Daddy and Lydia

Since Michael's work schedule has changed, the kids have been crazy trying to maximize their play time with daddy. Here is Lydia and Eli goofing off last night.

Yet another serenade

Lydia is taking up singing, just like her momma, and she has a beautiful voice... just like her momma ;)

Here is her rendition of Twinkle Twinkle

baby powder

Lydia was in so much trouble, and me too! I keep many of my essential diapering supplies in a drawer next to the couch in the family room. Lydia rarely shows any interest in it, and usually only when I am using on of the products. In the drawer is baby powder (I rarely use... but it's there in case I need it). Lydia was supposed to be watching her show while I folded clothes, and Eli was napping. Michael was home... but I think he was where I was talking to me. Lydia must have gotten a wild hair, because next thing I know I am walking into the room and she is puffing the powder into the drawer. She gets punished for making a mess, and told not to touch that again. Then I take the drawer and go clean up the mess. This is where I get in trouble. Apparently, I set the baby powder on top of the table instead of taking it with me (you see I thought I had it because there was one in the drawer... but apparently I had two in that drawer). Needless to say, this is what I walked back into the room to....

(She is in her panties because I had to undress her after the first baby powder incident.) She looks guilty doesn't she!
Note the Lydia size footprints! For SHAME!!!!

9 months... can't believe it

Time is flying by with Eli. I can't believe it but another month has flown by. Eli's latest accomplishments are pulling up, eating real people food, standing for a few seconds unsupported, and he now has 4 teeth in (all on top). We also just went to the doctor for a sick visit (just a cold... I was worried it had turned into an ear infection, but it hasn't) and I am proud to announce that he is now 21lb 6 oz, which is officially more than Lydia. I guess she her window of pushing him around is coming to a close soon that anyone expected.

He has the same obsession as his Uncle Michael with balls!Trying to get away from his sister's clutches

Picture perfect

HA! As all you mothers out there know, it is hard to capture a perfect picture of your little ones together. One is always upset or trying to escape. Well, I have done the impossible. Enjoy!

The 4th... actually the 5th

To celebrate the 4th we actually went to Market Square to the farmers market, where to Lydia's delight, a stage was set up. So our little actress had a great time dancing and singing and poking her head out.

Eli enjoyed the show too!

After the Farmers market we went to our great friends the Merland and enjoyed some dinner and good company.

Sadly the only picture I took

For our big celebration, on the 5th, Aunt Christy had us all over and many others for a BBQ. It was great! Great food, Great company, great relaxation! The only down side was the flies picked that day to wage a war against all people outside. I didn't let it get me down though.

Fun times! Playing in the ice with Bryson (second cousin)

Pool time, though it was freezing, that wouldn't stop them from playing

Eli was the smart one and didn't want to get in the water.

Play time

Most of the time, playtime in our house means crawling around and having Eli "chase" you. This is actually one of Lydia's favorite things to do. They also love to crawl under our desk and eat and play with each other, melts my heart just thinking about it. I thought everyone might enjoy some pictures of them in their favorite spot.
If they aren't playing there, then their other favorite thing to do is Lydia empties the toy chest while Eli sits where all the action is (where the toys are tossed).

I think we need more toys!

Berry picking.... or not

Debbie and I attempted to do something I thought would be very fun for all parties involved. Unfortunately, it was a failure for the most part. We went to the Berry and Fruit farm to pick berries and check out the animals on the farm. The low points: the berries were very pick over and after 2 hours we only had a pint on blackberries to show for it, both of our backs were broke since I had to carry Eli and Lydia insisted she be carried also because she kept tripping, it was HOT. Now for the high points: The animals didn't disappoint except Eli (he didn't care for them very much), they had great pies afterwards in the store (but bad for my diet). I don't think we will attempt this again until fall for the pumpkin patch. Oh well, live and learn.This may have been why we only had 1 pint.

Feeding the animals with Grammy, not sure if it was allowed but they sure loved Fruit Loops
The stars of the dayFinally, leaving after a very long morning.