Splash Park Fun

June has been a bit up and down weather-wise (55F for a high on the 'first day of summer'?!), but we have had some warm days.  We went to the splash park last week, and the kids LOVED it.  This was the first time that Owen wasn't afraid of the whooshing, dumping bucket, and Hadley's first splash park experience.  Owen ran around like a crazy water-fiend for half an hour!  Hopefully, we can make the drive many more times this summer.  

They also have the carousel, and Owen was so excited to hand over his own dollar.  He waited very patiently in line and even let his sister share his horse for a photo.

Oh, and kind of related to summer...  My peonies are getting better every year!

Sun Valley Again

We returned to Sun Valley for Father's Day weekend, and all remained healthy this time!  We arrived a little early to check in, so we found Ernest Hemingway's grave at the local cemetery.  For some reason, it was covered in pennies...?  Anyway, it's a nice setting under some big evergreen trees at the base of a hill.

After we checked in the hotel, we discovered that they have an Open Mic Night in the town square.  (There were more people in the audience; they just all sat at the tables behind us rather than on the ground.)  Hadley had to stand and watch the entertainment herself.

The next morning we decided to go for a little kid-friendly hike just south of town.  One of these days we will learn to buy a trail map/book rather than just go online and hope we find the trail mentioned.  Instead of a 1.5-mile loop, we ended up on a nearly 4-mile out-and-back trek, which was only that short because I asked some hikers that had already passed us and were headed back.  We were on the wrong trail!  D'oh!  Oh well, it was still pretty.

At one of the little creeks, a congregation of butterflies had gathered, I guess for a drink or to cool off.  Below, Owen is trying to convince them to climb on his hand like the ladybugs at home do.  :)

Potty break on the trail!  This boy (and every other, I think) loves to pee outside!

On Daddy's shoulders to cross the stream.  If the hike had been as we intended at 1.5 miles, I think Owen would have made it no problem.  As it was, he did the last half of the hike like this, much to Daddy's chagrin, adding 40 dirty, wiggly pounds atop his shoulders.  Happy Father's Day!

Our hotel was just down the street from this Starbuck's, which also housed the visitor's center.  It's a pretty building - tall with lots of natural light, a large log table inside, and the bottom exterior looks like stacks of firewood, very appropriate for a little ski town.

And, of course we had to try out the hotel pool.  Babies in swimsuits - love it!  :)

Play Ball!

T-ball, that is!  Owen had his first practice yesterday, but the first game was cancelled due to rain.  Practice was pretty entertaining, watching a dozen 3-5 year olds learn about catching, throwing, hitting, and running bases.  I am so glad that we had friends who wanted to coach the team and friends to play on the team with Owen.  So fun!  I was surprised when he actually volunteered to play first base.

Owen's first time at bat ever!  (This gives you a little glimpse into the chaos of pee-wee tee-ball.)

Most importantly, he had a great time and wants to go back next week.  With 6 practice/games, maybe we'll see some understanding by the end of July. :)

More time with friends at the toddler gym.  Owen gets so sweaty, and we enjoy pretty much the full 2 hours of open gym time there.  Even Hadley was getting in on the fun, crawling and bouncing.  Owen and Carson are looking more and more similar to me these days.  How is that possible?

I brought the play table to the park for Hadley and Reagan, while the boys were on the playground.  My arms get tired of holding/walking her, so this was my crazy idea to get a break.  :)

Library storytime - Hadley got in on the story rug next to Carson.  Owen's in the dark shirt in the middle, and Jacob's just above Hadley.  I love story time now, since Owen is really participating and listening so well!  

And sibling pictures!  You know you want 'em!

Hadley slept in the swing for a week or two at the doctor's recommendation because she had a build-up of fluid in the ear that made lying down uncomfortable.  No ear infection though.  He said it was likely from teething!  Still no new teeth though. I love her eyelashes and her relaxed pose while sleeping in the swing!

One day, Daddy got both the kids dressed and inadvertently made them matching.  They already look related, but in matching clothes it's like we have clones.  :)

P.S. Hadley took her first steps today!  She's pretty steady to stand, but she still gets scared, so it was only 4 quick steps before she fell.  Hope to capture it on film soon.

11 months

Hadley is nearing the one-year mark.  Can you believe it?  I took her in for her monthly measurements today.  She is 17 lb, 11 oz (13%), and 29 inches (60%).  Yea for peanut butter and whole-fat yogurt! (And Carnation instant breakfast, ice cream, formula, etc.)  See those cheeks and some double-chin action?  She wasn't being very accommodating for the photographer, so these were the best I could do with the sticker.

She was very sleepy yesterday. I'm suspecting more teeth.  

Other notables this month: 

• She is using words like "Mama", "Dada", "all done", and "cheese" - as in 'smile for the camera'.
• She has signed for milk and waves at "bye-bye".
• She loves cruising around holding onto the furniture or pushing something in front of her for support.  Below, she got in the middle of the table during breakfast one day.  Check out Owen doing the same about 2.5 years ago.

• She stood on her own for a couple of seconds today.
• Owen is learning what it's like to have someone constantly in your business and messing with your cars.
• Her current favorite activity is climbing up the two steps to the toy box, digging around in it, and eventually tossing toys out.  This can occupy her for a very long time!  Here they are "playing" together.  Check out her concentration.

Oh, and she continues to entertain us with her new, funny sounds.  Here's her latest, which I call "little piggy."  It's usually faster-paced and longer duration than this, and can be used in greeting, frustration, or boredom. :)