Summer of Fun

I am so far behind in posting pictures, so I tried to pick a few from July to console our forlorn audience out there, who've been waiting for so long for MORE PICTURES!!!!

We went swimming in Nonna & Pop's neighborhood pool. Vinny had really gotten into the water (no pun intended) by this point in the summer. I don't think he realizes he will sink if he jumps in without any flotation device. We're glad he's not afraid of the water anymore. Ashley also is getting more confident. We'll probably put them in swimming lessons next spring, in preparation of the summer. (The water was freezing for Ashley below!)

Whenever something gets stuck under the couch, I used to tell Ashley to get the broom so she could get it out. Well, Vinny picked up on this and now he'll go get the broom, too. It's hilarious because he's so tiny compared to the broom. I've been trying to get this on video for awhile.

Both kids still love Thomas the Train, including a Look n Find book we have. They sit together on the floor and the "conversation" goes something like this:

Ashley: Thomas is at Farmer McCall's farm. Vinny, can you find the rooster? Cockle-doodle-doo!

Vinny: (grunts)

Ashley: Look over here, Vinny!

Vinny: (grunts)

Ashley: (pointing now) Right here, Vinny!

Vinny: (smiles, points, and grunts)

This is all conducted by Ashley in her very best, high-pitched Motherese voice, which she has been perfecting with him since she started talking (around the time he was born). She has no problem being the boss/teacher/mother!

And, a little update on Vinny (who doesn't just grunt ALL the time) and his slowly expanding vocabulary. Here is a sampling of his words for the moment: No! uh-oh, ma ma (this can mean me or just that he wants something), da da (new this week!), various animal noises, heeeeee-YAH! (useful for when your sister is pulling off your shoes or some other momentous task), boo! (for peekaboo), woah. He's like the little peanut gallery with his exclamatory remarks. He will also do the sign language for please and milk.

We celebrated the 4th of July with some friends at a church festival. We actually made it until the fireworks started! Here the kids are playing with bubbles while we wait.

The kids are getting more into dress-up now . . . Here we have Dr. Ashley performing a temperature check.

And, the appearance of a princess fairy ballerina.

Nick has started working on the outside of the house again (post surgery). Here he is doing some carpentry work, in preparation of the exterior paint job he and a friend will be doing soon. (Pictures of our "new" house when that's finished will follow!)

A small pre-Daddy gets home from work project. :)

Did we ever show you a picture of our van from the spring? I think I forgot. As sad as I was to sell my little Saturn, this van rides soooo nicely! Nick made the ultimatum that we had to purchase one before we went on another road trip. That gave us until June. It was a good move. :)

Grandma is working with Vinny on learning his letters and sounds from the Phonics Radio, starting with "G" for "Grrrandmmmaaa" first, of course.

For a while now, Grandpa has been taking Ashley out on his every other Friday's off from work. They go to lunch, park, airport, train store, ice cream, etc. They both love it and I keep trying to pawn Vinny off on the little expedition each time as well. Sounds like Vinny will have to get his own day. Anyway, in the Waffle House picture above, we all got to join in for lunch. However, only Ashley & Grandpa got to sit at the counter! (PS--she doesn't share any of her waffle, in case you wanted a bite.)

Here, our friends Jacob & Nathan play a little tune for us.

Why is it that kids always like to be (literally) on top of each other when they play? ;)

And, sorry Auntie Amy, but we all enjoyed this little ride! Thanks for modelling helmet safety, by the way!

At our house after bath, we have this little thing called "Airing Out," whereupon you run through the house like a crazy person. You should try it some time. ;)

Here we are in a little storytime with some friends, waiting for one of the moms to return during her mom's morning out.

And, this final picture is just for fun, because I cannot believe how fast Vinny is growing!!!