GIRL AND BOY

Let me set the scene. I send my kiddos outside for a few minutes so I can accomplish something inside. Luke sprints to the door and heads out. Calli goes as long as she can take a bin of dress up clothes with her. I concede. Everyone is happy.

I come back a few minutes later to find Luke playing in the grass completely surrounded by playground balls and bowling pins. Calli is trotting around shirtless but fully accessorized otherwise with tutu, tiara, jewelery, high heels and fairy wand in hand. Quite a sight.

If I were to sum up the days around here that would be it.

I know that reading up on kids and what they are up to can be blah, blah, boring, but I still feel the need to do so for the loved ones who follow us online.

It's hard to believe that Luke was my little baby only a year ago. His cheeks are losing their chub and his hair lays down now. Kinda sad to think about. But he is adventuresome and fun. He's one to be found on top of tables, inside the shower, under the van, in the middle of the pool equipment. He is a climber. In fact, on his birthday he was so thrilled to climb on the wrapped presents that we couldn't get him off of them to be opened. He seems to be a true boy. Totally into the dirt, being outside and is content with a bat and ball. Could play in the water all day. (Keeping him out of the ocean was a feat).

Luke also loves to throw, particularly his food off the high chair tray. He has picked up some traits from his sister as well... screaming, squealing and organizing. As Calli and I unload the dishwasher, Luke will find clean dishes and put (well, throw) them back in. Take clean laundry from a basket and put it back in the dryer as we are trying to fold it. Undoing what we are doing, that kind of thing. He keeps everyone busy.

But watching him toddle around, waving and saying "hi", dancing to EVERYTHING (blender, any music, dishwasher) or flashing us his dimples... They melt away all his little mischievous acts. He's a sweet boy, who sometimes cuddles with his mama and blankie. Who could ask for more?

Yes, splashing around in filthy water. Yuck.

Reloading...

Reorganizing... The box holds the socks, the shoes sit beside the box. (Okay maybe I am too particular.) Luke decides that is a waste of space. He combines them. It seems he thinks, That's not where it goes! The good news is that Calli seems to be outgrowing most of her rigidness, so hopefully the same holds true for Luke. :)

I am really proud of all Calli has accomplished in this past year. Adjusting to little brother has not been easy for her but she has matured greatly. Listening to her sweet voice sing Primary songs or recite a few Articles of Faith just makes everything worth it in my eyes. She has even mastered all of the letters and sounds of the alphabet.

Calli is an amazing helper. She unloads the dishwasher, sets the table, sorts, folds and even puts away laundry. She really is my little sidekick. Calli loves to clean. (My poor kids, what have I done to them?) So even though I worried about its tackiness, choosing a Snow White Cleaning Set as birthday gift for her was a no brainer. She was sweeping away (in tutu and heels) within one minute (or less) of its opening.

Calli is also quite a shopper. She shops at home. Gathering the smallest things from every nook and cranny in this house, collecting them all in her shopping cart. It makes clean up awful, but keeps her entertained. She is growing up all too fast, as she is now requesting numbers from the Glee soundtrack or saying that Ashes and Wine is her favorite song. Heaven help me. But I have enjoyed watching her blossom as she begins to interact more with friends and neighbors. She truly finds joy with her friends.

A few shots from Father's Day...

and the Fourth of July...

Can't you just see the excitement on their faces?

Geez, you'd think they were used to a camera by now.

Ecstatic even.

At least this one turned out...

Can't figure out why this is sideways...