What a sweet face

Eli Hope continues to be a happy, mellow little guy. His favorite places to be are: outside, in his swing, swaddled in his cradle, or in someone's arms. He has been cooing and squealing for awhile now, but he just started laughing this weekend, and oh, what a sound! There is nothing like the joyful laughter of a baby. Here are a few shots from the past couple of weeks.










And lest you think he is a perfect child, here he is during my attempt at an Easter photo shoot. Bummer. At least you can see how cute they all looked...

Nana Lucy and cousin Liberty were here a few weeks ago. Lucy generously spoiled the kids with a number of birthday gifts, their favorite being a tea set. Liberty taught them how to have tea parties with their stuffed animals, which they think is grand fun. Here are a few pictures of one of their recent tea parties. Notice the difference between Grace's version and Isaac's version. They are such characters!








Nana Lucy and her lap-full of grandkids (she has three more not pictured here!)

A Life Well Lived

Our sweet Nana left this earth early last week. Grace Marie Webb was a dear woman to a multitude of people. I have been recalling many memories of Nana this past week and, of course, smile with each recollection.

I remember laying on the floor reading stories with Nana; walking her loop around their property in the humid Illinois air; gathering eggs from the hen house; picnics on the old farm; watching Andy Griffith in the middle of the afternoon; catching fireflies; playing board games. I remember being disgusted when she showed me how to clean the fish we caught at Mac's; being impressed when we taught her to snow ski in her 70's; being proud when she taught me how to make my first pineapple-upside down cake; being almost frightened when I was a little girl and she snapped at me for laying down in the backseat without my seat belt on - still the only time I recall seeing her angry; being devastated when I first witnessed the disease taking away her sharp mind.

What I remember most fondly were our early mornings together. With the possible exception of my teenage & college years, I have always been an early riser. However, at Nana's I always woke up even earlier than usual because I knew that meant I would get time alone with Nana (and often Papa) before everyone else woke up. We would sit out in the Adirondack chairs on the back patio, Nana sipping her coffee and eating her thinly sliced toast, me eating the sugar cereal that she bought for us and hid in the cupboard below the counter. This little ritual began when I was quite small, so I don't even recall what we talked about, just that we were together, and that was enough.

During her later years, I remember her giggling when she didn't know what else to say or do; her continued love of people and nature; the way her eyes lit up and for a few brief moments, we caught a glimpse of the real Nana again when she first met Grace, Isaac & Kolby.

I sure wish I could have been in Illinois last week to celebrate her life, but I know she was well honored and I've been celebrating from afar. I love you Nana, thank you for the example of a life well lived.

TWO!!

The past few weeks it has become apparent that I do, indeed, have two-year-old twins on my hands. They are becoming more and more feisty, independent, temperamental, intelligent, verbal, energetic, and FUN! Although they don't really understand what it means at this point, they are quite excited that today is their birthday and they will gladly tell you that they are TWO while holding up an assortment of fingers to prove it. While we aren't celebrating with a party this year, I wanted to take a few minutes to celebrate who these two are at this point in their lives by telling you a bit about them and sharing a few of my favorite pictures of each of them from the past year.


Isaac Justice

Descriptors that come to mind when I think of Isaac: on-the-go, laughter, tender, strong, all-boy, mischief, loud, determined, adorable, full of life

Things Isaac loves to do: take things apart, cuddle, read, "run naked", jump, hold Eli, laugh, explore, tackle, be outside, eat, play with water, ride in Poppa's truck, give hugs (and he honestly gives great hugs!), play with Grace - as long as she shares...










Gracelynn Isabelle

Descriptors that come to mind when I think of Grace: observant, sweet, musical, spunky, independent, gentle, playful, generally easy going (though when she's mad, watch out!), fun-loving, thoughtful, beautiful

Things Grace loves to do: sing, dance, "run naked", hide and wait for someone to find her, share with Isaac, cook, be tickled or chased, read, be outside, dress up, be held, go to church, eat sweets, play with friends, watch Elmo, do just about anything as long as Isaac is with her...









Disclaimer: I promise I am not putting these two into gender roles with my descriptors and things they enjoy, it's just who they are! :) But don't worry, Isaac loves to wear Grace's dress up shoes, and Grace loves to play in the dirt!

A few of their favorite things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...ok, not quite, but Sound of Music is one of my favorite movies! Much to our chagrin, winter has decided to hang on a little longer, so I thought I'd show you a few of Grace & Isaac's favorite indoor pastimes.

Cooking. Just about anytime I'm in the kitchen, the kids ask if they can cook with me. They even have little aprons, thanks to Nana Lucy. I think Isaac is actually wearing Grace's here...



Elmo. Who knew this fuzzy little creature could keep even Isaac entertained for an entire episode? Not to mention teaching them how to hop on one foot, wash their hands, the difference between fast & slow and more! I laughed with a few friends when Eli was born saying I would have to try to train the kids to sit and watch tv as they've never been interested in it before. Well, thanks Elmo, apparently you're just what they needed!




Reading, reading, reading. Current favorites include: Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown, Jamberry, by Bruce Degen, and Whoever You Are, by Mem Fox





Dance Parties (preferably without clothes) to Ingrid Michaelson, Wailin' Jennies, and when they're really feeling feisty, even Beyonce! Rest assured, their kid favorites include We Are the Dinosaurs, The Hokey-Pokey, Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, The B-I-B-L-E, and Ring Around the Rosie.




Playing in water. Whether it is washing their hands over and over in the sink (thanks again, Elmo),pretending to cook or give their toys baths in the tubs pictured below, or taking baths themselves, G & I love water. We're looking forward to spring when they can do some serious puddle jumping! For now, they wear their rain boots around the house.





Outings to Mobius Children's Museum, Jump & Party, and play dates with friends. This picture is with their buddy AJ, taken at his birthday party.



Since they really are outdoor kids, most days we take a walk and end up on campus at Whitworth so they can run around & get some energy out! I have yet to remember the camera on one of our winter walks.

Last, but certainly not least: Eli Hope. Grace & Isaac love their little brother and enjoy giving him hugs & kisses, poking him, bringing him toys, and "helping" me bathe him and change his diapers. I think they're ready for the day when he can actually play with them - I guess they'll be waiting awhile yet.