Ellie, new tricks

Ellie has learned some new tricks. One of them is how to take off her pants. And her diaper. So that has been fun for Matt to try and keep her dressed all day. This is a problem we never experienced with Levi. I have had success by putting her in a dress, she seems to leave her clothes alone that way (as long as she can't pull the shoulder straps off). She also loves to put things on - underwear on her head, her shoes on her feet (she does a half-way decent job already), and pants/shorts up on her legs.



A bad habit she has developed is swiping her hands at whatever is nearby when she is bored or upset. I'm full, swipe. Food or plate on the floor. I'm not getting my way, swipe (hits you in the face or arm). Matt noticed one day while holding her that as he replied with a "No" (tone based on seriousness of offense) her swipes got softer until they were finally just a gentle pat. He found that to be a fascinating experiment, but it hasn't stopped her hitting. A new parenting challenge, reminding me that my baby is growing up.



We have been doing more work around the house/yard again. Scrubbing walls and removing weeds and yard debris. It's hard to keep up with two little kids and we do still need to sell this house soon. It's been interesting looking at houses lately, we've gone through some promising HUD and bank repo's. Can't make a contingent offer on those though, even with a letter of pre-approval for financing so that's been frustrating.

Eating lunch

Susan and Richard got us a new table and chairs set while they were here and that has been really nice to have. Here is Levi and Ellie sharing a bench at the end (although since then Levi has graduated to his own chair). Check out Levi's cool pajamas (also thanks to Susan) - Lego Star Wars. Who knew?

Sunday - Silly String and Misc

Levi got some silly string for his birthday from the Kyles so I saved it for Susan's visit since I knew they had fun with that last time.

Matt helped Levi when it was his turn to get grandma

Susan spun around but could not escape the expert aim of Bobbitt & Bobbitt







During all of this silliness, Ellie laughed and kept an eye on Missy.

Pajamas and tooth brushing to finish up our day!

Sunday - Susan and Ellie

Susan had fun taking some photos of Ellie this morning.



Susan and Ellie

Amber, Susan and Ellie

Saturday

Susan feeding Ellie.






Saturday night Ellie and I attended Ruth & Brian's wedding.

Ellie was excited to wear her new silver sandals that Susan had found for her yesterday.

Cousin Amy comes to town

After work us girls went shopping. Ellie caught on right away. She wanted down, and then ran over to the nearest rack and started looking through the clothes.

It's been years and years since I last saw my cousin Amy. After work we picked her up and had a great time catching up.

We also went to look at a house (which we loved, but couldn't put a contingent offer on because of HUD)

Thanks for visiting Amy, I can't wait to see what you do next!

Photos from Grandma Susan's visit

Great grandma Venetha and cousin Rosanna stopped by for a visit.

Ellie sleeping on grandma Susan's shoulder

Grandpa Richard played ball with Levi



After dinner we made ice cream sundaes!


Ellie enjoyed the 'experience.'

She put her both hands right in...

...and then rubbed them together like she had found a new moisturizer.

And she ate some too!

Richard, Susan and Amber arrive

Ellie is learning how to drive one of Levi's RC cars.




Tonight grandma Susan and Grandpa Richard arrived with aunt Amber. Levi was so excited. It was cute to see him squeal and run out to meet them. He asked Susan, "Did you bring me thousands of presents so I can fill my whole house?" Not thousands, but the kids did get to open some more gifts.

So cute

I love my kids. Ellie's outfit was sent to her from Israel from her great aunt Robin.

Chef Levi

Levi got a chef hat and apron for his birthday from Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Gail. He also got some Play-Doh from the Baird family. Today he had a great time with all of that. I played with him for awhile and then Ellie needed my attention so I left Levi with instructions to only have one color out at a time. When I came back he had opened up all the colors. "But momma, I am keeping them apart" was his defense.

Birthday boy

Do I really have a four-year-old? It is so unreal. Levi has become so independent, defiant at times, and just so darn intelligent! It is fun to watch him figure things out. We still get Highlights magazine every month and he loves to sit and study each issue. He has usually found all of the objects in the hidden picture before I sit down to read it with him.

I had to work today but after I got off work we asked Levi where he would like to go out to eat for his birthday dinner. "Thai Ploy" was the answer. Really? Wow, cool!


After a delightful feast we came home and the weather was just awesome. A pleasant break from the 100-degree weather we'd been suffering through.


So we spent some time outside. Levi learned how to drive his new RC car around and Ellie had fun 'helping.' Notice her cell phone. She never leaves home without it.