Pumpkin Patch Pics

Thanks again for the Irish Whistle, Grandma.

Thanks a ton. :)

17 Months and Wearing Us Out!

I forgot how tiring it is to chase a toddler. NOT that my 4 year old isn't in constant motion, all. day. long., but add a toddler in the mix and I'm one tired momma. Griffin Davis is into everything. Just this afternoon he somehow got ahold of a dry erase marker and wrote all over Ava's carpet. He scampers, he runs, he bangs, he kicks, he hits, he throws, he kisses, he loves, he is one-of-a-kind!

I love when it's time to go night-night how he says "mmmm" and puckers his lips to give kisses to everyone.

I love when he is doing something devious and gives that look and bolts.

I love how tickled he gets at my butterfly kisses.

I love when he asks for more.

I love that he waves to passers-by in the grocery store, he loves attention.

I love his smile behind his pacifier.

I love his obsession with all types of balls.

I love seeing his coordination with kicking, hitting, and throwing said balls. A basket of balls, and the boy is golden.

I love when he calls for me "meh meh" in times of need (i.e. stairs, opening doors, etc.)

I love that he has a special name for his beloved sissy, "ga-ga".

Griffin's Words:
mama, dada, pa-pa (pacifier), ga-ga (Ava), mo mo (more), yeah, baw baw (ball), kick

Signs:
More, please, all done, bunny, point-n-whine

The Highs and Lows of 4.5

This early morning, after Ava came into our bed for morning snuggles--seems to be her new thing--she decided that we needed breakfast in bed. What an amazing thing it is to have such a self-sufficient little girl who got cereal out, got the milk out, poured both and delivered it to us in bed. This small feat was a great start to our day. She then decided Griffin needed breakfast too and made him a peanut butter sandwich and banana. There was a little spill when she went to pour his milk, but that only makes for a good story.

Oh, Aves. You are one strong-willed little girl. Not surprising, seeing as how the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. However, I was a rule-following, mild-mannered, needed-to-please-kind-of-girl growing up, so your quest to have your way and pure sassiness is kind of making me pull my hair out. I mean, you are FOUR. These days, you are sent to your room no less than 2-3 times a day, I have to be honest, because of the talking back (and having learned a new phrase from where, I'm not sure, but that doesn't matter....I can't believe it, but it has happened!.......shut up!) and blatant disregard to our requests. This too shall pass. I hope. I also know that we are not alone as this seems to be prevalent in a lot of friends this age. We are just starting to get a glimpse of the brutal teenage years that lie ahead. And, oh my, have we got our hands full! There is no doubt that these same character traits will prove to be an asset for you as an adult, but for the time being, lay off the attitude a bit and we will all be more happy. I promise.

Bring on the Rain!

We finally got some much needed rain a few weeks ago. Once I determined that there was no storm threat, we headed outside to play. I LOVE watching kids play in the rain, as it reminds me of when I was young and loved playing in it. Watching Aves and Griff didn't disappoint, they were as excited as ever!