Garden of the Gods

Here we are out at the Garden of the Gods. Unfortunately not in the same picture, but we'll take what we can get these days.

The Real Jack?

Only 5s between shots? "Happy go lucky" or "Are you seriously going to take another picture, I just posed for the last one. All you get is one Mommy." Hopefully the former :-)

Exploring in Denver

Here are the kids enjoying some wildlife in Denver. Note Grace holding the taranchula in the top picture. Sure that one will disgust her at some point later in life (Oh, about 10 years or so).

Piano Lessons

Here are Grace and Jack breaking in the new keyboard for Grace's piano practice. She loves the lessons.

A Nice Picture of Grace

Here is one of Grace not faking the smile too much. Often she tries too hard to smile and ends up looking like a face-lift gone seriously wrong. Tough thing, learning to smile on cue.

Abstract Art

Here is Grace showing off some "Abstract Post-It" art. A rare art form, but appreciated equally around our home.

Feeding the Giraffes

Who liked this activity, and who was less than impressed? Grace fed and petted the giraffe (Daddy also did the same), while Jack and I kept our distance.

Summer Crafts

Here are the kids posing with Grace's collection of summer crafts. She loves crafts and art, although I had rounded all of these items up to box and store them away. When you make 3-5 items/day, clutter has a way of sneaking up on you.

Jack at the Zoo

A rare photo: sitting still and smiling (and really adorable).

Dress-Up Fun

We picked up a whole bunch of new dress-up clothes which have been a blast for Grace's imagination, as she creates stories and directs all of us into our various roles and costumes. Jack and Daddy are wearing the closest things that we have to boy's wear in our collection.

Hy-Ya!

Cowboy Jack hard at work or is it simply screaming? Either way, in Grace's dress-up straw hat, it is really cute.

Hiatus

I had contemplated discontinuing the blog since Grace was getting a little older (well not that old at 4.5), but then I thought Jack will miss out on "my take" of his childhood and all of our adventures together.

So the blog is back, and quite behind. A lot behind. Look for lots of great pictures and stories.

Mr. Brown is a Wonder

Here is Jack with his Dr. Suess book, Mr. Brown.... Check out the video below for his version of the book.

If you think a 2 year-old has sense.....

Last night I was thinking how Jack is doing really well brushing his teeth. Then he picked up his toothbrush full of toothpaste and stuck it into his ear. Go figure. Not the presumption of "innocence" but "anysense."

Macrame Anyone?

Grace and I made this macrame flower keychain while I had flashbacks of middle school home economics. At the time (I think), I vowed never to practice the fine art of macrame ever again. The reliving of the experience for me was hilarious to Grace, as I have 5 photos of her hysterically laughing and having a great time. Perhaps a bit concerning, great joy in my suffering ;-)

Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara

Recently, we had a wonderful visit from our Aunt Barbara and Uncle Bob. They have numerous grandchildren, and the kids love them so much. So great with kids, we wished we could have had them here longer. They brought wonderful presents for Jack and Grace. An automated fishing pole with bait, and a fighting fish to use indoors and in the bath (well-loved), and a super princess dress and crown for Grace, which she loves to dance around in and pretend she is a princess at a ball. We are looking forward to when we can see them again.

Batter Up!

Jack picked up the Tee-ball bat a few days after he ended up on the wrong end of the bat from Grace, but he had learned quite a bit from watching her closely (except how to actually hold the bat, which could be an issue later).

Umbrellas!

We are soaking wet, but we need to hold our umbrellas as we ride our tricycles. Really cute and funny.

Note the little Shiner

Here's Jack coloring a few days after the Tee-ball bat incident. You can hardly see where the bat caught him on the cheek. Tough little cookie. Much tougher than his sister right now.

Some New Creations

Here's Grace striking a pose with some of her new creations.

Garden of the Gods Part II

The natural rock structures here were the most unique we have ever seen. All bright red and seemingly from nowhere.