair Dick - born on April 12, 2011.

I think it is safe to say this little girl's mommy, daddy, grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins are OVER the moon with her. Whitney and Eric are adjusting flawlessly to this crazy adventure known as parenthood. Charley is perfect. We adore her and look forward to our little skype visits. Elly Rose might not know it yet, but we think she has a dear little friend in this girl...which works out perfectly because Bennett has more than he can handle with the Prather boys!