at the park

Much easier to capture her picture. She neither walks nor rides an oddly named bike.

She tried out the rocker toys for the first time.

She liked it pretty well.

It was much more fun with Brother, at least he thought so.

I'm gonna let you come up with your own caption for this one.

I get MUCH better pictures when I don't ask to take their picture. I asked.

This is her squisher face.

Even though we don't have a backyard, the kids typically play outside every day, weather permitting. It is much more relaxing to take photos when I am not chasing an almost 4 year old around on his bike making sure he stays safe, stops an appropriate distance from intersections, stays to the right of the path and encourage him when he falls. This will all change when Vivi starts walking and climbing and running so I'm enjoying while it lasts.  

more toffee

This is what I'm looking at these days.

I had to run ahead for this one and quickly jump out of the way because there was no stopping him.

Obeying all of the traffic laws.

Into the park and off he goes.

After two times around the lake, he was tired enough to slow for some posed shots.

I love this one.

A 'natural' smile.

He loves Toffee
Yes, he doos
He loves Toffee,
How 'bout yoos?

so grown up

I'm dying.

After I came out from getting Viv back to sleep (she's recently discovered standing in her crib and can't quite figure out how to get back down), I see some little feet moving on the porch. I look further and Avery is lounging in the chair reading Scott's library book. The grownup-ness of this kills me. The book, the recline, the crossed feet, the diligent way he's checking to make sure the title of the book is on each and every page. 

Seriously. These are easily my new most favorite pictures.

back to sand park

Since I had a few errands to run in Stapleton, I thought a dinner picnic at Sand Park would be a great way to end the day. Avery REALLY wanted Einstein's bagels but it was closed. He later told me that when he grows up he's going to have his own Einstein's and keep it open for dinner. That'll show em!

Lashes!

It is so nice of the other kids to leave their toys at the park.

Hi, Mommy!

How boys play. Pushin' a truck.

Beautiful Lou playing in the sand.

Still pushin' a truck.

Trying to climb up on the rock. Meanwhile...

Avery is still pushin' a truck.

unconditional love

Working with Grandma on a sticker project.

Concentrating

Learning how to use scissors.

It's too bad no body loves you, Avery.

Reluctant love.

I know right now the kids probably take for granted the amount of love they are surrounded by, and it should be that way. Unconditional love from many sources should be a given for every single kid. However, I hope that some day, when they're older, both Avery and Vivi will realize how magical their childhood was...it will probably be when they have their own kids and realize I was right the whole time, hahahaha!

post toffee & soccer & famer's market

This is what you get when you spend the morning adopting bikes, playing soccer in the sun and dining at the farmer's market...two pooped kids (and some tired adults too).

post toffee & soccer farmer's market

Waiting in line for the Biscuit Bus

C'mon, Auntie Sarah, keep up!

I'm pretty sure the rash is caused by raspberries.

Vivi using Daddy's hand as an eating utensil.

Our final stop of the morning was to the farmer's market for some lunch. Avery, not surprisingly was much more interested in riding Toffee than eating. Luckily, Auntie Sarah was on hand to follow him around...and around.

post toffee soccer

Advancing his skills...note the tongue.

Poppin' the balloon...it's still out.

Wrong ball, Vivi!

So Saturday was BUSY. We went right from adopting Toffee to soccer. Annabelle and Cathryn came to watch even though the sun was blazing and it was hot, hot, hot. Avery was the only one who didn't seem to notice. He's actually pretty decent at soccer and keeps at it during the scrimmages, which by the way, might be some of the funniest things I've ever witnessed - ten little kids moving en masse around the ball. Kid scrum!

I think his power comes from his tongue. It's constantly out. You'll notice it in most of the pictures I post with Toffee as well. 

toffee

Avery covered his eyes with Bebe as to not ruin the surprise.

It took him a few seconds to sound out 'bicycle,' but then he knew what was up.

Trying out Toffee for the first time.

I think it's the right size!

Getting fitted for a helmet.

Off he goes, around the store.

And around...

And around...

That's one happy boy right there

Welcome to the family, Toffee.

Avery's birthday came early this year. We had been planning on getting him a bike for his 4th birthday since a day after he turned 3 and since a lot of the family was in town and we wanted him to be able to get some use out of it before winter, we got the bike a little early. I think this experience has a good chance of lasting throughout Avery's life. I distinctly remember getting my first bike, Sunshine. It was chained to a tree at a neighbor's house and cost $30. It was orange with long handle bars and a banana seat.

Initially, I thought we would go the balance bike route since it is much more effective at teaching kids how to ride on two wheels than training wheels. However, Avery was so not interested in the balance bikes and immediately took to a certain 2 wheeled bike with training wheels. There was some frustration as he figured out how to pedal, but soon, he was zooming around the store. He was having so much fun that we decided to forgo the balance bike and get the one with training wheels. 

After the decision was final, I told Avery that he needed to choose a name for his bike and he immediately responded with, "Toffee." Toffee it is.

Getting one's first 2 wheeled bike is such a big step and it hardly seems possible that Avery is the one riding around. He has taken to bike riding like no other physical activity. He has ridden Toffee every day since, most days, twice and he is usually waiting on his bike, helmet on just outside of the elevator when I get home from work. He already had the great idea of bringing his bike next time we go on a hike and really thinks he just invented mountain biking!

I am so thankful to everyone who contributed to this most excellent gift. Happy early birthday, Avery!