The End of Summer

It is with great sadness that we announce our summer has come to an end. I can't say it was the best summer, especially for Ryan and Luke. But it was still wonderful. I celebrated my last days of freedom before returning to work by taking the boys to Water World-which is probably their favorite place on earth. We had a great time. It was the first time for me to take them by myself-they are now old enough that it is no problem, but we still missed Greg. Leah stayed home with a babysitter. I don't think she would've been too impressed with Water World.

Last day of summer swim practice. Ryan is not a huge fan of swim team, even though he is a pretty good swimmer. He loves meets, but he doesn't like having to go to practice every day (he generally isn't a favor of having to work hard at anything). But as soon as the season was over he stated he missed swim team and couldn't wait until next summer. Luke, as usual, goes with the flow and really likes swimming.

Luke will try just about anything and will participate in whatever we put him in. But what he really wanted to try is archery. He took a beginners class this summer and really enjoyed it. He would love for us to get him his own bow, arrow, and target for the backyard - we don't really think that is a good idea. 

Now that Leah has transitioned to bottles (which I'm still really conflicted about, but was needed for a variety of reasons), the boys can help to feed her. They are not at all interested in feeding her solid food (they think that's disgusting), but bottles aren't too big of a deal.

Lucy was our house guest for about 4 weeks this summer. The boys were so excited to take care of her while my parents went to Norway. She is really a good dog and did great with everyone-including Leah. Lucy took turns each night sleeping on each boys' bed. She really impressed us all when she killed a squirrel in our yard - we all witnessed it (she shook her head and broke its neck in about 2 seconds)-Greg has a whole new respect for her. The boys really miss her (and predictably now want a dog).

Ryan and Luke spent 2 days this summer building a "boat." The took 2 pieces of particle board, swim noodles, and lots of wood glue to work on their creation. They had many plans to make it better and test it out - but I think they have abandoned it (I now park my car over it each day).

The highlight of the summer was a visit from cousins, Jacob and Olivia. When Lucy was delivered for her stay with us, Conny and kids came with my mom. It was a short visit but everyone had a blast.

This picture turned out ok of all 4 of them.

Luke was not happy when I asked him to sit on the couch next to his brother-most of the rest of the pictures look something like this.

Olivia and Leah-oldest and youngest in the family.

We spent one evening at the Melting Pot. My mom had not been before and the last time I had gone with Conny and the kids the boys were 2 and it was a horrible experience (2 year olds cannot sit through a long Melting Pot dinner). This time around was great.

We didn't have time for a hike or a trip to the mountains, so we headed to Heritage Square and the Alpine Slides before they close down in a few weeks. The kids had a good time and would have stayed all day.

And this little girl has continued to grow and grow. Her little newborn hat barely rests on top of her head now. She is getting so big so fast. I really miss her now that I'm back to work.

6 Months

I can't believe that this baby girl is already half a year old. She is so much fun.

I'm a little conflicted on the bow - it's a bit too much, but it is also so cute on her. She doesn't seem to mind it at all. I guess there really is a very small window in a girl's life when she can wear a giant bow and look cute-we should take advantage of it while we can.

Leah has such a big personality. She is silly and happy 90% of her day. She loves to smile with her whole mouth wide open and likes to let our little squeals of joy throughout the day.

I'm awoken almost every morning to her singing in her little bed next to me. We really need to move her to her own bed, but I'll miss that sweet little wake up call. Leah does go to sleep in her own crib each night, but she doesn't always stay asleep-so I opted to move her back next to me when I go to sleep in order for me to sleep, as well.

6 moths old - and so big!

And as a comparison - here are Luke and Ryan when they were at about 6 months. At her doctor's appointment yesterday, she weighed in at 16 lb 12 oz-which was the 60th percentile (she was about the 50th at her 4 month appointment). Luke was about 2 pounds heavier at this point, and Ryan not too far off of that. We had thought she was looking like Luke, but once I pulled this picture out we think she is looking more like Ryan.

Time flies!