It Can't Be True

Liv's 3rd birthday is approaching fast and furiously - this coming Sunday. Yikes. Liv is having an early b-day party at Mrs. Durkins, and will be bringing these sweet treats to all of her buddies. Speaking of buddies, whenever we are doing errands in the neighborhood Liv insists on driving by Michael Golden's house. Can you say stalker? Just kidding. About the stalker part.

It Never Gets Old

This is angry.


So sad.

I love to play the "make a ___ face" game with Liv - here she is scared, although it looks like she's...not.

Another Day, Another Chore

Oh poor Cinderella. Her cruel stepmother makes her iron all of her towels. This is a fun game for Liv, but I do hope she stops calling me stepmother in public.

Grateful For Summer Veggies

Many of you have heard that Steve was recently diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. He's been doing great, on oral medicine that is already improving his blood glucose levels. Making some changes in what we eat for dinner has been easy, and my favorite food blogs have made it easier, with plenty of fantastic vegetable recipes. Tonight I made a Mediterranean salad from smittenkitchen.com - even Liv ate it!

Go Fish

Liv and I had a delightful Sunday afternoon while Steve played golf. The weather really lent itself to some cloud watching and card playing on a blanket...which was exactly what we did. Liv caught on quickly to the game, and we had a lot of laughs. It's impossible not to when you're with Lady O!

A Beautiful Day

These two managed to polish off nearly a whole bowl of guacamole.


I think this was during "Mr. Roboto" - Liv and Esme are the self-appointed pint-sized back up dancers.

Why hello there.

Nothing says appetizing like a hot city street.

The kids are enjoing "cookies on a stick".

A game of freeze dance. Liv and Esme were except during the freeze portion.

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of celebrating Ryan's recovery and the neighborhood who came together to help make it possible. It was a gorgeous summer day - there was live music, a jumpy, and plenty of tasty food. The Bleskins joined us, and Esme was the hit of the party. At one point, she was doing karaoke to Bon Jovi, with the crowd cheering her on. The only words we could catch were a shout out to her younger brother: "Emmett Joseph." A good time had by all!

Whose Hose Is It Anyway?

When we water the flowers with Liv, she's always quick to grab hold of the hose and spray everything but the flowers. You can see her frustration here that she's not in control.

Water Baby

Ah, the life of Riley.

Liv really loves to swim, and has started taking a pre-dinner dip in the pool - whether it be ours or our neighbors. Here she is in her little pool - I fill it up in the morning, and then it has all day to heat up for her. Although with these temps, it's almost a bit too hot by the end of the day.

Celebrating Dads

Emmett gives his stamp of approval.

This past Sunday was Father's Day x 2 - first at Erin's in the City and then off to Scarsella's. Liv hung around with Esme (natch), whom she deemed her husband, and then later cozied up to Grace and played dollhouse. The perfect way to spend the day.

It's All About The Jumpy

Our next door neighbor Cara graduated from 8th grade - which basically meant that Liv and her pals were in the jumpy for nearly 3 hours. I caught them sitting like this together - and could not let it pass without taking a photo. Mick is the little blonde boy, next to him is Issac and then there's Liv and Sam.

Greek Fest: Thumbs Down

We eagerly anticipated this year's Greek Fest, knowing how much fun we had last time. What a dissapointment! The big slide was gone, along with most of the rides. But Liv won a couple of stuffed animals, and really enjoyed the ethnic music.

Ladies Lunch

We all got together for a little "ladies lunch," Glynda was in from Florida with her adorable baby Grace. It was a lovely afternoon, and so good to get together with the girls. Liv and Esme played with Glynda's niece Abby, and look how big Emmett has gotten!

Awareness of Self

Liv's fortune cookie from dinner said something about how she has a "strong awareness of self." I would have to agree with that. In fact, she's had it from day one, when she smiled when she was cozy in her Dad's arms. Last night we went out for ice cream, and while Liv was skeptical about the toppings, she ended up loving every last bite.

5:00pm Thursday

Most toddlers are sitting down to dinner right about now. Liv? She was jumping into the pool we just set up with heated water from the stove. We had to do something while waiting for the chinese food.

Congratulations Francesca!

Francesca graduated from 8th grade this past week, and we went out to dinner to celebrate. Liv was very well behaved - could have been that she felt a lot older with her red lipstick. Speaking of older, it's hard to believe Francesca will be in high-school next year!

Wedding Bells

We all know what an active imagination Liv has. The other afternoon, she told me she was going to Grandma Urs' wedding. It was at St. Marlins, and she was marrying Grandpa Joe. Here she is, bringing some very suitable friends to the church.

Happy Birthday Steve!

This past Tuesday was Steve's birthday. Olivia was beside herself with excitement, and tried to talk me into getting him a hot dog maker and a jumpy gym. Hmm...both of which sound more suited to a 3 yr old than a 34 yr old, don't they? Although I'm not quite sure how many toddlers are asking their parents for a hot-dog maker.

She Puts The P in Party

Olivia is never one to miss a celebration, especially the most recent Drew combination baptism (Baby Jake) and 4th birthday (Colin). Liv dressed in her Sunday best, and was thrilled to see her pals, jump in the jumpy and wear a Batman mask.

G&G's House

Liv and I hit up our local park in DG, it wasn't really pool weather.


I apologized to Liv for dressing her in an outfit that wasn't really conducive to climbing. She said: "you're not kidding."


Look at this face. My best pal.


We shared an apple as part of lunch.


Now the fun really starts - Liv and Esme reunite after both had a chance to rest up.

It is possible Liv overdid the "pony ride" thing with Esme.

Retaliation.