Summer Fun

Of course it's only been hot enough one day this year to play in our awesome pool (birthday gift), and Liam was much more interested in the hose than the pool, but whatever. The kids look cute regardless. :o)

Crazy Babies

So, brief update to those I haven't talked to for a while. Grace started walking the last week of June, and is already a pro. She's very pleased with herself and as she took her time, has a lot less spills than her brother did when he started in March.

This weekend, they both really took off with their first words. One each. Of course they do the "mama" and "dada" thing, but these are REAL words! Grace is doing "uh oh," and Liam is saying "Hi". SO CUTE! Grace can also meow and moo; Liam could care less about the animals except for when he has the opportunity to pull the cats tail or chase him around the yard.

Our Kansas City Trip

Well, I'm STILL trying to gather all the pictures from our trip. Sean insisted we wouldn't need our camera charger while we were there--I thought, "Okay--he'll see." Of course, the first day I go to take pictures, the battery is exhausted. (I should have thought the above but brought it anyway.)

So, we gathered pictures from everyone else's cameras, but they wouldn't all fit onto on zip drive. We got what we could--need to get the rest. I had taken some cute ones on my phone, but in the meantime, Grace ate the phone and I can no longer transfer any data or talk on it. Hmph.

(At least) Sharon & Rita also had about ten things break or fall apart in their (LOVELY) home in the last two days we were there, so at least I'm not alone in the frustration.

All that being said, we had a MARVELOUS time! Every last extended relative on Sean's side, I'm sure, were more than hospitable and gracious. We ate well, we slept relatively well (despite Liam & Grace waking a few times each night), and relaxed more than I have in a year or better. I'm actually having a hard time getting back into my work rythym. Who needs it, anyway?

Well, there may be more pictures later, is all I'm saying. Some of the best ones of the kids with their family members are still in cyber space somewhere. Here's a smattering of the rest.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=225753&id=711591420&l=b58616437a

1st Birthday Pictures

Babies were everywhere! The little guy on the left with his mom and the little girl on the far right were Liam & Grace's roommates in the NICU at birth. Asa & Zoe are 22 hours younger; they're still pals. The little blondie in the white is one of Grace's best friends, Saige. They'll grow old together, I'm quite sure. The older girls are old neighbors of ours from South Park.

Me, Gracie, Saige, and Colter. . .I think, and Saige's dad, Clif. Alston and Colter are twin brothers who were also at the party. Yep, lots of babies!

My folks got to come help celebrate. Look how happy Liam and Grace are that it's SO COLD for their May birthdays!

Liam was NOT impressed with the whole eating cake in front of a crowd situation. Also note his signature bruise on the forehead. He pretty much can't go without one. Ever.

Grace totally dug the cake, or at least had fun trying to pick the polka dots off of the lady bug. Wait until I get the pictures up of their second birthday party in Kansas City. She went to TOWN!

So, I'm a little late in posting these. It's been busy. And now the kids are already 13 months old! Holy cow, put the brakes on somebody! Way, way too fast. My little babies. . .shoot, Liam's already RUNNING.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=218279&id=711591420&l=85ee40b66a

One Year Pictures

I had to wait to post these until the Moms, Grandmas and Aunties got these for Mother's Day. Now that that's done--here's the whole shoot. Couldn't get either one to smile--of course. Liam was starstruck by the camera, and Grace--well, there was a stranger behind that camera! I still think they're pretty stinkin' cute! (Click on the link below to see them all.)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=218268&id=711591420&l=87d7df8eb9

Might I add that they've made me the happiest mom ever?! In case you were trying to figure it out--this is actually my SECOND Mom's day. Last year, they were about five days old and in the hospital, but regardless. I'm an old pro at this now.

And a special shout out to all the ladies in our lives, especially our moms. You've been great resources over this past year, as I'm sure for years to come! Love you ALL!

Elvis is ALIVE!

I've told a few of you that our new neighbor is an Elvis impersonator, but I'm not sure how many of you actually believe me. Well, here's proof.

My folks came up to help celebrate the twins' first birthday. I had arranged for George, er--Elvis--to come surprise my dad on the 29th, b/c it was actually his 65th birthday. I offered to pay him, but he only asked for a blackberry pie in return. Well, duh! I LOVE making pies! So George got his pie and my dad got his song.

I so LOVE our new neighborhood!

Cheese

This is why we want to move out of town some day. I can just see Liam and Grace in a future story here. . . .

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/flatpages/video/mediacenterbc3.html?bcpid=30884189001&bctid=1581481526