Superheroes and another birthday…

"I’m batman!"
-Ashlyn

It’s funny what kids bring home from daycare.  Usually it’s artwork or colds, but this week Ashlyn brought home superheroes.  When asked what she did at pre-school, her reply was “I’m batman!” with the accompanying raised fist.

When asked, “anything else?” her arm went into the air and she declared:  “I’m Superman!”.  Personally, I can’t tell if she’s pretending to be superman or a 90’s hair band lead singer rocking out.

James didn’t start walking this week, but he continues to practice standing and cruising wherever he goes.  We’re convinced he’s a month, maybe two, away from graduating to full Toddler status.

Ashlyn on the other hand has moved on to practicing more advanced gymnastics through the house.  Standing in the living room and doing a tumble roll is no longer good enough.  Now she gets a running start from the kitchen, dodges wandering felines, and tumbles across the living room carpet.

This weekend was a first for Ashlyn, and the results were promising.  We’ve been hesitant to take Ashlyn to a play or musical because we weren’t sure if she had the patience for it.  When an opportunity came up to join Cousin Heidi and Aunt Tracy for a high school rendition of Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who”, Mom took Ashlyn and hoped for the best.  She (Ashlyn) was a little grumpy because we had to wake her up early from her nap, but she enjoyed the show once she woke up.

Later on Saturday the Wolfe clan got together to celebrate Uncle Brian’s birthday.  As always, everyone had a good time and the kids enjoyed getting to spend time with the family.  Happy birthday Uncle Brian!

The kids don’t often take a bath together but when they do Ashlyn takes endless joy putting bubbles on James.  He always gets a bubble mohawk and it’s typically followed with a bubble beard and bubble earmuffs.

When PePa came over on Sunday for breakfast he didn’t know that he was also in store for chalk drawing on the back porch.  He was a good sport though.  James, still too young to participate in drawing, played with his helicopter and looked cute.

Birthdays and play…

"I don't like classical music, it makes me sad."
-Ashlyn

Big sisters are part protector, part tormenter, and part teacher.  This week I’d like to highlight the latter attribute.  In the first picture below Ashlyn was trying to teach James how to draw the letter “H”.  But then she decided it would be better to teach him something much more valuable:  the “Gig ‘em” thumb.  He’s still working on it, but I’m proud that Ashlyn is taking her role as teacher seriously.

James really, really wants to walk.  The only thing holding him back is a lack of coordination and an inadequate understanding of how gravity works.  He still seems convinced to try though and in an effort to learn will pull himself and cruise on almost anything, including a leg.  He’s pretty excited about his practice.

With nice weather comes more yard work, and even though Ashlyn is still too young to mow the grass it didn’t stop her from cutting grass with scissors.  This particular grass is special, it was brought home by Ashlyn from daycare and seems to be thriving in a planter outside.

Sunday was Sisa’s birthday, and the family gathered at the famous Joe T. Garcia’s in Ft. Worth to celebrate.  Not pictured below is the actual birthday girl, because the camera was too busy photographing children.  Technically she is in one of the pictures, that’s her arm keeping a squirming baby Ben from flying out of the high chair.  Happy birthday sis!

Play time at the house is getting more interesting now that James is getting older.  What Ashlyn has, James wants.  What mom or dad has, James wants.  Sometimes James doesn’t seem to want what you have as much as he wants to make it hard for you to have it.  See exhibit A below.  James, recognizing that a friendly game of catch was in progress, decided that it would be a better game with an obstacle.  Luckily for us, his big sister is usually a good sport when it comes to his antics.  I don’t suspect that will last forever.

Go fish!

A scolding, a soaking, and a birthday…

"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest."
-Larry Lorenzoni

I’m happy to report that Ashlyn still likes her baby brother (most of the time) and is starting to take on the role of big sister.  By that I mean she’s starting to tell him what to do.  In the first picture below James was pulling on Nala’s tail.  Ashlyn came over, scolded him for pulling on Nala’s tail, and then gave him some puffs to distract him.  Then she wheeled him around the house in the umbrella stroller.  I think she’s sending mixed messages.

The weather was great this weekend and we spent some time outdoors working on the yard.  Ashlyn wanted to play with the water hose, but we wanted her to do something more useful since we feel that Ashlyn is old enough to start contributing to the household chores.  Ashlyn disagrees.  What started as a quick wash of Mom’s car turned into a running dash to safety as the camera (and Dad) felt the brunt of Ashlyn’s true feelings on the matter.

Once sufficiently dry, it was time to celebrate Mom’s birthday.  We had several gatherings this weekend, starting with a dinner at Outback Steakhouse with the Wolfe clan.  Ashlyn was fairly grumpy most of the evening, but warmed up once we got back to the house.  James on the other hand was everywhere, and it was a challenge to keep him contained.  After dinner we had a great time back at the house playing cards while Ashlyn played with her Favorite Person™.

On Sunday we got we got together with the Wolf/Flinn family for breakfast, mimosas, dancing and “made from scratch” pancakes that were much better than Bisquick, thank you very much.  Unfortunately we spent more time cooking than we did taking pictures so this is about all we have to share this week.  And it was good to see Auntie Sisa, Uncle Jeff and Baby Ben (not pictured) again.  That little boy is getting big!

And of course, a big happy birthday to Mom.  I was hoping to get some good pictures when we celebrated her birthday at the house, but Ashlyn tore through her presents so fast that I was only able to get one picture.

Happy Birthday Heather, we love you!