Summer so far

A couple weeks ago we went to Como Zoo with my friend Julie and her kids. We picked a beautiful day.
Lila, Elsa, Violet, and Henry.


Last week we went to Big Marine Park Reserve in Scandia with: Julie, Henry, Violet, Sheli, Maddy, Allie, Angie, Sheri, and Ashley. They have a great beach and play area.


Elsa and Lila at our new favorite sun spot: Coon Lake Beach in East Bethel.


A shot of Lila with her hands full, and clearly standing on her own.


Happy Father's Day! We're lucky to be surrounded by great dads all around.


Here are the cupcakes I made for the occasion. Thanks to Trinity for posting the link to Bakerella's site! Not too bad for a first try.


It's been really hot, so we've been hanging out in the kiddie pool a lot. Elsa loves to play pretend and make up stories. She's very literary. The other day Tim gave her some watermelon and she was so happy, she said,"...and little Elsa smiled!"
Lila is talking more and more, and can repeat almost anything we say. The lastest words: shoe, Lila, duck, chicken (kee kee), eat. Ahh, I love one-year-olds. Her birthday is July 2! Stay tuned for the next post, which will be jam packed with party photos and Lila fun facts. She's getting baptized this Sunday and having a birthday party, too.

random stuff, and mean muggin'.

Elsa suddenly likes to put headbands in her hair. The messy hair plus the pose is sooo Top Model.



Lila plays with her new, rather deluxe, activity table. A garage sale SCORE for just $1.


You may have been wondering, how's Hippo been doing? Pretty good. With the onset of spring and outdoor activities he was nearly forgotten, but lately he's back in the game. The other day Elsa even wanted to dress up in matching outfits.


I remember I was very adamant about the bike trailer and its 1 year age restriction. But, second kid... whatev. Notice Lila doesn't have a helmet, either. We really should get on that.



Up next, a series of photos named, "The Art of Defiance". By Lila June.
No captions necessary - the photos speak for themselves.






Aren't you afraid of her? I am - for the teenage years. Shakin' in my boots.

If you'll notice, Lila has perfected the Mean Muggin' face. I loved when Elsa did it, and it's just as hilarious when Lila does it. Wooo, scare me with those 3 teeth!
So, who has the meaner mug?

Elsa, 9 months:


Lila, 11 months:

Talkies

Lila turned 11 months old this week. About a week ago she started copying certain things we said, and by now she has at least 12 words. I have video of some of them. It's very primitive and new, but it's the real deal. My eardrums are relieved. Hopefully talking will eliminate some of the shrieking.

Elsa helps Lila say the word "doll". (Notice she's actually saying "Dow" - making fun of the way Lila says it.)


You can hear her say "cracker" in the beginning, but won't say it again when I ask her. Oh well, you can see how much she likes them!


This is an accurate portrayal of what it might look like if I ever met Robert Pattinson.


Yes, Lila likes to smash her head into stuff. But the main thing with this one is the ending. You can clearly hear Lila greet Elsa by saying "hi".


I bet you didn't know this one:


I'll be emptying the dishwasher and hear her say "ball". I look over and she's playing with a ball. Brilliant. This talking stuff just doesn't get old.