Scribbles

I usually have a stack of scrap paper for Zeke to doodle on. He usually fills the blank sides with large circle scribbles and little faces with elfin ears.

So today I was cracking up when I flipped over the page and noticed that he had been trying to fill out some type of form. Looks like he is trying to add a family member to our medical plan!

Artistic Easel

One of Zeke's birthday presents has been wrapped up and sitting in the corner until the Crawfords could come over. Whatever could it be?

How does this thing work?

Behold, our masterpiece.

Lincoln Photo of the Day

Zeke requested his musical instruments today, but quickly abandoned them. Lincoln, however kept revising them and trying out the different sounds. He was so pleased with himself.

Morning Cuddles

I just love how babies have a whole different look when they just wake up. This morning Lincoln just wanted to cuddle, it was pretty hard for Robb to actually leave for work.

Mac and Cheese Fest

Oh boy, these little food fests are off the charts. We had four varieties to choose from and they were divine. What will we come up with next?

Ah, food coma...

Pool Party

Zeke cozies up to the birthday girl. He had so much fun swimming with the other kiddos.

Luke and Genna, Part 2

I love the family reunion aspect of weddings. So many great people that we just don't see enough of.

Lincoln did a bit of lap-hopping. 

The decor was especially fun!

Zeke can't take in the joy. Spending time with his favorite McKenna. And a birthday present.

Lincoln let me know it was time to go.

Luke and Genna, Part 1

We were so honored to join Luke and Genna today as they made it official. Their wedding was fun and quirky and lively. Congrats, you two. And. AND! I got to be in charge of cuddling Peyton during the ceremony. Robb was jealous, so took a turn after and was sad to give her up.

Had so much fun catching up with Lindy and her adorable boys.

Some extraordinarily handsome guys.

A Day at the Zoo — Part 2

Lincoln tries to look cool in the stroller, he can't wait to get out.

We saved some of Zeke's favorite exhibits for last. He especially loves the fish of the northwest (go figure) and the penguins. But also, one of the polar bears was right up next to the glass, and the seals were being so cute and there really is no end to the number of cool animals to see.

That's right, folks. They wore matching shirts. I think that is almost a first.

A Day at the Zoo — Part 1

Somehow the day started with bats and snakes. My favorites.

How exciting to be able to spend the day at the zoo. And even more so, because we had Grandma Lorraine along and met up with the Malotts! The weather was lovely, the animals were in fine form and the kids held up pretty well.

These alligators looked super creepy. The boys loved them.

Lincoln had it pretty good. (Robb can't help but gloat over his elephant ear.)

Colby and Garrett show us how to drive through the lion habitat.

Date Night

Since we usually only post pics of date night from Zeke and Lincoln's perspectives, we thought we would try to snap a couple of actual date night images. Hastings is our favorite. They have a two for one deal on beverages (the strawberry lemonade is amazing!) and we can browse books and magazines to our hearts' content. And of course, much thank to Gabby for making these little escapes possible. Meanwhile, back at home...

I Do It Myself

Robb and I were just talking yesterday about the fact that Lincoln would probably start trying to give himself the bottle soon. So I shouldn't have been surprised this morning when he reached over for the bottle and helped himself. But still...

Helping

Today I really needed and extra set of hands. I was right in the middle of something and Lincoln was demanding a bottle, so Zeke stepped up and saved the day. He seemed pretty proud of himself too. And Lincoln only falls more in love with him every day.

Gabby Snaps

These kids know how to keep cool on a hot day. (I love that Zeke is hanging onto a carrot.)

First Steps

We think he's got it figured out. A little earlier than Zeke did, but he does have a big brother to keep up with.

Dad's Boots

One of Zeke's favorite pastimes is trying on other people's footwear. Then he tries to actually walk around. Today he was especially proud of getting daddy's super tall boots on. They look like hip waders on him.

Climb On

Zeke finally got to play with his window markers today. They are pretty fantastic, but not suitable for Lincoln, so we put them up on the ladder "out of the baby's reach". Ha.

Given that the kid hasn't really tried to walk yet, Zeke and I were pretty shocked to find that he had climbed up on the ladder to get what he wanted. Oh boy.

Gabby Snaps

Gabby and the hooligans. I especially love it when she texts me these pictures at work. It really does break up the day.

The multi-tasker.

Future bookworm?

Out of the box.

Ice Cream!

On a hot summer evening, ice cream is always a good idea. And playing on a friend's slide isn't too bad either. And then there are the bigger boy activities (like examining climbing gear).

Gabby Snaps

 

Baby in the sprinkler.

These kids (Gabby included) have way too much fun while we're away.

"Painting" with water.

A Great-grandma Drop In

Lincoln is introduced to Lincoln Logs. Brilliant.

Zeke carefully assembles a puzzle.

We took the opportunity to jaunt over to Montana for a quick visit with Grandma Edna. The boys always enjoy seeing her as well as Suzie and Don. Jeremy and Tara stopped by with their kiddos while we were there, so it was quite the party. I think we were trying to wear out Grandma with all the energetic little ones.