Blog Neglect

It was not intentional. We did not mean for it to happen. But, alas, it has. We have Blog Neglect. It is something we did not expect but could not avoid. We are committed to overcoming it but, for now, our home is in the midst of recovering from this disorder. We ask for your patience as we work our way back into our summer routine. We appreciate those who have checked in with us to make sure we are doing ok. We appreciate the gentle reminder emails, stating that you have been enjoying your weekend since the last post but have moved on since that point and need an Alexander fix.

However, between Mommy being away at Leadership Camp and Daddy doing his best to avoid the high temperatures by finding indoor activities for a busy toddler to enjoy, the blog has been neglected. Once the house is back to some sort of order and routine, Mommy says she will have some sort of post for the blog, filled with witty remarks and cute pictures of a little boy, for your enjoyment.

Stay tuned!

TGIF!

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

Birthday party

Last Saturday was Ho-Ho Papa's birthday. He had no intention of didn't really want to celebrate but we love the chance to host a family BBQ and I love the chance to blow out birthday candles.


Thanks for being such a good sport, Ho-Ho Papa, and giving us an excuse to bring the family together this summer.

A few of our favorite photos from the day:

Who's at the door?

Welcome!!

Uncle RJ and Auntie Kimmie

Auntie Kimmie and Auntie Joanne (Happy Birthday, next week!)

Potato Chips! My favorite

Fidelia and Mommy

Fidelia and Me!

Mama, no more go.

Since this blog was originally created to keep readers updated on Alexander's progress, today's post is an update. When Mama returned from her work out today, Alexander was eating lunch and uttered, "Mama, no more go". This is Alexander's longest sentence, to date. For many his age, four word sentences were uttered months ago. However, Alexander is the kind of kid who has been busy developing his mobility so learning to talk has never a priority for him. In the past week, his vocabulary has doubled and Mama is secretly thrilled and relieved to hear the words.

It's kinda like having a sister...

I am a lucky boy. I have three older cousins. Mary is seven and David is three and this summer, they moved to CA. For the first time, they are finally on the west coast and we hope to see more of them. In fact, they will be here next week so I will post more about them, later.

My cousin Lorelli is six. Lorelli stays with us a couple of days each summer and I LOVE IT. She and I have the bestest of times when we play together. And it gives Mommy a chance to feel like she has a little girl in the house. They went shopping, had lunch at Red Robin and watched High School Musical 3. They definitely have quality girl time together.

Playing side by side


Jump! Jump!


Reading first thing in the morning

Lorelli tells great stories


Maybe next year I will look into the camera, too.

THE ZOO
During Lorelli's visit, along with three other adults, Mommy and Daddy took us, Cole, Addie, Delaney, Mason and Evan to the zoo...seven kids under the age of six. And if that wasn't enough, after the zoo, we invited Cole, Addie and Kieran over for a BBQ. Kieran is only seven months old but we let him play with us, too.

Waiting to walk into the zoo


Addie and Delaney


Cole and Mason


The Gang


Mommy and Me

At the zoo, they have this super cool climbing rock. I think Mommy and Daddy need to have one for our backyard because I totally loved it.

My climbing freaked Mommy out but she did a good job of staying calm.
Lorelli and Auntie Chelle


I'm not sure Daddy enjoyed our zoo adventure!

THE BBQ



While Cole and Lorelli played...


Addie and I took a bath!
(we were filthy after digging in the dirt and playing in the pool!)


Kieran loved playing with Handy Manny tools

And the four of us played happily ever after!

Home, Sweet R.V., Home

Earlier this week, we spent four days at the ocean with Big Papa and Umma in their R.V..This forty foot luxury home-on-wheels was quite comfortable for four adults and a toddler. Which was fortunate, because it rained for most of our trip so we spent quite a bit of quality time, sitting inside in style.

THE RIDE
The ride to the ocean took about 4 hours but we had plenty to keep ourselves occupied. Umma read books, told stories, and when all else failed, thank God we had a portable DVD player.

Off we go!

Watching Handy Manny (again)

Umma insisted on a picture with this binky

THE BEACH
With the weather being what it was, we tried to make it to the beach whenever there was a break in raindrops. Alexander enjoyed digging in the sand and building sand castles with Dad. I was able to get him to stomp in the surf one time; but then the surf came in and freaked him out. After that point, he would only venture to the edge of the ocean if someone was holding him. Luckily, there were plenty of washed up trees on the beach for goat-boy to climb with Big Papa.

Alexander sees the ocean!

And realizes it is really big. And really loud.

Couple of cute kids

Walk, walk, walk


A boy and his Papa

JUST HANGIN' OUT
Alexander was unbelievably well behaved for a two year old, cooped up in a R.V. for four days. He watched movies with Big Papa, had a slumber party each night and slept in Big Papa and Umma's room, played poker with us each night, and counted the rocks he collected for Umma. By the end of the trip, he wore Umma out. But she says we'll do it all again next year.

Big Papa and Alexander, watching Bob the Builder

Umma's rocks

Everyone should own a portable DVD player. Seriously.

"I don't like being squished...


...so I think I'll sit between you!"


Look how tired I made Umma!

Thanks for a great trip to the ocean!

Looking forward to next year!