Multi-tasking already

Brute

Millie definitely knows how to be heard.  She can be downright scary, in fact, the way she screeches and squawks to get her point across.  I feel so bad for unsuspecting kids who walk up to her and want to talk or play.  She's yelling, "Hey!" at those kids before they've even reached her, letting them know that she was there first or that they can't take away whatever's in her hands.  I'm afraid that learning to stand up to her older brothers, although important for survival at home, certainly hasn't done much for her social skills. 

This little clip from a month or two ago showcases her range and rasp with one simple word, "Ma."

Crib Combat

Millie wakes up from her nap to such a loving older brother

At least make it fair by giving the prisoner a weapon of her own

Now you're talking

The kick that cracked

Soccer players wear shinguards for a reason.  If your kids ever try and give you grief about having to wear them, feel free to pass along this story:

"There once was a boy who loved soccer.  He loved it so much that playing on a team two seasons a year wasn't enough.  He loved it so much that playing with his dad in the backyard wasn't enough.  He loved it so much that he had to play soccer every day at school recess with his friends.  Then came the sunny January day when one of the boy's soccer-playing friends kicked him so hard that it fractured the boy's shin.  Now that soccer-loving boy is stuck in a cast and crutches for five long weeks of no soccer at all.  So when your parents remind you to wear your shinguards for soccer, DO IT!!"

One day he's climbing trees

The next he's wearing crutches

And getting glow-in-the-dark, glittered casts

 And x-rays

Not looking as happy as he was in that tree

Our little monkey

Eli and gymnastics.  A long time coming.  He's only just started, but it's fun to see him having such a great time out there. 

Stephen had a chance to take him on Monday and thought to bring the camera, something a forgetful gal like me sure appreciates.

 

Steven's Creek Sun

After a few weeks of seriously chilly weather, the sun returned just in time for today's holiday and a much-needed family hike. We wanted to try someplace new but didn't want to drive far, the usual "should have thought about this a little earlier" dilemma, and climbed in the car not really sure where we were headed.

A few turns later, we found ourselves exploring some trails at Steven's Creek County Park, a pretty spot not ten minutes from our house. How is it we've never been here?  The kids loved listening to "Daddy's Creek" babble along as we hiked right next to it, and after toughing a few big hills to get to the reservoir, they enjoyed soaking in the sun as much as we did.