Eli...our busy, goofy, muppet boy!

I decided to make this post about Eli...poor guy, doesn't get as much blog time so, I thought it was high time I just posted an update on him. He is busy...he is goofy...he is our muppet boy...and what do I mean by that? Well, he is very animated, he uses his whole face & body to smile (looks like a muppet...it is sooooo cute) and the way he walks & runs almost looks like someone else is helping him along (again, very muppet like & oh so cute!!) I have really had to modify a lot of what I do & where I go for him because of how busy & into everything he is...but that is starting to change. In the last week he has begun to listen more, & is just interested in playing with toys & containing himself instead of us having to be constantly trailing him worrying what he might get into or worrying that he may hurt himself or something else. Let's just say that my running shoes are worn out with this one! But, last nite we had dinner with some good friends & the adults were able to sit down & visit & play cards while the kids played...and I only got up to check on them a couple of times mainly because it was so quiet & they were playing so well (an answer to prayer!!!:) ) Eliot is starting to talk more & more. He can say ease (please), mama, dada, whoa, wow, uh-oh, no-no-no (hmmmm...where does he get that from???), det down (get down), aaaaamum (amen), hi-hi (it comes in two's or a really long hi-eeeeeeeeee), aaa done (all done)...I think that is it except for his Eliot-speak. He is cutting more teeth. He loves his blue teddy blankie that he sleeps with & carries around with him with his fingers in his mouth. I am so thankful that we are so blessed to have these children. Thank you, Lord. So, enjoy some cute photos of our beautiful, busy boy!!:)

He can climb up on anything in the house...we have found him up on the highest part of the couches or counters & I am surprised that he isn't climbing out of his crib...at least not yet...sigh....

This is how he rolls...

Fieldtrip to Sutter Hill Fire Station

Chloe's preschool took a fieldtrip to the Sutter Hill Fire Station last week. We took a ride on the fire truck, Chloe got to squirt the fire hoses (3 times!), we saw a demonstration from the fire fighters regarding their fire clothing & equipment & Smokey the Bear came out to say a big "hello" (Chloe loved him so much!!) It has made us think a lot about an "escape plan" at home in case of emergencies like fires. We have been talking about fire saftey at home & at school for a couple of weeks now...they have even had a couple of fire drills at school (the first one scared Chloe as she thought there was a real fire...but she was prepared the second day they had a fire drill and did just fine!) We are so amazed at our children & how they learn & grow. Chloe can read all the letters in the alphabet, she can even read a couple of words in books now, & she can read her numbers 1-10 (she can count much higher but the reading is brand new!!) Her vision seems just fine & her glasses do not slow her down one bit. She can write her name and a lot of the other letters of the alphabet, too. She has made some wonderful friends & is really thriving in her preschool (and we think it is so wonderful for her). Eliot is in EVERYTHING...I am on my toes with that one & I am more exhausted now than ever. It can be tough to raise kids. I am being challenged, & gently reminded that the Lord is big enough for this & will refine me & strengthen my faith. But, it is hard. Some days are just hard. Some days are lonely. Some days I just need to vent even when my problems are silly & small. So, thanks for letting me.:)

Chloe touching the fire jacket.

The fire man showing us his 45 pounds of equipment that he carries on his back.

Chloe & I took a fun fire truck ride!!:) Her buddies Julis, Isabella & Megan were with us. Her buddy Caleb was in the front helping the driver & pushing the buttons for the sirens, lights, & horn.

Chloe squirting the fire hose...her buddy Caleb waiting to take another turn!

Chloe's class checking out the fish in the pond & waiting for Smokey's arrival...

Chloe loved Smokey...she just kept hugging him over & over again (and this is HUGE for her as she is so very timid & shy).

Chloe with her best buddy Megan & Smokey.

The kiddos...so cute. I totally remember photos like this of me when I was her age.

They all got fire hats!!

Even Eli was dressed for the day!!

My Grandma's 80th/Fam Reunion

We had a big 80th birthday bash for my grandma last weekend. We went to Sly Park. It ended up being a family reunion, as well, and was lots of fun!! There were a lot of my family that I had not seen in years (and some that Nate had not even met) and so we had a great time celebrating and re-connecting. We decided we will have a reunion every year so we look forward to seeing everyone again!!

Gotta love Chloe's dirty face...she just loved playing with her cousins & brother.

Eliot with the dirty face...too cute!!

My Auntie Karen holding my cousin Julie's son Cael.

My cousin Julie's daughter, Ayla, only 4 months older than Chloe. They had so much fun together!!:)

Me & my beautiful mom!!

Me & my beautiful sister.

The cousins with their daughters...the little ones did not want to take a photo.

My Uncle Warner with baby Kyle.

Our rugrats!

My grandma with her kids....my dad, my Auntie Karen & my Uncle Bob

Chloe with her cousin Hailey havin' fun, fun!!

Nate & I

I can write!

I have noticed, in the last couple weeks, that Chloe can write her letters pretty good, so this afternoon we really worked on writing them in the correct order & she did it (all by herself)!! I did point to where she should write the letters but I did not help her write any of the letters. I am pretty amazed & very proud of her.:)

Some ending summer fun in our backyard!

Eli can kinda eat with a spoon. I give him one with most meals...even if he just plays around with it, it is good practice...right??!!:) (like the way the food is strewn all over his tray? Ya, me too, and I just LOVE the clean up...sigh...)