The Morris Arboretum

10 days ago, on Father's Day, we spent the afternoon at the Morris Arboretum with our friends the Dieffenbachs. It was a hot afternoon, but we enjoyed the lovely trees and plants - celebrating the end of spring.

AK and MJ with blocks

We've had the joy of having Anna Kate over two days in a row this past weekend for play dates with MJ. This allowed Mark to take Jenn out for her birthday dinner on Friday, and me to take Jane for a date the following day.

As we all agreed, having two girls for a few hours gives us a beautiful pictures of what it will be like to have two wee ones someday. Things are doubly fun and entertaining. Here's a great example - both of the same game (knocking blocks down as fast as Erik can build them up), but take note of their expressions, especially the anticipation leading up to each great fall. Priceless.

Take two:

walking in her yellow dress

Daddy's helper

Meredith has been a regular helper to Daddy over the past few months when he waters our garden. After a long process of refurbishing the wagon during this spring, it is now ready for rides around the yard carrying watering cans and MJ. :)

Mama made some cushions to keep the ride comfy.

Assateague Island

More beach photos...

Lots of time playing in the water.

We built a gigantic sandcastle together and watched it take a stand against the rising tide.

Meredith had fun burying Daddy in the sand. ;)

Sandy nap anyone?

Erik's shirt reads "Forget it, She's taken."

Meredith cheering!

First Ocean Experience...

Meredith had her first visit to the ocean earlier this month. We spent a weekend in beautiful Assateague Island before the crowds hit the beach. Meredith's first glimpse of the mighty sea was in the evening...

She was pretty amazed, and very hesitant at first.

I love Meredith's look in this photo - "um, guys...is that huge watery-thing safe?!"

Granna helped her warm up to the sand and she grew to LOVE it for the rest of the weekend

More photos to come - stay posted...

Marching!

Meredith's latest trick is 'marching' around - with our hands as strong supports. We are hopeful that this activity will move her towards walking on her own soon!

Shoes are a favorite accessory now for MJ...but they are a bit hard to keep on just yet. :)

One boot works just as well, right?

Let's try that again...

Here we go!!

Mama's helper... :)

Swimming Pool :)

Meredith has been sporting her new swimsuit (thanks, Aunt Julie!) often during the past few hot weeks.

...she was a bit tentative in this BIG pool...

Daddy helped her get used to it.

Our recent yard sale score - $3 for a purple hard plastic pool.

(they don't make 'em like they used to, so I'm excited to have a sturdy and hardcore used one!)

Meredith LOVES pool time each afternoon before nap time now.

Hoorah for summer!

Weekend in N.C.

Lots of sweet photos were taken during our trip down to N.C. for Will's graduation.

Aunt Bria took this one of Erik and MJ watching the rain fall during a thunderstorm.

Granna had a special new toy for the granddaughters - it was a huge hit!

As usual while in N.C. Erik played lots of b-ball with Will, an avid basket-baller. :) Neighborhood kids, as well as my college-friend, Chutch, who visited with us on Sunday, joined in at different times throughout the weekend.

Will can seriously jump!

Chutch :)

...they were moving soooo fast!

Aunt Amy with Lowly Worm (MJ's new toy!) :)

Meredith even joined in the basketball fun - snack first though.

...one can never have too many rice cakes.

She loved it!

Me in Mom's kitchen.