Summer: Friends, Family, and FUN!!

       We have kept ourselves very busy the last couple of weeks. I have tried to plan at least a couple of outings a week to keep Owen from getting bored (and therefore ornery!)  I learned this the first couple of days of vacation. ha. Below is one of the days we didn't end up going anywhere and at lunch while I went to change Nora's diaper, he decided to 'drink' his ketchup.  He was so proud of himself when I came out, even after Mommy told him that was naughty.  Then he smiled at me and said "CHEEEEESE!"

 Story Time: 

Every Monday we go to one of the local public libraries for story time.  We also check out books for the week.  It has been so fun to see him get excited about picking his own books out and he can hardly wait to get home and read them.  This week the big hit was Curious George.  He found a book of 8 stories and went running across the library screaming "MONKEY GEORGE, MONKEY GEORGE".  It was very cute, but slightly embarrassing. The more 'mature' audience at the library did not appreciate the volume of my sweet little 2 year olds voice.

 Sand in the City: 

This is our second year going to "Sand in the City".  This is a fundraiser for 'Nebraska Children's Home Society', an organization that helps with adoption and foster care.  Many local businesses make amazing sand sculptures.  There are also other activities that are available for the kiddos.  Owen had a great time this year!

 My favorite sculpture! Anybody remember the game "Hungry, Hungry Hippos??"  Very cool.

 Nora was not super impressed with the sculptures, and thought it was a little chilly to be outside wandering around.  She was a good sport though and I am sure will have lots of fun next year trying to keep up with her big brother. :)

    I love these kiddos more than anything!! 

Great-Grandparents:

We had a special treat this past weekend.  Great Grandma Ella and Great Grandpa Jim came to town for a visit, so we spent a lot of time at Grandma Cindy's house playing.  There were 2 grandma's there to spoil Mr. Owen and honor his every wish.  At one point he managed to convince every adult in the house to come into the playroom and he put on quite the show for them.  This kid loves to be the center of attention. (Mark and I don't know where that comes from?!?) 

                             Aunt Jenny gave him a giant bowl of ice cream and he was in HEAVEN!

"Too busy for pictures, I have ice cream to eat Mom!"

We had a lot of fun playing with balls in the backyard.  Grandma Cindy has a HUGE backyard that is perfect for running and playing.

Nora loved cuddling with Great-Grandma Ella.  Poor Grandma's shirt was soaked from all the drool she has been doing lately. 

Owen loves his Great-Grandpa. It makes my heart happy to see them interact.  :)

Brother/Sister Love:

Owen has become a lot more interested in Nora in the last few weeks.  The other day I was making dinner and Owen was sitting at the kitchen table coloring.  All of a sudden he climbed down from his share, got right up in Nora's face and in the sweetest little voice said, "Hi sweetheart!! I wov you baby Naw."  He is still working on being gentle, but it is so fun to see them interact.  I can't wait to see how they will play together in the future.

Nora loves to watch her big brother too.  She even giggles at him when he is being silly.  He certainly keeps us all entertained.  There is never a dull moment.  The other day he ran up to me, grabbed me on both sides of my face and said "Mommy, you my best friend. I wov you."  I am soaking up all of these moments home with my sweet little ones.  It will be hard to go back to school in the fall, but for now I am enjoying every moment. (Well....almost every moment! Ha)