l-o-v-e

Another week where we can say “what a week!” It started off full of fussy, fussy babies. Well, 2 fussy babies. Sammy was happy as a Sammy. Poor Amaya and Steven had some rough days, though.

Even a walk didn’t bring smiles to this crew.

But everyone eventually got through it! In a laundry basket! I’m really hoping that we’re amassing a whole host of photos that Steven, Sammy and Amaya will try to recreate when they’re 20. (Hear that kids?)

Those photos make me smile every time I look at them.

In the late spring, I bought a slide for the kids. It also has a side piece that I hadn’t attached yet. Originally, the plan was to put this out on the grass but for a number of reasons including logistics and my fear of deer ticks, we never put it together. I decided to see if we can make it work in the playroom. This was the test drive! I was really impressed with how quickly everyone learned to climb the slide and turn themselves feet first to go down the slide.

Steven didn’t quite get the hang of the idea of taking turns. He wanted to just sit on top of the slide platform. Sit and sit and sit. That face you see is a 17 month old tantrum. Poor kid has to share. 🙁

In the end we decided to wait a little longer for the slide. They can use it well with supervision but there are too many times that they’re alone in the playroom and even in a minute or two, we’re concerned they’ll get into trouble on this thing. I’ll try again in the fall!

This week was another lunchtime visit! I think we have a routine and it’s awesome. My colleague, Lindsay, joined us and it was easy and fun. The decision not to actually visit my office space helps and it’s always better when we’re somewhere we’ve been before. I’m hoping to make this work every other week.

Ponytail!

Sammy loved Lindsay. He was hesitant at first but, soon enough, he was feeding her his half chewed food to try.

The view in the van.

Now we can get to the really good stuff! This weekend we had a ton of visitors!! Papa Gene came from NY. The Scofields came from DC. Uncle Austin came from Pittsburgh! Such a great, great weekend!

Sammy loved Austin’s Fitbit.

Papa reading to Steven and Amaya. I can’t get over what a big kid Amaya looks like here!

Cousin Nancy entertaining the crowd.

Amaya was obsessed with Cousin Abe. Seriously, seriously obsessed. She was in his arms every chance she got. It was absolutely adorable.

Steven had a fair amount of time on Saturday where he was only happy in my arms. My Ergo carrier has seen more use in the past 2 weeks than in the past 6 months!

Saturday afternoon we we went out for Chinese food for lunch. It was a hit with everyone. There were egg rolls and wontons and lo mein and Steven devoured General Tso’s chicken. He couldn’t get enough – until he ate a bit of a chili pepper and then he howled. Poor kiddo. But he recovered fast! The restaurant has carpet flooring (WHY?) so I offered sincere apologies for the complete mess on their floor when we left.

When we got back, Papa was pooped. 🙂

After naps, Grandma Sunshine and Aunt Annette joined the party.

Super Sammy!

Loooooooove.

A mommy pile-on!

We had a lazy Saturday morning before brunch. Lots of time to play!

Steven and Uncle Todd got some special time together.

While Amaya wanted to be sure she had Abe’s attention.

Which continued on to our lunch out at the Deadwood Bar & Grill. It’s love.

The kids did great. We got a late start so lunch was later than they’re used to but SSA were all troopers and hung in there with us.

After lunch, the Scofields and Uncle Austin headed off so Papa and I had afternoon adventures on our own. We went out for some frozen yogurt and Papa did an awesome job pulling the wagon.