Emmett's Visit

Emmett came to play with us this morning and the boys had a great time.  They played with puzzles and stickers, along with just about every dinosaur, car, tractor, book, and kitchen item we own. We also played outside on the swingset and both boys loved racing and chasing.  This was interesting because it was the first time another kiddo has come to play without his or her parent there, and Beckett was not used to sharing all of his toys.  He reminded himself several times, "Sharing is fun!" and he struggled to hand over some of his stuff when Emmett wanted to play with it.  I was really happy with how he listened and tried to share, even though it wasn't natural for him.  In fact, his first inclination was to want anything Emmett picked up to play with.  Emmett wanted the shovel?  Beckett wanted the shovel!  Emmett wanted the tricycle? Beckett wanted the tricycle!  Emmett wanted the speck of dirt? Beckett wanted the... you get the idea.  But he really did listen when I talked to him about taking turns and sharing.  They laughed a lot and had a good time playing.  Kim came over and we had lunch before they left.  It was a fun morning!

First Beckett said CHEESE...

Then Emmett said CHEESE while Beckett yelled HI to Brad, on the mower. (Have you ever tried to get two 2-year olds to take a picture together? Have you ever climbed Mt. Everest? Approximately equal.)

Beckett dumped out all 14 of our Melissa and Doug puzzles and the we played a game of search and find to put them together from the pile.  They did a really good job of it!

Time Well Spent

I love cuddling during afternoon naps.

This picture is so sweet - Harper already adores her big brother. 

Post-Playdate

When we got home, Beckett took the pillows off of the couch to make a fort and this is all the farther we got... 

Wyman Park Takeover

Wyman was invaded by our little ones this morning. Beckett, Harper, and I met Jayme and Braylon, Kim and Emmett, Kristin and Ava, Lindsay and Vivienne, Carly, Josh, and Drew, and Jennifer and Wren. We met at the little kids' play area for swings and slides, and then had a picnic. Beckett made friends with the other kids who were there, too, and chased one laughing little girl all over the playground. It was really cute. Harper snoozed off and on all morning, peaceful and content to be pushed in the stroller. 

Best stories from today: 

1) The boys wanted to sword fight with sticks. We have no clue how they got the idea...I guess boys will be boys!

2) Ava climbed up every dangerous object without any fear and swung on bars like a cute little monkey. 

3) Beckett said, "Ava, what's your name?"  Ava replied, "two!" This repeated about 8 times. 

4) Beckett saw Josh for the first time in months (he was at the birthday party, but stayed in his stroller, I think.) when Josh stood up, Beckett looked at me and said, "Baby Josh growed up, mommy! He's big now!"

5) at lunch, Ava banged her knee and cried a little. Beckett went up to her and asked, "you're okay, Ava?"

6) the kids wanted to climb a tree. Beckett's shoe came off in a "honey hole" and the kids were inspecting it to see if there was a squirrel in there who took it off. 

7) Beckett was smiling at a little girl. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "making friends, mommy!" 

Oreo snack!

Carly and Lindsay chat. 

The boys chase each other. 

Emmett says, "Cheese!"

Ava the Brave (and adorable)

Happy Beckett checks out the picnic area. 

Friends reunited. 

Lunch!

Wren enjoys a snack and you can see baby Vivienne in this one. Harper almost wore the same outfit! 

Kim, Jayme, and their boys. 

Drew 

Harper woke up to play with the big kids!

This one?

This one!

They were playing and we said, "Say 'Cheese!'" This is what we got (below):

Ah, the sticks again! :) 

Looks like King of the Mountain became the Queen of the Mountain. 

It was a fun morning for the kids! (And the moms!)

Just Beachy

We played at the beach this morning and it was a little like having our own private island. (Minus the corresponding billions of dollars.) The only ones there, we camped out near the playground and pavilion picnic tables, and then built sandcastles and waded in the water. Harper slept most of the time, but was happy and cooing when she was awake. Beckett wanted to get in the water and splash, so we got about ankle deep. After a picnic lunch, we headed home and he almost fell asleep on the 3-minute drive. 

Dinoland

Janis found a dinosaur habitat in a kids' gardening book, so she and Beckett made one while I was at work.  Here are the pictures and descriptions she sent me. 

Step 1... Washing the tire and rocks...and shoes and sidewalk...

Step 3...(step 2 was painting the tire). This step is rock painting!

Steps 4 and 5... Planting the "trees and shrubs" and watering them.

 I stopped at Dollar Tree for some dinosaurs on my way home. The new tenants seem to like the place! Luckily, they are all herbivores. 

Treva & GG

We had a busy, fun day today! (In honor of my mom's birthday...she is on vacation with dad in Florida!)

 This morning, we went to Treva's house to play. She has lots and lots of fun toys, puzzles, and books! We even had lunch with her. 

Cars on a mat Treva made:

Snuggle time:

Treva has LOTS of books!

Then we went to Tuscola to get some last minute surprises for Baby Braham. While there, we played at the playground. Today was the first time I've ever seen Beckett push another child! I couldn't believe it. I pulled him aside and talked to him about it. I know it's a normal part of development, but I was so surprised! 

We left Tuscola and went to visit GG, who recently took a tumble and had to visit Carle overnight! We had a wonderful visit and ordered pizza for dinner. While we were eating, Beckett said, "GG's gorgeous," Grandma asked him if he knew what that meant and he said, "You're really pretty."  (As my mom said, that credited hitting about 5 times. Haha!)

Grandma smiled really big, looked at me and said, "Oh, Mommy, you're in trouble!" It was so sweet.