Hummus Face

He loves the stuff, this boy.  However instead of eating the veggies I serve along with it, he uses his fingers!

Como

 I think my boy has allergies.  I tell you since summer began the poor child has been miserable.

I think it may possibly be the fact that he is approaching 2 but what a momma's boy he has been!  I'm not saying I don't like some of it, but the clingy, whiny momma's boy well, I'm about done with that.

 We visited Como Zoo recently with a friend and her son.  Kids loved it, and from what I hear it was pretty empty.

Como is the free zoo in the Twin Cities.  So it seems to be packed whenever we visit.  And if you know me, I don't like packed.

We usually go places at open and leave by 11:00 to avoid the masses.  Usually it works, and this time it wasn't so bad, but crowds just really get me.

 These two really were enjoying themselves.  Although Liam looks almost angry, he was squealing with joy.

Love these two.

Visiting the Lake

 She loves the lake, this one.  This year we gave her an inflatable tube and holy smokes people...the kid doesn't want to be near us!  She's been having so much fun floating on it and using it as a buoy.  She especially love it when we spin her on it...it's been great!

 Here we have a nice display of Liam's angry face.  Ah, yes.  

I was wanting to take a photo and he was crashing from low blood sugar.  He was actually saying--well, yelling--"NO CHEESE," meaning, "no photos."  Apparently, I seem to always say "cheese" when I want a photo.  Yeah, I'm gonna have to change that!

Finally after some (string) cheese, he was in better spirits and let me get a self portrait with him.  

Have a great week!

Summer time

I don't think there is any better time than the summer really.  My favorite seasons are spring and fall just because of the changes the seasons bring.  But for good 'ole quality time outside...bring on the summer!

 Yes, she can be quite the diva.  But you all didn't need me to tell you that!!

The two of them have been enjoying the flowers.  Here they made make shift vases out of empty spice containers and then filled them with water and a flower from my potted plants.  

They are so cute these two how they pal up.  I love that they are like that at this age.  L.O.V.E.  

They have been crashing hard at night...that is one of the main parts I love about summer.  Nothing can really wake them!

We found Emmy like this the other night:

Thanks Oma for the stickers.  She always puts them to good use!

Playing Outside

The sprinklers in our neighborhood turn on everyday around 2:30pm.

It is at the end of nap time, or "rest" time for Emayn, and the kids can hardly wait to get out there and run through the water.

We don't change in to swim suits, or diapers/underwear.  They enjoy it in their clothes.  Because you know what?  We don't ALWAYS have to do things the right way...and it's fun. :)

Liam's expressions were so funny while he was telling me something and I caught them on camera...

 Hes an animated talker that one.

And my sweet Emmy.  Ready to do something I am not quite sure of!

Morning Bright

Emmy had her first recital ever on Sunday this past weekend.  She is the little "flower" third from the left (arms up in the air).  They danced to Morning Bright.

 Here she is again doing an arabesque.  She is on the left and her leg is out sideways instead of behind her.  These little girls were the youngest of all the groups.  SO CUTE!

The Little Ballerina herself...she loved being on stage.  Had no problem going up there and strutting her stuff.  Hard to believe for me since I quit piano because I hated the recitals so much!  Good for her!

 My favorite of her poses and my photos:

 My brother Phillip and Emmy.

 Last but not least, one for the record books...my brother and me.

Chicago Part 2

Probably the biggest highlight for the kids on this trip was the train.  Liam is really into Thomas the Train, so getting to go on a commuter train, was just great..

After finishing our business at the Consulate, I made the four of us walk to Millennium Park.  Well, really Cam and I walked because neither kid wanted to!!  I had to show everyone the weird silver bloby bean thing.  And so:

Little Mister liked it a lot.

 Almost as much as he liked chasing the birds with his sister!!  Kids, they're funny the things they like doing!

 So we're back home getting adjusted to the home life routine again.  Its been about 5 days and we're still working on it.  We had a bunch of fun and getting back to the normal grind has proved a little harder than we thought!!

Chicago - Pt 1

Back to my homeland!  We drove down to Chicago for a couple days to get some paperwork out of the way--those of you who know Cameron, know he has dual citizenship (Australia/USA).  Well, that follows bloodlines, and both the kids are eligible.  The only thing is we have to get to the Australian Embassy (closest one in Chicago) in order to get the paperwork filed.

SO...4 years after we first intended to get to Chicago, i.e Emmy is 4, we are getting to Chicago!

Today was Brookfield Zoo.  No family shots, but there are a couple cute ones of the kids, of course!

Here are the Lions:

 Next we found Snow Leopards...the little girl in the pink and blue loved Emmy.  Before we left this area, she grabbed Emmy's hand and wanted to walk along with her.  Emmy ate it up since her overriding goal right now is to parent everyone!

 Some Seals...

 And on our way out we got s photo with the name of the zoo: 

 Last photos of the day!

Pool Time

Although I didn't get shots in the pool itself-there were too many people there-here we are afterwards,  with snack in the screened in porch.  This shot is a perfect moment captured between them; this is truly how they are with one another.  

Emalyn takes to heart what it means to be a big sister and would love more than anything to watch Liam, guide him, and teach him.  Although he LOVES his sister, he likes it best when she just plays with him, not when she tries to parent him.  They have a bond these two, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Later that day we pulled out the wading pool.  Its just as much fun but without the chlorine and "mommy-on-high-alert" that a full on pool brings.  Here the kids were bringing me soup.  It was SO yummy...grass blades, dirt and all. :)

Happy Memorial Day weekend, folks!

Mother's Day Weekend

Playing on the deck stairs at Oma and Opa's.  Yeah, we don't have any stairs at home, so these are SO much fun!

Emmy striking a pose...actually she didn't want me to take any photos, so this was one of the best I got for the day!  That attitude seems to the the way right now.

Hope you had a great Mother's Day!