A Boat!

That’s what Henry says every time he sees a boat, so I thought this would be fitting. This weekend we spent a day on the lake with some friends. It was the first time the kids have been on a boat like this so it was a fun experience for them. The water was a bit chilly but warmed up enough in the afternoon to go in. Both kids were hesitant to go in the water so they just enjoyed being on the lake.

   

It was a busy weekend of sun, water, and BBQ’s so we are all still a bit sleep deprived. As I’m writing this, Claire is about two blinks away from falling asleep. I’m hoping she just gives in…

So Grown Up…

 

and only two. Today was Henry’s “Graduation” from his One-Year-Old class at preschool. It was pretty cute. The teachers did a great job setting up the celebration. Of course right when Henry saw me, he didn’t want to leave my side.

     

Henry’s class walking in and my view most of the time:

     

Henry did decide to join the circle for his favorite song, “Jump Up and Down”, although he didn’t really jump:

Then it was lunch and playtime:

       

Yay, Henry!

The other night the kids were being silly for the camera:

 

Such goofballs, I even had to join in on the fun!

A Little Of This, A Little Of That

 

I feel like it is time again for a catch up of the crazy things the kids have been up to the last few weeks. Every stage happens so fast and it is so great to look back and see what they were up to at that respective time.

Claire:

• During bedtime she really enjoys “reading” books that she has memorized to me instead of me reading the stories.
• She loves helping me water our flowers and using her small watering can. It’s a great activity we do every afternoon.
• When it’s time to clean up she is so helpful and happy to help out. I love it.
• We started to do board games with her and it has been so fun. Yes, a little trying with her “rules”, but a new activity to do with her.
• She has had a few playdates where she goes to a friend’s house by herself or a friend comes over to play. It is so much fun to listen to their conversations.
• Every day she asks if Paul if he can play Mario Bros. on the Wii. She loves “helping” Paul play the game.
• She is becoming an awesome eater. Well, I give partial credit to ranch dressing, but she now eats any vegetable as long as it’s dipped in ranch.

Henry

• He is saying phrases now. His favorites, “I want…”  or “I’ll be right back.” But imagine a mumbled, run of words. It’s cute.
• When he sees people he loves telling him he’s wearing shoes. “I wear shoes!”.
• He is not a sharer or one to take turns right now. Poor Claire finally is good at it and Henry throws it off.
• Mr. Stubborn. He is finally two and acting like a two year old. Usually tantrums involve loud screeches. We have learned to cover our ears.
• He loves bike rides. Since he doesn’t know how to pedal he just scoots his feel along to move the bike. He’s pretty efficient!
• We took the gates off the stairs and he loves the freedom. He calls stairs, “doo, doo” because of the song we sing when we go upstairs to bed. He is always saying, “Uh-oh, doo-doo, gate”.
• He’s still super cuddly and loves to snuggle. I don’t mind except when I want to eat my breakfast.

Over the last month we have gone to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte with some friends. It’s an amazing facility with zip lining, trails, rock walls, rafting, kayaking, and other fun outdoor activities. There is a restaurant there so we’ve been eating there and enjoying the nice weather when we can. On Thursday nights there are different bands that play during the summer. It was a lot of fun watching the kids dance and enjoy the music. Our friend takes great photos of the kids while we are there.

 

I love these pictures. I can just see taking the same ones ten years from now with these kids.

Here are a couple from the music night:

     

Here’s a great video of Claire dancing, she loved the music: