Outdoor Fun

Now that it's usually less than 100 degrees out, we've been taking the trio outside to play more. A couple of weeks ago we took them to an infant-toddler Montessori camp (which thankfully was right up the street from us - we just had to push the stroller up a big hill and we were there). It was nice to get some ideas about different things they could play with and different ways they could learn. It sure was tough getting them out the door in the morning though - made me really grateful for my parents and babysitter coming to our house while we're at work!

Wet and tired after splashing in the wading pool at camp


Lucas swinging


Abby eating grass at GrandMary's feet


The girls taking a break from playing


We've also been playing outside in our backyard - we've gathered a few different outdoor toddler playsets and the trio loves trying everything out. Will add pictures of this soon - check back on this post in a day or two!

Unfortunately, all the outdoor play has led to lots of mosquito bites for Lucas and Zoey. They have inherited my mosquito-magnet skin - I'm always covered in lots of welts too. Abby seems to have inherited Jason's mosquito immunity and almost never gets bitten. I haven't used insect repellant on them yet because I hate the idea of the chemicals (and the automatic bath afterwards) but I worry about all the welts - I had to give Lucas Benadryl the other day to get the swelling to go down.


Thankfully, we have a big screened porch where the babies can play on really hot or rainy days. They are learning to color (well, Abby eats the crayons and Lucas steals them) and love to sit in their mini adirondack chairs to read.

Happy Birthday Cookie Great Grandma!

The babies were very sad that they couldn't see their Grandma on her birthday.



But, they got over it and decided to do a little dance in her honor.



Then, they wanted to show how they can spell (uh, that's supposed to say PAT).



Finally, Zoey and Abby let loose with their new writing skills....



We love you Grandma; make sure Grandpa takes you out for a nice dinner!

Abby, Lucas, & Zoey

Assorted videos

Just for fun, I randomly selected a few videos without screening them first. Let's see what kind of antics we captured...

Dad chose this music


The girls playing with their new cat-shaped musical piano (thanks MRS - we haven't sent a thank you note yet, but the babies love the piano!)


Being silly at mealtime

Fun weekend

Another great weekend at our house. Jason's cousin Cindy, husband Chad, and kids Kira and Ty came to visit. We hadn't seen them since last fall so it was fun to catch up with each other. Unfortunately, we hardly took any pictures while they were here - guess we were having too much fun!

Kira and Lucas loved playing in the kitchen together


Tunnel monster


Max watching everyone leave


On Sunday afternoon we decided to take the babies to a park. We had the whole place to ourselves, so we could really let them roam and explore.

So stylish


Omigosh, sunglasses!


Fun spinning thing with Dad


They enjoyed exploring the water wall





Abby always has a piece of nature in her hand


Zoey loves to swing. She let Jason push her really high!


Of course, we paid for all this fun with the babies refusing their Sunday afternoon nap and being really cranky the rest of the day. Oh well, it was nice to have a family outing and get some fresh air.

Abby being Abby

After 2 days at camp, I now know my name and love to sing it.



Where's the hot tub?




Just lounge'n.



Max, I think I see a deer out there!

TooToo Cute

Forgive the length of this post. We took a lot of pictures today and I just had to share most of them.

Max likes to jump on the window seat to watch people coming and going.


Tutus aren't just for birthdays anymore!

Fun with hats...

...and hangers

Selecting a bracelet

Goofball

Busted! I need to remember that they know how to get cereal out of boxes now.

Sharing

Ballerina taking a break. The babies love to sit on the baseboard heaters - they make perfect toddler-sized benches.

A close-up. Notice the pinky in the air? Very delicate.

Even cleaning is fun when you're wearing a tutu

When turned upside down, the orange slide becomes a rocker. Zoey isn't thrilled to have help from Lucas

Not really room for two

Rocking is fun!

Max taking a break from the action

Zoey guarding Max in the tent


Happy Weekend!

A visit from Papa and Mema

We had a great visit from Steele (Papa) and Barb (Mema) and granddaughters Ryan (9) and Ashlyn (6). We were so happy to have a big enough house for everyone to stay in, and grateful for the help with the babies and the dog and dinner and the house. The babies had a great time playing with the "big kids" and we enjoyed getting to see everyone again.

Dad with the crew.


Zoey modeling some great headgear.


The gang playing with giant legos.


Ryan and Lucas reading


Ashlyn and Abby having a tea party


Ryan and Lucas having fun on the slide


Come and visit again soon!