my favorite stage... climbing

1. It's something that can't be avoided. Eventually babies learn to climb, and they love to practice their new skills. Asa has discovered that he can climb and now tests his abilities on everything. And, it's a bit surprising/alarming what he has been able to conquer thus far: he's gotten up onto Isaac's bed, his walker, dishwasher racks, shelves. I almost forget how un-fun certain accomplishments in a babies development are... and then I am reminded.

Just look at how proud of himself he is. And, yes Luke is 3, and in the walker... he likes it more than Asa does.

2. The other evening, I went to get Isaac ready for bed and couldn't find him. Then I noticed the front door was open and he was sitting on the front steps. So, I go sit down by him and ask him what he is doing. Isaac: "I'm just sitting here enjoying this nice day. I saw a pretty girl ride by on a bike. A really pretty girl. She was pretty like you." He must have sensed my need for a self esteem boost after Luke told me my bum was "huge, big".

3. The other morning Isaac comes up to me and says, "Guess what, I can ride my bike on the grass! Well, I dreamed I could ride my bike on grass, so I think I can." So, later that day he gave it a try. It must have been a bit easier in his dream, because it wasn't really working out at first. After a few pointers, he got it down and asked me to take a picture of him:

I like this one of Luke

4. Okay, so Isaac has never given his clothing much thought/notice. It's always quite interesting to see what he chooses to put on in the morning... usually whatever is on top. Well, the other morning he came out beeming. He had put together an outfit and he was feeling cool. He couldn't wait to show daddy. And, again, he wanted me to take a picture of him:

Camo hat, green hoodie (I think, he thinks it's considered camo), and camo shorts... can you say 'redneck'. And, as usual, he's wet within minutes of getting dressed... LOVES the water.

5. We did the usual this 4th of July: Adam worked, and me and the boys went over to my brothers house for a bbq and fireworks. Other than Adam not being there, it is always nice. The boys got to play with Kate and Emma (the 2 most requested names of every day) and some other boys (from the Feller family), so they were in heaven. As we were sitting outside watching the fireworks Emma went over and sat on her grandma's lap. Then I noticed Isaac go over and sit on Emma's grandpa's lap. It makes my heart ache that he doesn't have a grandpa... I know how much he would love one. That's when I miss my dad the most: when I think of what a great grandpa my boys have missed out on. I know that my dad would have adored my boys. I can imagine the smirk on his face along with his unforgettable chuckle as he looks down at the struggles these 3 angels give me.

6. And, here are some pictures of the boys enjoying an awesome summer rainstorm: