Summer fun 2015

I admit. I find joy in food art and take pride in my culinary creations.

 I mean some of the stuff is really cute and I love when it makes Evie giggle. 

 Evie is definitely at this age when she is starting to appreciate the extra effort I put into life. yay!

Thank you!

 She is at an age where nothing is "uncool" and everything that is spoken and done is without filter. 

Her innocence radiates and its so refreshing to see a little girl dancing with wild abandon  around her daddy playing his guitar. 

I'm realizing how difficult it is to put on my serious "mom no happy" face when the boys are doing something that is "bad." They are 17 months old, and they are definitely exploring their boundaries and discovering all they can get away with.

 For example, Caleb is becoming such a barbarian at the dinner table. Even though we have him seat belted into his chair, he still manages to slip his skinny little body through the binding and stand  up. He smiles so proudly and knows full well what he is doing I do not approve of.
 Furthermore, he has begun taking his food and chucking it across the room. I look at him sternly and say, "Caleb, NO."
He just smiles his big broad grin and cranks his hand back, again launching the food and says "No. No!" right back at me.

 He thinks it's a game, and he gets so much joy from it. Sometimes he just has a full out emotional breakdown at dinner and won't eat a bite and just wants to take it and fling it all over himself and his brothers. I don't want to put him to bed hungry, so I go to ridiculous lengths to ensure that his tummy is full. (Such as individually spoon feeding him mac and cheese while he lounges on my lap watching a kids' show...)


Levi, on the other hand, never has to be tied down.

 He never tries to escape his eating chair, or stand. Ever. He sits and eats and lets me know when he's had enough. He even has become a taddle tale, gasping and pointing up at defiant standing Caleb, letting me know what his brother is doing is wrong. 

Caleb spends his days walking around the house, trying every latch, door, cat escape and lock to see if anything was left unchecked so that he can make his escape. He would love nothing more than to wander aimlessly around the neighborhood, randomly picking up dried leaves and small stones and wave, smile and exclaim, "hi" to anyone who passes by. 

He is king of the baby pool. He will dump water on his head, stand there absolutely stunned for a moment, contemplating what just happened, laugh, and then do it again. He gets extremely over heated (being a red head and all) so outdoor summertime actives are very limited for him. 

Levi just wants to do the right thing. He is so kind to his brothers. He loves being around them, gets anxious when they aren't in the room with him and is so willing to share his toys. 

Evie and him have started to have a really neat relationship. They both share a love for food; Evie delights that Levi follows her around like a lost puppy when she's enjoying her dessert after dinner. He is at her complete mercy. She does however, give him a bite or two of whatever sweet treat she is enjoying. 

Levi is cautious. He understands about stairs, and making cats mad and needing his diaper changed. He gets life and understands everything I tell him. He is sturdy on his feet and walks next to me like a true little boy. He is always looking for my open lap. 

And then there is James. He has finally started walking- really walking -and he's getting really good at it. James just loves making baskets with the sports balls around our house. He manages to make anything into a basketball game, tossing balls behind shelves, into sinks and onto ledges. 
He delights in "rough housing" casually swiping a toy or ball away from Levi, causing Levi to have an absolute fit. He then allows Levi to take it back, only then to use that as an excuse to full out tackle Levi to the ground. He already understands what a choke hold is, and during the whole entanglement, he has a sly little grin on his face. 

And let's not forget Miss Evie.

Sometimes I just can't believe her. She is a little person who I can have actual conversations with. She is becoming more content with being alone and I'm noticing she is enjoying being around her brothers more (rather than just absolutely detesting them) I think it's because the boys (especially Levi) are starting to interact and really have a sense of humor with her. 

She understands people and relationships. She get excited about holidays. And in general, she is able to express her emotions rather than throwing herself on the floor and screaming. 

At the end of June, Amanda was gone in California for two weeks. We missed her here, but my amazing grandma flew in from Chicago to help us out while she was away. 

Evie really really enjoyed her time with GG. 

They already have a very special relationship. My grandma has always been very intentional with all her kids, grandkids, and now great grandkids. 

We all love her, and I admire her so much. 

Evie  anticipated the fourth of July, and seemed to remember and was excited about all the festivities that would take place. 

 We went to the parade in the morning. Evie loved running out into the street and collecting the candy. Initially, the boys were content in their stroller. However, they soon realized that most of the parade is focused on running around and collecting treats so they wanted to participate too! Levi especially understood what was going on. He dominated the space, trying to get as many wrapped goodies as possible. It’s amazing what a difference a year makes! 

In the afternoon, we took on the 95 degree sunshine and decorated the bikes and strollers to participate in our neighborhood parade. 

2015 parade

2014 parade...(the bike actually fit her...)

Amanda came back a few day after the 4th and everyone ran to her arms. Evie clung to her with such love and joy at her return. 

So far the summer is pretty low key. 
 I knew this summer would be a bit challenging and honestly a little boring. There is not much we can do or places to go with the family. The boys are at an age where they enjoy being out, and I want to take them out!...but really, their wanderings, and accidents and lack of ability to communicate make it stressful and a lot of work. 

A picture from last summer....

This summer! They really do grow!!!

Many of our friends are enjoying summer vacations and weekend get aways. I so wish we were physically able to do that. I do get jealous of those fun, carefree summer family pics I see people posting. Our family stays home right now. 
I just have to remember that we will have our time as a family to travel and make memories. I must be patient! :) 

Right now, our memories are in our daily routines within the walls of our house.

And someday as we are running around going here and there with sports and friends and vacations, I will probably crave these simple days at home. 

Even these simple days at home are exhausting!