Friends and Family

We were lucky enough to spend time with our friends from Denver whom we consider Family this last weekend.  I do wish it was under different circumstances, other than the loss of a very dear loved one.  Never the less, we enjoyed the time we had with them and their beautiful children.  Ben and I even got to spend some time alone with just the kids (minus our own)!  We love them.  Stella does too.  They left Tuesday morning, Stella has asked several times throughout the day where they are.  Where did they go?  Are they at school?  Did they fly to Colorado?  Will they be at her house when we get home?
Here are some pics of the time we were able to do something fun.  This would be Esme's first time at the pool.  She seemed indifferent.  Stella had to ease back into pool time.  The last couple summers, she has been full steam ahead.  I think she is more aware of sinking and floating so is more cautious.  Although, when it was time to leave, she was a boneless, crying toddler being carried to the car. That is good news, right?

Beautiful, aren't they?

Yes Kara, that is some Dexter hair.  I love it.

Some fun at home.  Esme is just happy to be able to observe.  You are looking at a nine month old, an almost two year old, a will be three in Sept year old and a will be four in Oct year old.  Get that?

A little toe nail painting going on here.  Esme was the only one who didn't take part.  She definitely enjoyed watching.  Sweet baby.

Ice cream time outside.  This was "melt my heart" cute.  Especially when the girls were finished...Tobias still had half a cup left.  I watched him process between leaving to go play with the girls, or stay alone with the baby and finish the ice cream.  He chose the GIRLS!  Over ICE CREAM!  Awe!

Silly, sweet girls.

I have a feeling this one will gang up with Tobias next summer terrorizing the older two.  This time, she was very content just watching, taking it in and playing with a block or two along side them all.

We Have Business to Discuss...

She doesn't know it yet, but this Mama is ready to ween.  I want my body back.  I am breaking off this committed relationship.  I am hoping it will help that I have posted it as it was two months after I said it that I was able to ween Stella.  She was 13-14 months.  This little girl is different though.  She is a whole different kind of stubborn.

You may not be able to tell, but she is standing with out holding onto a thing.  Occasionally she will attempt a step forward (unsuccessfully).

"I have the neccessities, my phone and my puffs."

Are you ready?

Memorial Day Weekend...The End

As you can see our Memorial Day weekend was about the deck and enjoying the weather.  We did some shopping, some bike rides, ice cream, good beer and focused on getting some projects done.  Ben and I can see the light.  We feel like once we finish a couple more things, we can just sit and enjoy.  Mr. Deck, you have probably one more day.

 

 

"Papa, fix my deck!"  "Use that nail there and put it right there!"

 

I am the supervisor here.  "You listen to ME!"

 

 

 

 

 I'm helping.

 

 

 

 Eating from snack traps together.  They needed a break from building the deck.

 

 

Stretching and crunching with Mama later on after a good run.  Aren't those the cutest feet ever?

Thank you those who serve and have served our country.

Memorial Day Weekend...The Beginning

Stella started her weekend with a shake.  I had a coupon for the Yoplait smoothies.  They are a hit, and much lower in sugar with some nutrients (she LOVES shakes).

A little dress up between sisters.  Well, Stella dressed up Esme anyway.

Mommy says:  "Stella, show me your silly face...surprise face...angry face..."

Funny girl.

Some sand and water table fun now that we have top of the deck.  I love this "flower child" dress.  

Thank you K-K!!!

Esme has this thing about letting something hang out in her mouth.  This is a saltine.  She will just continue to play while a piece dangles between her lips.

Nice shot of Stella's new "Buzz Light Year Shoes."  Not really, but that is what we told her and now she loves wearing them.