Final Summer Sweep

So now that wonderful, beautiful, glorious fall is here, it’s time to catch up on any summer tidbits I may have left out.

We happen to hit the Annapolis Mall on a huge family day event they were having one morning. We got there early, but then saw the crowds swarming and knew something was up. The babies had a great time. There was live music, craft tables, face painting, and even Legos for kids to build and keep. We mostly enjoyed the music, and awesome play place.

My friend blew up a fun little pool in her fenced in patio, and invited us over. Sounded like the perfect setting for my kids. They loved it. It was the first time they’d played in a pool for a long time (this was before Utah) so it was fun for me to see ho much they enjoyed themselves. And Hilary was nice to invite so many of us over at once!

While we were on vacation, the hurricane hit, as I mentioned before. But that wasn’t the end. When we got back, we had a week straight of torrential rain. Elise said at some points it was as bad as Irene. It makes for good entertainment for the kids out the front window. We were drenched just after bringing all the kids and groceries in. Not too convenient. I think there was an overwhelming sense of relief around here when the sun finally came out, even if it has only peeked out a few times.

Another little surprise when we came home, was the constant chirping of a cricket inside the van. It got pretty aggravating, especially when I was alone in the car and that’s all I could here. I could tell it was hidden up in the inner workings of the drivers side, and kept imagining it would start hopping all over my feet while I drove. One day I caught a glimpse of it , and saw it scurry back in the hole that the pedals come out of. I was on a mission to catch the little guy, so I set a sticky trap right where I saw it. Sure enough, the next time I looked in the car, there he was. I don’t like bugs in my territory. He should’ve known that.

We’ve been having a great time going out with the Ribeiras. It’s so nice to hit the town now and then, especially when you have good company. One such occasion was at Buca di Beppo. The name alone is what made the decision for us to go there, and that Elise and Jeff said it was good.  Anyway, we ended up being put at their coveted kitchen table, which we found out people usually reserve months in advance. The food was delicious, and the chef made sure we were having a great time. Dessert was on the house (a perk of sitting at our table) and unfortunately/fortunately so was our main dish due to a small hair I found. Quite embarrassing for them, as they talked up the dish so much, and we could see them making it. They made up for it with their great customer service, and a HUGE discount. Plus, look at our dessert.

Ruby could not be woken up after a short drive home from the store. She got an early nap that day.

Elise took this as she was leaving the house. I love several things about this picture.

With Ruby often taking off her diaper now, we have to resort to this attractive duct tape method when she insists on having her pants off. Which is a lot. We have since found these, and they seem to be working well so far, not to mention they look a slightly less white trash when she is running around pants-less, but who knows how long it will be before she figures a way out of those as well. I sense some potty training in my near future. We shall see.

Sharing! Without any intervening from me! This is truly worthy of documentation. It doesn’t happen often.Notice how it’s just the boys in these pictures. Ruby is a bit more territorial. Observe:

She’s just playing along,

until someone gets near her. She starts to guard her precious toys (which in this case is a bag of silly odds and ends that she LOVES) with her life.

And when one is even touched,

this happens. A lot. Every day. We’re working on it.

We are learning to eat like big people.Apparently we have to teach some manners about eating at the big people table.

Bennett, always finding something else to put on his head.

We’re definitely in the line-everything-up stage.

I had to laugh when I saw ruby getting her baby ready to eat.

First a kiss.

Then she buckles.

And tells the baby she is a good girl.I think the baby even got a few bites of Ruby’s apple that day.

Everyone loves a good lounge. Bennett seems to like it the most.

Ruby came to me one day all ready to go out. Lookin’ good.

Alex, so proud of his block tower.

He’s also a fan of making hats out of toy bins.I should also say that my big boy Alex also learned how to jump a couple weeks ago. I can’t get enough of his jumping all over the living room. The others think they are jumping when they really aren’t. That’s funny too.

I just love this post-nap capture. Usually it’s Alex that’s cranky when he wakes up.She cheered up quickly.

Who knew the toy bins could have so many purposes.

I think Alex was enjoying his alone time.

But I don’t think he minded having a friend join him.

There is no end to the amount of fun babies can have with a box.

Big or small.

A new place Bennett likes to hang.

Ruby put her shirt on as pants, and was pretty frustrated when they wouldn’t stay up.

It’s bad enough that Ruby won’t keep her diaper on, now Bennett is showing that he’d prefer his buns bare as well.

Ruby’s just checking her email. She’s actually not at all allowed to do this, it just looked so legit.

Alex prefers to eat snacks at the table.

Ruby likes the floor. Bennett likes dumping his on the floor and either eating it, or stomping on it. I’m usually annoyed and cleaning it up, instead of taking pictures, so there isn’t one of him.

They are all so in love with Goodnight Moon. Especially Bennett. What is it about that book?

Few things make me happier than my naked, happy babies.

Oh, or when they are naked, happy, and Daddy is home (and I get a little break-whew!). That might win in my happy column.

 

Goodbye summer! We had an exciting, and exhausting time together. Now it’s time to truly embrace fall, being the first day of October, and the weather getting chilly. I have such fun plans this fall. I hope I get to them all.