Sunday, July 27, 2008

Her own biggest fan...

The other day Chloe and I were watching home video's together. It started with some of her playing around and talking to Joe. It then moved on to some of Eli right after he was born. Well, as we all know, new babies don't do a whole lot-- as we were watching this part of the video Chloe says to me, "more Chloe, more Chloe!" And anytime after when the focus of the video wasn't on her she would insist on "MORE CHLOE!"

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Daddy's Boy

Last night Joe was totally making Eli smile and laugh! Joe must have the magic touch because Eli just coos and squeals and smiles up a storm for him. It's so cute!

Flapping his arms and legs like crazy!


Mr. Smiley!






Lazy Friday Night

One thing I love about living so close to family is that it can turn a lazy Friday night into something fun! Jim and Alyssa stopped by and we hung out in the backyard while Chloe played in the pool.


The baby holders!


Riding her old bike


Mia getting in on the action


Mia is so funny... She would cry every time they
took her out of the pool! She's a little water girl!


What a cutie!


Luke checking things out!


More sliding!


Weee!

Big Blue Eyes

Eli's getting so big and strong! Here he is trying to hold that big head of his up!



Splish, Splash!!!

Thursday afternoon Chloe had a play date with the neighbor boy, Andrew. They had so much fun splashing around in the pool and going down the slide. Meanwhile his Mom and I were able to sit in the shade with the babies (she just had a little girl- Eli and Rachael are less than a month apart) and chat while the kids played. It's so nice to have kids that can grow up playing together.



Watch out here comes Chloe


Andrew's turn!


Weeee




Tuesday, July 22, 2008

A few more...

Mom made a whirlwind trip down here for Chloe's birthday party. We love it when she comes no matter how long or short a time we have!

We tried to get a picture of mom with both Eli and Chloe, but she was in fine form so we decided not to push it!





What a big boy!


Checking Eli out...


Now she decides to be sweet...!

Chloe's 2nd Birthday

Well another year has gone by and my sweet energetic little girl is 2! She is a constantly moving bundle of energy that keeps me on my toes. She is such a fun little girl and her joy for life is so real and must be what it is about little kids that older people love about kids. A child's interest in everything around them because everything is new and exciting is a great trait to have! I love to watch Chloe try to figure out how something works or how to put something together- (or take it apart!) she gets such a look of concentration on her face and nothing distracts her. I love to watch her and Joe play around together. She has so much fun and her laugh is completely contagious! I also love our quiet moments reading stories together before naptime or bedtime when she is snuggled up next to me with her blankie and binky and how she keeps trying to get closer even though she can't! I love her sweet little voice- especially the "wuv you" that she so sparingly says. It is so fun (and sometimes frightening) to see her little personality emerging. It has only been two years, but the growth is truly amazing! I feel so lucky and privileged to be a part of that growth and look forward to what this next year will bring!

We had Chloe's 2nd birthday party on Saturday. It was mostly a family affair except for her little neighbor friend Andrew and his mom Claire. We did a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party since Chloe is very into her... Mostly due to my prompting! I think Strawberry Shortcake is so cute and I had a Strawberry Shortcake birthday when I was little too! I decided to try my hand at cake decorating... I had a lot of fun, but should have allowed for much more time! I had to rush it towards the end, but all in all it turned out pretty cute... If I do say so myself! :)





Strawberry Shortcake!

Mom and Juan


Linda, Nana and Eli


Chloe's new pool from Nana and Grandpa


Chloe and Scarlett in the ball pit!


Chloe, Andrew and Scarlett


Andrew having fun!


Happy Birthday time!


Blowing out the candles!


My cheesey girl! :)


Look at all that loot! What a lucky girl!


In her Fancy Nancy stuff playing with Tinker Toys!


Her new bike!

Back for more...

We got to spend an extra day with Bryan and Lana before heading back home. They were going out to the lake and we were lucky enough to get to tag along! One of the perks of spending time with Bryan and Lana is that we got to see Becky too!

This is a picture of Becky and Eli on Sunday

Having fun!


My sweet mellow boy!


Becky, Eli, and Joe relaxing


Lana, Chloe, and my Aunt Mari


Bryan and his boys monkeying around!


My bathing beauty!


Bryan manning the grill





What a cutie pie!


Eli's easy chair!

Eating dinner