End of August Already?

I can't believe how quickly the summer went! It seems like just yesterday we were starting our weekly walks in the park and pulling out the kiddie pool. Hopefully we'll have a couple more weeks of nice weather before the leaves start to change and the snow starts to fall.

Chelsea News: She has started to pull herself up to standing the last couple weeks. It started out as a once in a while thing, but now it's every chance she gets. She is very excited to be able to see over things, now. I'm sure she'll be starting to take those first tentative steps soon! She's also starting to say A LOT more words! Cookie, something that sounds like "thank you", mama, daddy, Josh, cat, cup, fishy, ... I'm sure I'm missing some, too. She tries to do everything she sees Joshua doing, so I'm sure a lot of it is because of mimicking him. Chelsea also had her first professional photo shoot this month. As soon as I get the proofs, I'll post them!

We made another trip up to camp a couple weeks ago. We've only been there twice this summer... not nearly enough in my opinion, but we've been so busy the last few months, we really haven't had a chance. This trip included Julie & Elli, so there was even MORE fun things to do than normal. Joshua and Elli could have spent all day throwing rocks in the river, and Chelsea really liked splashing on the shore, and inspecting bugs and rocks.




We've been to quite a few playgroups the last couple weeks... as opposed to outside trips to the park, zoo, farm, etc. We went to a Science themed one and made an exploding volcano. THAT was pretty awesome. It actually worked - which amazed us *laugh*. Just imagine 5 toddlers and a few babies crowding around a table hoping for club soda to squirt up in the air. It was great.

Last weekend we made our first trip out to Raccoon Creek State Park's beach. The kids had a great time, and I really wish we would have gone earlier in the year! It reminded me a lot of being at Seneca growing up. Amy and Gregg met us there, and the boys had a great time splashing, playing in the sand, and "swimming". I was amazed that neither of them were afraid of the water. They were both up to their necks at one point. Chelsea loved the water as well. She would have been thrilled to be in it all day!






Earlier this week the kids weren't feeling well. Josh spiked a fever of 103.5, and Chelsea had one almost as high. We took a few days off from running around, and playing with our friends. (We wouldn't want to get anyone else sick, too!) I never figured out what was wrong with them... it was only the fevers. What ever it was, made them miserable, so I'm glad it's over!

We were anxious to get out of the house, after being cooped up for almost a week! We made an interesting journey to White Oak for a playgroup where we made necklaces out of yarn and Fruit Loops. (I got terribly lost - twice! We made it, and were only a few minutes late, so I guess it's not too bad *grin*) I'm not sure what the kids thought was more fun: stringing the Fruit Loops, or EATING them. All of the kids seemed to have a good time, and they all played very well together. Joshua made a new friend, also named Josh. A little confusing, but they got along great, and for only being 2, had a lot in common!



We have some big plans for Labor Day weekend, so I'll be updating again soon!

Preschool news + zoo + farm = great week!

We heard from our #1 choice in preschools today, and Joshua was able to take a recently vacated spot. I am thrilled beyond words! We have a meeting with them later this week to finalize the paperwork, and to show Joshua around a bit. I hope he adjusts well to it. I'm so excited for him... but I'm not sure he knows what we're talking about exactly.

We went to the zoo last week, to see the new babies! The baby tiger, and both elephants were absolutely adorable! Josh didn't want to leave the view windows of the Elephant Family Room.

We went down to Round Hill Farm AGAIN this morning. We met some friends to feed the ducks, then walked through the farm exhibits. Afterward, we drove up to a grove with a playground, and had a picnic. The kids ran themselves to exhaustion. The weather was beautiful for a morning outside. The kids got along SO WELL! Not one fight the entire morning. It was a great day.

... and August is upon us.

It's hard to believe that it is August already. Before we know it school will be starting, the leaves will be changing, we'll be digging out warmer clothes, and then the first snowflakes will fall.

We have been taking advantage of the warm weather the last couple weeks. We have spent a lot of time outside - attempting to cool off. Friends have introduced us to Moore Park in Brookline. It has a nice play gym, but also has 2 large pillars with sprinklers on top. It sprays 360 º around an enclosed area, and is a great place for kids to play. Joshua had a great time running around in circles. I think he was more wet that afternoon than he is during bathtime!


We have made yet another trip to Round Hill Farm this week. This time we took Amy, Big Gregg and Little Gregg, too. This was the first time they had been there, and Little Gregg loved it as much as Joshua always does.

We have been in contact with a very reputable preschool in Mt. Lebanon this month. We are hoping to enroll Joshua into their 2 yr old program in September. It is 2 days a week, for 2 hours each day. He seems to be excited about the prospects of going to school like a big kid. Apparently he has been told you learn how to play hockey at school, and he is anxious for that, as well. As much as I'm a little anxious about sending him somewhere without me, I am looking forward to some alone time with Chelsea.

Chelsea is going to be a year old next month... it's hard to believe that much time has gone by. She is growing up so quickly! She can say several words - Mama, Dada, Josh, Cat, Hi and Uhoh. She has started pulling herself up a little bit. She's not quite standing, but I'm sure she'll be there soon. She is quite accomplished at climbing over things, and getting into EVERYTHING! I'm not quite sure what I'll do once she's actually walking *laugh*.