Week in Photos

I've been trying to get Abby back in the habit of napping, but haven't had much success.  As you can see, she decided she would play Mr. Potato Head during our family "quiet time."  Levi enjoyed the hammock for the first time at Gramma and Grandad's house.  

Levi loves his playmat now.  He wasn't so sure of it before, but now he kicks at the toys and tries to grab for them.  Abby and I love spending time making crafts together and Aunt Heather put together a lot of activities for us to do.  They've been lifesavers during these super hot days!  We've also been doing some "preschool" time, working on learning our letters and a few sight words.  Abby loves it and it's the perfect time ... this girl can remember everything!

Levi watches every move his sister makes and the picture above shows just how much he loves her.  He was laughing and smiling at her.  We really enjoy our playtime together! :)

Wordless Wednesday - Just Cruisin'

Getting away for the weekend ...

Sometimes I just need a break from the everyday routine and the craziness that city living can bring.  In the city, I feel like we are always on the go, always moving, always keeping ourselves busy.  So this past weekend I decided it was time to pack up the kids and head to my parents for the weekend. 

This porch may be one of my favorite places ever.  There isn't much to it (and that's the best part)... a table and chair set, some rocking chairs, a hammock, and a view to remind me to sit back and just relax.    

  

While visiting, we celebrated my Dad's 66th birthday.  Abby was great at reminding us all ... "Grandad is .... 66!!!"  Of course my mom had a little fun and Abby was also saying ... "Gramma is .... 32!"  

Rainy weather, laid back days, sleeping in (thanks Mama!) dinner out with the family, cake and ice-cream, smiles, laughs ... it sure was a great weekend! Love you guys! :)

Wordless Wednesday - Sweet Moments

My heart is smiling tonight. :)

Something out of the ordinary happened to us tonight .. and it still has me smiling.  

Almost every night after dinner, the kids and I take a walk down by the water to feed the ducks, watch some volleyball, and keep Levi happy during his "witching hour."  We make sure to take two slices of bread with us, one for Miss Abby and one for me.  Afterall, who doesn't like to feed ducks?!  

Tonight as we approached the water, I noticed a little boy watching the ducks.  It was the same boy I had noticed earlier on our walk and wondered why he was wandering the streets of Baltimore City all alone.  Yet here he was, doing something as simple and childlike as watching ducks swim around in the water.  

As we got closer to the little boy, he noticed we had bread and said "ducks won't eat no bread."  I replied, "sure they will, they love it" and suddenly he became curious as ever.  So I asked Abby if she would share with the little boy (that we would we later know as Kareem) and she willingly handed him a slice of bread.  And for some reason, tonight I grabbed not just two slices of bread, but three ... and now I know why.  

Kareem started to throw bread to the ducks and his face lit up.  The ducks were swimming faster now and lurching toward the bread.  Kareem's response to this:  "Dang!" It was then, as I saw the excitement sweep across his face, that I realized he had never fed ducks before.  As he ran out of bread, Abby noticed right away and offered him more.  And then more.  It was almost like she knew just how special this moment was for Kareem.  It was so sweet.

The three of us talked a bit more, shared names, and he asked us if we had fed the ducks before.  I told him we like to feed the ducks every night, since it's right by where we walk.  He perked up again and said that he walks every night too.  I'm thinking we may run into Kareem again and I'm guessing he hopes we'll bring enough bread to share.  

We said our goodbyes and the kids and I started to walk away.  From behind, I heard his deep, too grown up for his age voice say, "It was nice to meet you."  We turned back and said goodbye again as he walked back into the streets of Baltimore City.  I don't know anything more about Kareem, other than he enjoyed feeding those ducks tonight, but I sure hope we have the chance to run into him again.

This girl has talent.

Warning: Cuteness Overload!

I'm wondering if I can make a New Years resolution in July? What do y'all think? I'm gonna go with yes, only because I know many of you will like my resolution. I'm going to start blogging more often, like I used to. It's not always easy and after a long day with the kiddies, blogging isn't really on my to do list. But.... I know y'all look forward to seeing pics of my beauties (why wouldn't you?!) and hearing the stories of our crazy life.

I also found this iPhone app that allows me to post a new entry right from my phone. Technology is great. I'm just hoping that when I push that "publish" button that it actually works! :)

So for tonight, I'm posting some cell phone pics... But be warned, there is a major cuteness overload!!

I'm afraid we're in trouble ... 

My girl loves Ms. Sue!

Levi enjoying his new book.

Snuggle time.

I love it when they play together. :)

All smiles after tubby time!

Happy baby :)

Go Daddy, GO!

Stayin' cool ....

Just like many places across the country, Baltimore is experiencing a record breaking heat wave.  It has been extremely hot this past week forcing us to rely on indoor activities.  Thankfully living in the city there are plenty of options to keep us busy and out of the 100+ temperatures.

The kids and I have been really lucky to have Sue visiting with us this week.  Not only has it been nice to have an extra pair of hands to help me with the nonstop daily routine, but her company has been great too.  I feel blessed to have people in my life that so willingly jump at any chance to hang with me, an active toddler who can't sit still, and a sometimes fussy baby.  We've been having a lot of fun ....

We escaped the heat today and took Miss Abby (or should I say my little fishy) to the aquarium.  It was the perfect way to spend an afternoon!

Mommy and Abby ... finally I'm in a picture! 

Abby and Sue taking a break from our yummy lunch to "cheese" for the camera.

Abby poses with a crab ... and impersonates one quite well by the way.

Abby and Sue acting silly!

The dolphin show was Abby's favorite, although she really enjoying taking pictures all by herself.  I'm sure Sue has about 80 pictures of Abby's fingers or the back of peoples heads on her camera.  :)

In other news, we are excited to be heading to Kansas City for the All Star Game .... I'll have much more to post about that after we get back into town .... :)