So Big!!

Chicago

We went to Chicago this past weekend to visit with family and friends, eat great food (there's a shortage of that in Stevensville, MI) and celebrate Burke's 32nd birthday. 

Steve shares dessert with Ryan at dinner on Saturday night. 

Burke and I got a very early wake up call on Sunday morning, due to the time zone change between Michigan and Chicago. So we watched the sunrise over Lake Michigan. What an amazing hotel view!

Evan loves making this face. He thinks he's being funny.

On Sunday, after brunch, we spent a few minutes in this little plaza.

 Ryan studies the fountain. 

 Ryan and Joey conversing. 

Ryan throws a coin in the fountain. 

Trying to get Evan to toss a coin in the fountain. "Dropping things" is a favorite pastime of his, but this time we was reluctant to do so. Maybe he understands the value of money. 

Family photo op!

Lawn

Burke kept saying he needed to cut the grass. I didn't realize it was turning into a baby-sized jungle. 

Smoothie

We were amused by this story of our increasingly independent little monkey man...

Last week, I bought these smoothie cups from Schwan's. We all shared one when Burke came home and Ryan really liked it. The next day, Ryan wanted a smoothie again (of course). I told him we would have one when Dada got home. Well, when Burke got home, we were all sitting around playing and chatting and Ryan brings up the smoothie again. This time I tell him "in a few minutes."

Well, apparently he didn't want to wait. This little stinker went downstairs to our big freezer, opened the freezer, reached in, grabbed a smoothie cup, brought it upstairs, and told Burke "Dada, cook it" (because you zap it in the microwave for a few seconds before drinking).

Soon he won't need us at all!!

Learning to Play Together

Ryan is still not thrilled with Evan touching toys that he's playing with, but I'm seeing more and more signs of Ryan accepting Evan as a playmate. Last week, Ryan was crawling down the hall with Evan and Ryan says, "Evan, chase me. 

For another example, he is amused when they both play in the cupboard. Recently, Ryan took out a pan to play with, and then went back to the cupboard to get one for Evan to play with too.

These cupboards have doors on both sides, so I was able to take these pictures.

I think Evan's increasing mobility and interest in toys is helping Ryan see that Evan is becoming someone he can play with.

Brothers playing at the screen door.

My little loves...

Tonka Truck

Ready to take a ride?

Down the hall...

Turn the corner...

And park the truck in Ryan's room. 

Ryan enjoyed this, 

and I think Evan did too!

(It was more fun to watch them play like this, rather than have Ryan constantly snatch things out of Evan's hand and/or Evan constantly going after whatever Ryan is playing with.)

More Standing

Here is the first video we have of Evan standing...




And some more pictures of Evan standing all around the house.

On the steps

On the bouncer

On the guitar case

On the guitar

And the on the piano bench

Evan can also pull to stand in his crib. He is working on pulling to stand on our TV stand and our pant legs. 

Pulling to Stand

I have quite a few pics and videos of Evan's major milestone - pulling up to stand. These are special because they are the first shots I captured.

Can't believe how quickly he's growing up!!

Labor Day Weekend Festivities

My parents made the trip to our side of the state for Labor Day weekend. On Saturday we braved the wind and headed to St. Joseph for the farmers' market and had lunch. On Sunday, Steve, Joey & Christine, Carol, and Kristen & Tim came also came to visit. We had a BBQ, played games, went in the hot tub, and had cake as a late celebration of my 34th birthday. On Monday, we just relaxed around the house and enjoyed the babies.

Saturday 

Burke entertains Evan while we wait for food.

Ryan plays on the couch at the cafe.

Burke and Ryan enjoy the guitar al fresco. 

Sunday

Give me that camera!!

Evan & Christine

Family 

Steve, Joey & Christine taught Ryan how to hit the ball with the bat. He did pretty well.

Ryan got tired playing baseball and made Christine lie down in the grass with him.

Cake for the old mama! 

Monday

Ryan & Burke play viola.

Aunt Carol & Ryan play magnet cars/ramp on the deck. 

Mmm... S'mores on the grill. Turned out delicious!!

Marshmallow kiss!

Thanks, Dad, for providing a lot of these pictures!