Scooter Crew!

Well, the kids are now decked out with scooter gear! This is a new challenge for them--learning some balancing skills. Bowen & Jimmy want to zoom zoom zoom, and Emma is taking it slow, but doing great so far. Jimmy is excited about all the knee and elbow pads...he's really into the 'equipment' that goes along with everything. He loves to pretend he's a worker carrying around the tools for the job. Bowen is excited to be on the move. Emma is thrilled that she's getting to do what her brothers are doing!





Andrew is really becoming a full-fledged toddler. Yeah, sure, he's been walking for six months, but he looks so much like a baby still that I forget he's growing up! He's talking more. He says 'Daddy' very clearly now. He loves his daddy! You should see Andrew's face light up when dad gets home from work! Andrew runs to dad for hugs. He's also saying 'No', 'mommy', 'Go!', and a few more things that I can't think of! And after several months without any new teeth, he has 4 eye teeth, 4 molars and the 4th bottom tooth that never seemed to want to show up. He's also getting a mind of his own...he is insisting on feeding himself yogurt--won't take anything from a spoon now if mom tries to help (you know, I dread any more mess than I already have to deal with!). So, we're getting to the power struggle part of toddlership. Here's a picture of him feeding his ice cream to the other kids... He's giving big-mouth kisses now, and also gives great hugs! He really wraps his arms around me and squeezes! Makes mommy's heart melt! Makes all the daily craziness worth it!

Anyone who has witnessed me give the kids a bath has seen the CHAOS involved (usually), but tonight things went pretty well. Got a good picture of Andrew in the tub--he's 17 months old now. Funny thing--Emma managed to dump the whole container of baby body wash into the dry tub, so everyone used the same BUBBLE water for their bath this evening...you'd better believe that water was BROWN when we were done! I guess that means the kids are really getting their fair share of outdoor time!

Jim says he saw nearly 20 grobeaks out here on the deck earlier today. Unfortunately, a bit later today, a pair of grosbeak flew at top speed right into one of the large windows here on the side of the house. Bowen saw it happen. The birds died. Such a shame... I'm glad I didn't witness it, I'd probably have flipped out.




Garden plants are growing...some of the indoor seedlings don't look too good after being transplanted outdoors, but I haven't given up on them quite yet. There are beans growing outside that look like they've gotten a good start. Time will tell!

Here's a picture of the beautiful Iris's out on the bank, with Tyee in the background. Things are getting colorful here! Until next time!


~Stacy