Happy 4th of July!

from a couple of cuties!

Father's Day with the Hicks's

We spent Father's Day traveling back from Michigan, and we celebrated with my dad the following Sunday at Grandpa John and BG's condo downtown. Most of the Hicks's made it out for the celebration.

Grandpa John with his newest granddaughter

Chris and his squirrelly girls

Grandpa John and Grandpa Hicks

Skyler came prepared for the pool. Swimsuit on. Innertube in hand. What's with all these adults wanting to eat first?

Pretty Mama and Baby

Sweet Annalea

Alright! These cousins are ready for the pool!

Post-Swimming shot with the Greats

And one with the Dads

Orchard Town Center Fridays

Last summer, the Sebrings raved to us about how wonderful Friday nights were at the Orchard Town Center, just minutes from our house. There's live music, splash fountain fun, and lots and lots of families with picnics. We never made it last summer, but actually did make it to one so far this summer.

The music was a Sting cover band, the kids were rowdy and happy, and the ice cream was cold and delicious! We're hoping to make it to another Friday night family night out before the end of the summer. (Maybe we'll even make it out to see Under a Blood Red Sky, Chris's all time favorite U2 cover band, playing August 3rd. Too bad I can't type with heavy sarcasm.)

Splash!

Addie was on the move, and whatever was in that green sippy cup on that stroller must have been pretty amazing, cause she kept running to it and trying to steal it.

Claire enjoyed her first ice cream cone ever! (I think she liked it. Vivian was just a little jealous.)

Emily, showing off her new walking skills

Addison, leading Dad towards the band

Our Favorite Toddler Playground

Found toys....they're the best!

This playground is great for Mom because everything's so close to the ground, I can actually relax a bit and watch the girls play. We first visited this playground back in April, when Addie was just beginning to take her first independent steps. Now that she's a cruiser, I had to take another video on the same equipment. (Although since this video was taken last month, Addison doesn't just walk everywhere, she truly runs. As she runs, her arms are either clasped behind her back or they are sticking straight in front of her, and nine times out of ten there's a huge grin on her face.)

Emily Walking (On Her Feet)

Last month, Emily started walking (while holding a hand) very well. She still prefers her knee walk, but will walk alongside someone while holding their hand.

She walks from chair to chair on her own and has been seen standing up on her own and walking up to three steps on her own.

She will now reach for a hand to help her walk when she's on hard surfaces, but when she reaches carpet, it's down to her knees, because her knee walk is still the fastest way to get around.

Here's a video from June 19th of Emily walking around with Chris. When it looks like she's licking Addie, that's a kiss. Emily went through a phase of licking for kisses, but her lip pursing skills have advanced, and her kisses are less wet these days. She will purse up often, asking for a kiss, because she sure does love lip smackers!

Toads, Fairies, and Raspberries

We planted three or four raspberry bushes in our garden a few years ago, and this year they've finally taken off. They've spread all over, and we got lots and lots of delicious berries!

One evening after the girls were in bed, I went out to the raspberry patch to do some harvesting.

I was startled by a crunching sound under some of the leaves. I have seen snakes out there before, so I jumped back. But on closer inspection, it was just this little friend.

Can you see him now?

How about now?

The raspberry patch does look like a very inviting place for a toad to make a home. There's plenty of shade and water, and there is nice soft moss and plenty of insects.

Another evening, after dinner but before bedtime, Chris went out to the raspberry patch while I took pictures of our little fairies on the deck.

It was pretty windy that evening, and no matter how many times Addie put her hat on, the wind just kept lifting it right off her head.

Dad brought his bounty up to the deck, and shared with the girls.

Emily begged for more! more! more!

"More!"                                                "Please?"                                             "Yay!"

Thanks Dad!

Another night, Emily had a little too much fun with her raspberries at dinner, and ended up looking like this...

It was all fun and games, until the cleanup!

The sink hose-down

Frustration

When they say girls are sugar and spice, is this the spice part?

Denver Botanic Gardens

There is an amazing children's garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens, and this summer, the girls are big enough to enjoy it. Our favorite part is the little stream that the kids can wade in.

The first time we went was in May. The girls had a great time getting wet and then did a great job posing for me on a big wooden chair.

The next time we went to the Mordecai Children's Garden was a month later, and Dee Dee came with us to join in on the fun. Being able to play with the girls one-on-one was really fun, and it meant we got to spend a little longer at the garden, getting a little wetter and dirtier than the last time!

It started out innocent enough, wading (and sitting) in the water.

 Addison got daring and explored the waterfall area, where big kids usually play.

Spending time with Dee Dee is always special.

Then the girls took a break from the stream and spent some time in the sandbox. Wet babies in sand? This is a recipe for MUD.

Do you think some sand got injested?

And here is a diaper that has absorbed about half the creek

 Clean, dry girls and their mama on our way out. We can't wait to go back!

***Don't worry Auntie Wendy, Shout and Oxiclean work wonders. Our ruffle butts are good as new! :)

S'Up?

Slumbering Babes

Just makes you want to cuddle, doesn't it?