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.

The Girlies Unite!

Liv is about to swoop in for some hugs.


Hmm...one fits, the other doesn't.




Sprinker time!

Different paths, same goal.

Breakfast time, bedhead included.

The sleepover ends at Grammies house the next morning, with Esme having had her fill.

Broadway Here We Come

Olivia has always had a flair for the dramatic, and these days it seems as if it's been turned up a notch. Tall tales are spun of monsters and wolfies and sick panda bears, and her elastic facial expressions rival Jim Carrey's. Here is Liv, "exhausted" sleeping on the stairs, and then later: she is Grammie, driving to the doctor because she hurt her back.

A Beautiful Sunday

We decided to go sans swim diaper. Liv decided to go on the deck (pictured here moments before, alerting Steve).


Who wants ice cold hose water? So we helped by pouring pots of hot water into the pool.


I've never made a dough with hard boiled yolks, or in the food processor for that matter. But that's what the recipe called for, over on my new favorite cooking blog: www.smittenkitchen.com I made homemade strawberry shortcake to compliment our nice Sunday dinner. They turned out beautiful, and delicious too.

We really enjoyed the gorgeous weather on Sunday. Lots of playtime in the backyard, a nice homecooked meal and some relaxation. Just what the doctor ordered!

Belated Memorial Day

Apologies for the few and far between posts! Here are a few from Memorial Day. The girls had a blast with each other, per the usual. Esme even brought Steve into the fun, delighting him with her piano dance.