Randomness: We're Growing Up

There is a pool story to share as soon as I sort through the pictures. Let's just say my children are generally very natural in the backyard. And let's just say that four active children in the kiddie pools can put an immediate toll on them.

During the play monsoon, daddy took baby girls who weren't brave enough to go it alone out into the rain to play. Back and forth. He's a good daddy.

Elaine is not impressed with Superman.

I'm not very impressed with the fact that she is going through a take-off-my-pants phase. Even the diaper. Perhaps she's ready to be done with them. I still can't quite imagine a day that I am done with them.

Cool Daddy-o in his Father's Day digs.

We rearranged our living room this past month. The room not only feels 100 percent larger, it feels like a living room now. Someday we'll take the baby gate down from the fireplace; I'm just not ready to hunt up the fake rocks in there yet.

And the extra room was turned into a train station of course.

Cool girl, just like her daddy.

Us on a walk home from dinner with friends. They are trying to sell their house. It was the most tense dinner we've had yet. They served cheetoes because they're awesome at serving foods that kids will eat. We thanked them by smearing Cheeto hands all over the place. At least they have wood floors.

Me with my baby girl, who is no where close to being a baby any longer.

You can dress up the toddlers in dainty clothes,

But you can't make Alida act dainty in any way if she's not in the mood.

Ben. I think you grew a year's worth this past month. And then, you helped me set the table two nights ago. And by helped, I mean I handed you real plates and you took them to the table and placed them. You took a handful of silverwear and dispersed it appropriately for the most part. You set out napkins for everyone. That was awesome. You like to help me in the kitchen when I'm cooking, and I love our few moments we get to scramble the eggs or stir the pot before the others figure out what is going on and race to tackle their way to the counter.

You always say no matter what while looking me straight in the eye: "This is going to be good!"

Then you generally refuse to eat.

Girls. You will be 2 in a couple of weeks. Two.

It may be terrible, but I'm looking forward to it. I remember when Grandma Cheri sent these shirts last year and I thought how huge they were. They're perfect. And you're both lovely.

Just when I think the Kings have certainly had enough of helping entertain us, I think momma Jen talked me into having a birthday party for the girls behind my back... I didn't even know what was happening until I was in the middle of making a grocery list. I can't wait for our play date.

I think that when Jenny arrived, my girls were only as big as her girl is now.

How strange.