Popsicles on the Porch

The boys made popsicles this week with strawberries, bananas and grapes, which they couldn't wait to eat on the front porch after dinner. Eating outside is a special treat, whether it's a picnic or a popsicle.

21 Months

Lately Miles has been an explosion of words {though maybe only Kent and I understand them}. He's finally at a point that he expresses his needs quite well.

Also in the past month, Miles:

• Mimics our sounds and words. For example as I was changing his diaper recently, I said, "Oh my!" which he repeated over and over perfectly clearly. 
• Has other new words including: up, down, more, please, thank you and choo-choo.
• Had his first major fall. He tumbled out of his wagon head first onto the pavement. He had a nasty looking gash on his forehead and chin, but otherwise was fine. It is sure to be the first of many falls.
• Tells us when his diaper needs to be changed. This is supposed to be a sign of potty-training readiness, but I am so not ready.
• Is wearing clothes that Grant was in just last year.
• Climbs over the couch, swings on the underside of the table and climbs the big-boy ladders on the playground {See accidents waiting to happen, above.}
• Is still extra sweet on his momma. He plays hard, but takes breaks to give me big hugs and kisses.
• Runs as fast as he can down the street anytime we need to go somewhere.

In short, he is a chatty, sweet handful.

More monthly photos here.

Zoo Birthday Party

Where else would G have his birthday party but his favorite place on earth?

While the guests arrived, the kids chased each other around the room while pretending to be wild animals. These animal masks were the best $4 ever spent on Amazon.

Then the zoo volunteers brought around three animals: a hedgehog, chicken and ferret for the kids to pet gently. The hedgehog's fur felt a little like sandpaper.

After cake and ice cream, the kids toured the zoo and fed goats, llamas and fish in the children's petting zoo. G glowed all day. It was a perfect way to celebrate our little animal lover turning 4. 

Stage Fright

Our sweet G had a concert at his preschool earlier this week. Though he frequently entertains us at home with his songs, singing in front of an audience clearly was not his thing.

He spent the entire concert like this, with his hands over his face. Every now and again he would look up at Kent or me, catch our eyes and smile.

Birthday Weekend

Our week of birthday celebrating began with a visit from the Jerousek grandparents and Uncle Alex, a visit to the zoo and ice cream cake with both sets of grandparents.

At the zoo, the boys enjoyed riding on a train and a camel, plus seeing the brand new rhino.

Grant Is 4!

Happy birthday to our adventure-loving, silly, sweet and curious little boy.

Baby Izzy

Our beloved nanny, Jamie, brought her new baby girl , Isabella, over to meet the boys recently. They were quite smitten. In fact, they were surprisingly enthralled with her. They both crowded around and watched her intently for most of the visit. Grant, who has nicknamed her "Busy Izzy," wanted to hold her and patted her gently: "She's so cute," he told us, and "I love her so much."

Miles was also fascinated by Izzy, peering over at her and petting her like a cat.