Breakfast for Dinner

Before dinner this evening Jude and I sat down to read some of the new books that my sister Marsey brought to us this weekend. Jude chose to read a book that involves placing Cherrios on every page. I couldn't argue with his dinner choice.... he's such a picky eater, and Cherrios are one of the healthiest foods that I can occasionally get him to eat. Of course, after eating about 2 cups of Cherrios, dinner had to end in dessert....

Coolin' Off Period

Today it was unbelievably hot and humid. Jude discovered how much fun it can be playin' around with the hose. He finally chose to cool off after another 30 minute tantrum. This time it took me holding him, singing softly, and sitting in the pool gently sprinkling water over his feet to get him to finally settle down.




Here are some views of our backyard around the pond. Jude loves walking through the flowers on the slate path.



O.K. this is the last one, I promise.... Jude woke up from a long nap. We headed outside for a dip. Somewhere between the back door and the backyard, he completely broke down. I think he had it in his mind that we were going to pack up the van and head to his friend Ben's house for a dip.

My Little Angel is Coming into His Terrible Two's

Only open if you dare.... Jude's been having many tantrums lately. They may partly be arriving due to his father's departure. I know he misses Joel quite a bit, so I'm hoping he'll have an easier time once Joel gets home. Mostly, I feel that Jude knows exactly what he wants now, but is having difficulty expressing himself with his limited vocabulary. Whatever is bringing on the tears....I sure hope it changes soon. The tantrums often last for more than 30 minutes at a time.

While Daddy's Away, the Boys did Play...

Joel's gone to Oregon for the week working on research. So far, we've managed to keep busy enough not to miss him too terribly. (Although, tonight there was a definite meltdown....) Rebecca and Ben invited us over to their house this morning for a playdate.

Notice the dog collar around Jude's neck? (Go Blue!) Jude has been insisting on wearing Jack's collars. He knows right where to find them, and has learned to snap them on himself......

Slides, until today have been very scarey. Jude hasn't been much of a climber, nor has he wanted to attempt even the shortest of slides.... this was a big breakthrough. He was so proud of himself!

After playing in the water Jude's shorts were soaked.... What do you think? A calendar shot?

The Goof is in the Pudding

For all of you who love the food shots....these pictures are for you. Jude's just being his normal goofball self.

Brave Boy

Sunday, we took a family trip to Pawtuckaway State Park. We weren't the only ones taking advantage of the beautiful weather... there was a hoppin' party goin' on down by the beach. We didn't mind, and Jude couldn't get into the water fast enough. With the water feelin' about as warm as bath water, Jude was feeling exceptionally comfortable. He was bravin' the deep end, makin' new friends, laughin' at the fact that he was gettin' splashed, and even took a dive head first into the drink. (Scared us half to death.... but he came up with a smile on his face.)

Where's Jude?

This exibit at the Children's Museum takes place in many different countries. Jude was fascinated that he could see himself on the television. What he doesn't quite understand yet is that there are costumes to dress as they do in the different countries. Someday, he'll be into dressing up and will take part in the culturistic dances from around the world.

Packers Falls '09

Our trip to Packers Falls was a far cry from our visits last year.... With all of the rain that we've had this summer, the falls were definitely flowing much higher and faster. Jude has also developed a bit of fear for deep water. He was clinging to "Daddy" while kicking and splashing.

Sticker Anybody?

Today, during lunch Jude caught a glimpse of some stickers. Where to stick a sticker when you have a bare tummy? You guessed it, on the belly. Occasionally, he forgot which hand had the black bean burger, and which had the sticker. He found it absolutely silly when the sticker made it into his mouth. What a goofy boy!

He refused to take any of the stickers off....so we played a bit of peek-a-boo with the stickers under his t-shirt. He took a nap with his stickers. When he woke, we decided to take a dip in the Lamprey River. Luckily, most of the stickers came off without much of a fuss.

Our Little Sprinkler

Not only did Jude enjoy his first encounter with the sprinkler....he's become a little sprinkler himself. A couple of days ago we had a playdate at the Warren's house. Andrea had nicely set up the pool so that Jude and Liv could take a dip. By the end of the playdate Jude's diaper was soaked and it was time for a dry diaper. When I stripped him down he ran into the wood, took one look down, and started to pee. He was so facinated with himself that he kept pushing and trying to go.... next thing I knew, he was taking a squat in the woods (# 2). I guess he's ready for Africa and the pit toilets.....

MA X 2 = Fun

This weekend we braved the toll booths heading into MA twice....

READING, MA

When we learned that our friends Matt and Christen Buman were in Reading MA to visit family, we jumped into Hercules (our mini van) to crash their cookout. We met the Buman's through The Family Church in Gainesville, FL. As it turns out, Christen went to Calvin college and already knew Joel's brother Dave....what a small world. Matt and Christen now live in CA in the bay area.

RIVERFEST
Newburyport, MA

Saturday, we enjoyed the nice breeze amid the crowds that gathered in Newburyport to listen to some great bands. We met the Warrens (Andrea, Drew, and Liv) along the waterfront. The kids loved dancin' while the adults tried to correl them into a safe area. How many adults does it take to watch 2 toddlers?

Berry Pickin'

One of the wonderful things about owning our own home is the fantastic yard that comes with it. We have more plants and perennials than either Joel or I can name. In the last week, we've been able to enjoy all the ripe raspberries from our little berry patch. Jude thinks it's nice being able to pick all of the good ones.