Summer adventures!

All's well here in sunny Pittsburgh! The kiddos are great. I think I am ready to say Will is officially daytime potty trained. I really wasn't sure if he was ready or not (2 1/2 is pretty early for boys), but we thought we'd give it a shot! He's done really well and got the hang of it in about 3 days. He even only had one accident in our 10 hour drive to St. Louis this weekend (those pictures soon to come!). We're really proud of our guy! He really is an exceptional kid, I try not to brag too much, but we seldom encounter anyone who isn't sure he's at least 3 if not 4. His vocabulary is astounding and he just exudes curiosity. He's friendly, extremely polite, loving, and, sigh, SO adorable :-)

Ella is great. Growing like a weed!! She's talking like crazy, fascinated by the moon, loves to eat!, and just devours books. She loves to call for Will when she can't find him, (Wooolll!) and thinks it is just great when he poops in the potty. Her celebrations usually include clapping, singing, and dancing. She hates to have her curls combed but loves to wear anyone's shoes she can find!

Here are some pictures of our recent adventures. There have been a number of them!!

Will having his first cotton candy at the regatta with Aunt Amy and Uncle Damon.

Watching the speed boat races, trying desperately to get down the hill closer to the river.

Ella and Dad watching the boats.

Puppet show!

Riding together!!


We took the kids to the Big Knob Fair to see the animals.
Ella driving a tractor!

Will at the wheel.

Wild woman, and she definitely is!!

Will and his best buddy, Pappy.

Nan and Will.


Watching the tractor pull and eating some nachos! He loved trying to figure out which tractor could pull the most and watching the dirt fly!

With the cows.

First pony rides!




We love our local splash pad on really hot days (of which there have been quite a few!).






Ella headed to the church picnic!

Watching the guys play bocce.

Doing dance routines in the church hall.

Wearing their crowns and hugs/headlocks from Madeline.


Will and I planted a small, but fruitful!, garden this spring. Ella has never been interested... We have tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, green peppers, and a number of herbs. Will will tell you, "Something ate the green beans. Maybe it was a bunny (It was.). Or maybe it was a giraffe." We still have sweet potatoes in the ground, not quite ready to dig up yet. I have always kept a small garden, but we had fun expanding a bit this year, watering, feeding, picking, and eating. Here he is with some of his harvests.
Washing some!


We've shared our overflow with the neighbors. Taking some to Mrs. M next door!