There's an app for that!

Just downloaded the Blogger app so hopefully this will expedite my blogging.

The things they learn.

Two weekends ago, Madelyn and Sawyer spent an overnight weekend (two nights) with Grammy and Grandad. This isn't the first overnight they've had away from us but what they came home with after such a short time was remarkable.

1. Madelyn developed a southern accent and discovered she likes gum.
2. Grandad's special yogurt contains more chocolate, cookies, and brownies than yogurt.
3. Madelyn and Sawyer learned how to shoot spider webs out of their wrists a la Spiderman. In fact, an entire car ride in the days following their overnight was filled with wrist flinging, "tsss-ing", and giggles.
4. Someone informed Madelyn that the dog food truck is actually an ice cream truck.

I have so many fun memories of my own of special things that were grandparents-only like Shasta in every flavor imaginable and lots of lefse with butter and sugar. It makes me happy to know my children are having similar experiences with their grandparents.

Thanks, Grammy and Grandad and Aunt Shelley and Uncle Mike for the fun weekend!

Madelyn-isms

"Piggy? Piggy! I didn't ask you to get on the shuttle yet!" - Madelyn playing "quietly" in her room with the Little People Farm. The silo has apparently been transformed into a space rocket.

If only I had half of her imagination...

Floyd's

Sawyer had his second haircut on Sunday. Having not been thrilled with his first one, I didn't really like the salon/stylist or the cut, I took him to Floyd's where Griff gets his hair cut.

Let's just say, Sawyer was less than cooperative. He had to sit in my lap in the chair and neither a pacifier nor unlimited access to the cell phone kept him from squirming and reaching up at the stylist. However, ten minutes later, or however long it was, he had a fresh haircut and was good as new.

We will likely try Floyd's again for him. It's a nice salon and his hair looks very cute. And, best of all, I can see his eyes once again!

Stay classy, San Diego.

Last week, we went on our first family vacation as a foursome. We flew to San Diego on July 4 and enjoyed five fun-filled days. Below are a just a few highlights of our trip -

  

Parade, park, grilling, and fireworks on Coronado. Grandpa was right when he said that it doesn't get any more American than 4th of July on Coronado.

Paddle boarding and sand castle building at Glorietta Bay.

A great bike ride around the island (sans children).

More beach time at the ocean including sand castle building and swimming.

Hours of endless playing with cousins at Aunt Sandi and Uncle Jerky's house including dungeon master and sprinkler/hose fun.

LegoLand.

San Diego Zoo.

It was such a great trip. Even though we were all wiped out by the time we returned home, every minute was worth it.

Grandpa - Thank you for opening your home to us. After spending a few days with you, we can understand why you love Coronado so much. We look forward to coming back and spending more time together. Madelyn plans to learn to swim before next time so she can paddle board out farther with you.

Uncle Jerky, Aunt Sandi, Emery, and Camden - Thank you for sharing your stroller, car, and toys with us. I don't have to tell you how much fun Madelyn and Sawyer had with Emery and Camden. The dirty bath water and exhausted children each night was proof! Wherever your travels take you, we'll fondly recall all the fun we've had with you at Pipit Place.

Baby, it's hot outside.

Our sprinkler system has been acting a little out of sort. Luckily, there were two children, with swimsuits handy, who were available to run through the hand sprinkler on Sunday afternoon.



First run through the sprinkler. The water's much colder than she anticipated.

Ready to play...and diaper free! It's so liberating.

Catching water in the frisbee to serve to others. How gracious and thoughtful!

Possibly the cutest plumber crack I've ever seen.

A friend to play lawn sprinkler.

Our little water baby. Too cute!

Happy 1st Birthday, Little Brother!

Two weeks ago, we celebrated the first birthday of our very own Little Brother aka Sawyer. It was a wonderful day that came much faster than I anticipated. Funny how 365, make that 366, days can fly by so quickly!

Sawyer had a great actual birthday which included macaroni and cheese, cake pops, and birthday presents. A few days later, in spite of the heat, we threw a big backyard bonanza and partied it up with our good friends and family. Below are a few pictures from the birthday celebration -

The birthday boy -- officially one year old!

Playing with a new birthday toy.

Give me that cake!

Mmm...cake.

Chocolate and frosting make a little boy happy.

No too much frosting on the face.



Cheese!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures that caputre the rest of the party but it was quite a party. We had kids rumpusing in the yard, climbing the fort, and adults playing "corn hole". Cinderella even mopped up our deck at the end of the party! Uncle Gabe, Aunt Kari, and new cousin, Sloane, sorry you missed the party this year. But, we can't wait to join you at your first birthday NEXT year! Thank you to everyone for the phone calls, emails, cards, and gifts. Happy birthday, sweet Sawyer! You're one-derful (cheesy, I know) and we love you SO much.

And, last but not least. Vital stats from our twelve-month appointment with Dr Marc:

Height: 29-1/2 inches, or 50th percentile

Weight: 23 lb 5 oz, or 75th percentile

Head: 46 cm, or 75th percentile

Ladies and gentlemen, he walks.

Sawyer's been teetering on the brink of walking for a few weeks now. Over the last few days, I noticed that if no one was paying attention, and I watched out of the corner of my eyes, Sawyer would take 4-5 steps toward whatever he wanted to get to whether it be a balloon, Felix, or the tricycle.

Today, the 4-5 steps become greater. After dinner this evening, I guess he decided he was ready to show off for anyone and everyone and especially the video camera.

Miss Muffin took her first steps at Christmas 2009 which was roughly a week before her first birthday. Little Brother's first birthday is next week. So, it looks like he's keeping up with her milestones!

Oh, and I asked to have the baby gate installed at the top of the stairs on Wednesday.

Uh oh.

This morning, Sawyer discovered he can crawl up the stairs. Madelyn thinks it's hiLARious and encourages him. I think we've come to a new crossroads and yet I don't want to put up baby gates.

Give me a few more days and we'll see if I still don't want baby gates!

Bath toys

Sending a little shout out to the Noltes.

Thank you for sharing the extra bath toys with Madelyn and Sawyer. As you can see, we're having quite a good time with them!

xoxo,

Griff, Mollie, Madelyn, and Sawyer