Scarlet Catherine Turns Two

Two years have gone by since we welcomed our not-so-little Scarlet Catherine into the world. And what a two years it has been. This is one of the reasons I blog. So my kids can look back on their two, their six, or their 20-some years, and smile. And Lord knows, my memory and storytelling abilities stink. Happy birthday, Scarlet Catherine. We love you so.

At three months, you...exhibited all things sweet.

At six months, you started chatting up a storm.

At a year, you got your sass. And your style.

At 18 months, you mastered your multiple personalities of your toddlerhood.

And at two years, you make us laugh, smile, and sometimes bang our heads against the wall. But definitely more laughing and smiling than banging of Mom and Dad's heads.

What a fun little sister you already are, and what a fantastic big sister you will be. Love you so, Scar Bar. Thanks for choosing us as your parents.

Emersonisms - July Edition

Emerson's brain must work overtime between dinner and bed, since that's when most of these questions occur. Almost every night, Jason and I walk down the hall to our room, and one of us asks, "Did you hear what he asked?" Here are just a few.

"Does your heart keep beating when you're asleep?" 
"Does God ever sleep?"
"How old is God?"
"Do people have birthdays in heaven?"
"Why do boys have nipples?"

And recently, after losing his very first tooth ever, asked, "If you lose a tooth, and then take a nap, does the tooth fairy bring you money during the nap?"

Lots of questions lately about baby Z3. I love his interest and curiosity.
"Why can't I hear the baby's heart beat?" 
"How do Moms get milk in their nipples?"
And, "If the baby gets real food through you when it's in your belly, why can it only have milk when it comes out?"

And one very random, midday thought...

"Dad, remember when you told me if I take my shirt off outside that beetles will bite my nibbles and not let go?" Yes, nibbles. But as you read above (twice), he does know the correct pronunciation. Apparently just wanted to mix it up.

Deep thoughts questions by Emerson Rex.

He's a lot sweet...

And loads of crazy.

Safety Town Graduate!

A rite of Kindergarten passage, Emerson participated in Safety Town earlier this summer. For one week, he spent the afternoons at a local elementary school, and learned all about safety at home, school, cars, and everything in between. Since then, Emerson regularly shares his knowledge of safety facts.

So very proud of our Safety Town graduate!

4th child from right...hatted and badged!

Poppy Turns Hexagenarian

'Tis a year of milestones for my and Jason's parents. In March, Mary turned 60. April would have marked 60 for my Mom. Ahead in September is Ted's 60th. And just a few weeks ago, we celebrated my Dad's 60th. Below are some pictures from the gathering at our nearest and dearest Uncle Godfather's.

Never one to miss a ruckus, after Emerson piled on Uncle Jared, Scarlet piled on Emerson. (As seen in the background, GG is clearly accustomed to this mayhem.)

Trying to get a decent group shot...notice the binky in Poppy's mouth. He thinks that's acceptable behavior once you hit a certain age. Although I do see GG behaving quite appropriately.

I'm trying to not get whacked by a glow stick here. This was one of about 15 outtakes. Apparently, Scarlet and I were the only issue throughout them!

Probably the best shot of the group. My, how we've grown! If you look closely, you can even see a photo bomb from Vicki, just above Aunt Cheryl's head!

The four of us, plus Uncle's favorite photo of Mom. Turns out there wouldn't have been room on the couch for her anyway. Ohp!

Jake and Grover...resting after hours of fun in the rain.

Scarlet found, and befriended, a frog the size of my pinky finger nail.

...and loved it just a little too much in those pudgy hands. RIP little froggy.

Dinner and desserts were through...so let's light up some sparklers.

Scarlet's first!

America. Happy birthday Poppy!

We're from the country...

...and we like it that way.

Well, I'm from the country. Jason is from Toledo. And I'm not so much as "from" the country, as I "know" country. When your Dad owns a feed mill and a farm, you're no stranger to a saddle, and you get a week off school in the fall for the County Fair, then I think it's safe to say you're from the country. And if your hometown has 9 trucks for every 1 sedan, yep...country. And if you have participated in, or witnessed, cow tipping, it's probable you're from the country. And if you own, or have ever owned, Carhartt/Dickies overalls, and slung straw bales and horse feed every Saturday in your tweens/teens, you are, in fact, from the country.

That being said, we now live in a 'hood, with an HOA, and a private pool, and a couple parks. I garden, can, cook, and craft to my hillbilly-heart's content, own legit boots, and know pert' near every country song there is. (See, you don't say "pert' near" unless you're from the country.) Nonetheless, I've noticed my southeast Ohio accent is nearly gone (a good thing in professional environments), unless I return to my home zip code for more than a few hours. My country roots are a-dwindlin'.

And despite his suburban upbringing and daily tie, Jason is a country boy at heart.

So, when the opportunity arises for an evening in the country, we jump. We were well overdue to meet our friends' sweet new baby, and with an offer to hang for the evening and for the boys to camp, we packed up the cars, and rolled waaaaaay into the country: Glenford, USA.

Scarlet and Norah cruising.

Scarlet holding on to Eleanor!

What's a summer evening in the country without a giant slip-n-slide? That's Emerson midway down.

Scarlet, chasing the chickens. "Wait! Wait!"

Evening cruise. The caravan in front of us...

...and behind.

Two little boys, eager to set up camp for the night.

This evening in the country allowed all our best adults to catch up on the craziness that is life, we got to meet sweet Theo, and our kids all got to run amok. Until next time, countryside.

Berry Much Fun!

In addition to our apple picking tradition, I also try to get the kids out to the strawberry patch annually. This time of year, I have mason jars just itching for fresh jam. We headed out with some neighbors to a patch just a few miles from home.

And off we go!

That looks like a lot of twigs, to me, Scarlet. Not so many berries.

Putting the kids to work!

Once she filled her container with strawberries, she sat and ate at least half of them!
Fine by me...we pay by the pound. ;)

Scouting the best areas to pick.

Berry crew.

Our haul.

Summer Lovin' 2014

I was a lucky kid, and had a bang up childhood. Especially in the summers...swim team (practically living at the pool), movie nights, bonfires, cookouts, festivals, and more. Nothing to complain about. Summers are made for kids to soak up fun. In turn, I want my kids to sit back at age 33 and remember their summers and smile.

We had a summer nanny for Emerson a few years ago, and as we're preparing for our full-time nanny for the school year, we decided we wanted the kids to have an easygoing summer of pool time, trips to the park, and sleeping in. With two high school girls just across the street, we were able to arrange just that!

Emerson and Scarlet are typically both sleeping when Jason and I walk out the door at 8am. They both sleep until at least 9am most days. Oftentimes, 10am. I'm pretty sure my body wouldn't allow me to do that, even if I wanted to.

They get backyard water play, neighborhood pool time, walks, driveway chalk, midday crafts, and lots of dedicated attention. And with our schedules lightened without drop-offs and pickups, Jason and I have more time in the evenings with them, and we've been soaking up every bit of summertime.

One thing we hadn't really factored into the awesomeness equation of the summer at home for our kids, was just how much time Scarlet and Emerson would get together. Of course their evenings and weekends have always been spent together. But at school, they were in separate classrooms, and for the last year, even separate buildings. Jason and I have seen just how close they've come, even in just a month together at home.

It's been really amazing to see their sibling-hood, and friendship, take formation. That four year age gap is narrowing before our eyes.

Painting together.

Hanging like bats together.

Jumping like maniacs together.

Cooling down on a hot night together.

Playing on a hot day together.

Checking out a poolside butterfly together.

He does...

So she does...together.

Reading together.