Bike Ride

At least once a day, we talk a walk around the neighborhood. Lately, William has asked to "Ess-ercise" (walking as fast as his little legs will take him and swinging his arms in earnest) instead of riding in the wagon. John rides his bike and has learned to wait for us at the end of the sidewalk.  Sometimes we see our friends along the way, but either way, it's a fun way to pass the time.

KY State Fair and Around the House

In mid-August, I started feeling better and John was wrapping up his vacation just in time for the State Fair in Louisville. We thought about it that Saturday morning and were on the road with our picnic lunch by 10:30. 

What a cute goat!

Goat comes close and it's almost too much for John

You may not be able to tell, but the rooster in that cage is crowing at us. John was on his knees examining the cage when the rooster began his chorus. It was slightly alarming and funny at the same time.

What an outlaw!

Stroller nap--they missed the petting zoo and police helicopter :(

A couple weeks later at home, I'm upstairs trying to get some things done for work and I heard an unusual clanging and came downstairs to find this. That's probably two pounds of flour. Thankfully they're very willing to vacuum and help clean up!

John took the old iPhone and asked to take pictures. He came in with this one--I love his little shadowed hand and fingers over the lens.

Late Summer

I've never been faithful in updating this blog, but I'm feeling the urge to post some pictures of our darling children, so I'm going to catch up on what we did over the summer. For six weeks, I felt terrible, and it all made sense when we learned I'm pregnant with twins. So, there was a lot of laying around, reading books, and watching Might Machines. We went to the beach with John's parents and while I wasn't in top form, we had a great time.

This is not a picture from the beach, but look at that sweet face!

Grandaddy reads a new favorite Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site 

William works the remote on the largest TV we've ever seen.

Young John isn't a water bug, but once I convinced him to try the slide, he loved it.

William enjoys the water swing

Digging with Grandaddy

Just asked

It's after 9 and a certain three-year-old should be in bed, but I hear him at the bottom of the steps.

Me: John what are you doing?
J: Is Daddy a doctor, Mommy?
Me: Yes.
J: Where does he deliver babies? In a delivery truck?

We've repeatedly read a book from the library about delivery trucks, forklifts, and cranes. He's trying to figure out how this world works.

.....
Before we headed to the neighbors for birthday cake, I told John he'd meet the nanny's husband.
J: What's his name, Mommy?
Me: His name is Thad.
J: What does he do?
Me: He's going to be a doctor.
J: (With skepticism) Why does he want to do that?

Bahaha! I told him what John said and he admits he asks himself the same question.

....
We've taught John a few songs that we sing most weeks in church--the doxology and the gloria patri. Here's a transcript of his version of the doxology:

Praise God from who mall blessings flow....

Sad face

I was looking through some old pictures and found this of William when he was almost two months old. He's nearing the 20 month mark and I realized he makes this same face now! Funny how some things don't change! Young John never had a face like this and still doesn't. William is such a sweet child, and I do love it when his face scrunches up like this when he's upset!

Zoo

This past weekend, we headed to the Louisville Zoo with good friends and their two little girls. It was a great time. The children loved seeing the animals and the adults had plenty of time to chat.

The children get to see their Dad's favorite zoo animal.

A dromedary camel, just like Curious George's Alphabet Book

Elizabeth and her dad Jon feed the giraffe.
(Yep, three of the four males in our group were named John. :)

John and John get their turn.

William and I waited for the lion to emerge and quickly scale those steps to the right to a sunny spot. The sound that animal made still gives me chill bumps!

The tiger and young John seem to be making eye contact.

Here John and John watch the polar bear play with his toys--also known as "Throw a rain barrel about like it's a rag" and "Bound around making fierce growls and throwing a kettlebell."

Sweet William spots a monkey.

Elizabeth and John enjoy watching the monkeys swing across the window.

Spring photo dump

I know I'm going to regret not writing more things down lately. William has been talking for months, but I've neglected to write down his growing vocabulary. John is singing the alphabet song and can throw a ball like no other 3-year old I've seen. Yesterday, I had the privilege of William taking a nap in my arms. These are the most important things--I pray God gives me eyes to see all the moments with our children as a glimpse of his perfect love. 

We are in the midst of lots of summer fun after a great trip to NC and a camping trip during (Husband) John's vacation. Here are some pictures from the spring--enjoy!

William loves to "aint"! He will sit and paint for nearly 30 minutes. A water color master! (Spoken like a true mother, huh?)

Enjoying the play set at my childhood church. William takes the big slide on his own.

Young John loves a ladder!

What a joy to swing with our boys.

Special treats at Sweetie and Mush's include using the blower until the battery dies.

Throwing rocks with Grandaddy at the Montreat park.

William the Adventurer is happy to play in the creek despite the freezing cold temperatures!

The boys chat behind the tent. Young John can often be heard saying, "Let me show you something" multiple times a day!

John and John enjoying the view--after a 1.25 mile hike...up hill...with four small children in tow!

Super Dad! John carried William on his back the entire time, and young John hitches a ride on his shoulders as we hike down.

Young John gets a big bed! He loves his "car blanket" and we often find him on sleeping soundly on top of it at night. (Husband) John happily lays him on his pillow and under the covers.

John comforts William who is so sad about Brother's new bed and the fact that he can't climb up on his own.