Hi everyone!
July and August thus far, have included so much of what makes summer a blast.
Anthony was a super star and watched the kids while I went out to Minnesota to meet up with my siblings (except Lynne who was in Africa) and my parents for Carolyn's 40th Birthday. I'm allowed to say that, right? As long as I add that she looks like she's 25, which is completely true.
Joan met me in Michigan and we drove 11ish hours to complete the trip. It was good to have a sister's road trip, and I'm fairly certain Ira wishes he could trade me in for her.
While in MN, we went kayaking, saw an amazing Mayan exhibit, ate some scrumptious food. Mostly though we visited. Chilling with Ellsworths is one of my most enjoyable pastimes. I highly suggest it.
Oh, and we played with the Loop. James and I were proofing the diverse uses for this thing.
My nephew John and I. Need I say more?
Kevin, Kristen, Carolyn, Joan and I
Plus my Mom and Dad
I was also fortunate to have a visit from one of my favorite people in Minnesota, Tatiana.
Back in Michigan
Who said playing with ribbons is girlie? These are killer octopus tentacles.
Ira and his best friend Liam.
Eliot helping us get serious about food storage. We're finally getting somewhere!
Chocolate Popsicle!
And hanging out at the beach! Eliot is not too fond of the actual water part of the beach.
But Ira and Anthony are some of the distant specs having a mini swimming lesson.
Anthony's an awesome teacher.
Yesterday we did a ton of yard work. Together, Ant and I put in about 10-11 hours of pulling weeds. We are both sore, but now are yard doesn't look like a crazy jungle! We also did a lot of work on the upstairs bathroom. I'll post pictures once we get a shower door.
In other news, the boys had their first dentist visits! I was extremely nervous since Ira is terrified of doctors, and doctor-like people. Last time a nurse tried to look in his ear, he bled from flailing so much. So we practiced a lot, and Ira said something like, "Mom, the dragon (I) will be very brave. He will open his mouth 50 degrees, like this!"
Anyway, the hygienist was amazing, and Ira couldn't have been more cooperative. Hooray!
Then again, who wouldn't be cooperative when you get cool glasses like these? Eliot did pretty well too, although I sort of had to pry his mouth open.
In other news Ira is becoming more and more socialable and affectionate. We've gotten back in the habit of reading scripture stories with him and there has been a direct correlation with an increased level of kindness. I love it!
Eliot is saying things that sound more like words, and hasn't been biting me lately. He loves giving kisses and squeals with excitement when he hears a knock at the door. If it's anyone but Liam's big sisters, he's disappointed. Such a ladies man. He got pretty sick right before my trip to Minnesota and we got him a nebulizer. Worked great. We had to get x-rays of his chest done to see if he had pneumonia. It wasn't, so he may have issues with asthma. Hopefully not.
Anyway, that about covers it. I hope everyone enjoys their last month of Summer! Peace out.
