Growing Boys

Just a quick update- it seems the boys are changing and growing so quickly!

Nicholas now has a chore chart on the refrigerator with four tasks that he must complete each day:

• Make his bed
• Take out the recycling
• Help clear the table after meals
• Pick up his room

He is very excited about his daily jobs, and if I offer to help him with one, he says, "No, I can do it myself!"

We also completed the reading of his first chapter book recently. It was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and he loved having Chris and I read to him a bit of it each day. Now we're enjoying Charlotte's Web.

Daniel is on the fast track to being potty trained! (At least, I'm hoping he's on the fast track!) He will use his little potty almost every time I put him on it, and even tells me when he has to go sometimes. We went out yesterday and bought Thomas the Train and Sesame Street underpants for him to wear while we're at home.

While Chris and I were in Aruba, our moms taught him to go into time-out! Unfortunately, he usually needs to do so a few times each day. Thanks, Moms, for showing that he is capable of something I didn't think he could do yet!

Portraits

Above are our latest portraits. I was happy to get some good ones of the boys together since Daniel was so uncooperative last time around, and I only got individuals of Nicholas. Daniel is going to be two in a week, and I thought it would be fun to upload a pic of him last July, just before his first b-day. (Compare the photos with black backgrounds.)
What a difference in one year! To our chagrin, he is getting to be less and less baby-like every day...

Aruba

Five years later, and we were back in Aruba last week! A lot has changed for us since 2004! We had a wonderful time, despite missing the boys, especially towards the end of the week. (A big thanks to our dear moms for coming up to VA to care for them while we were away!)

Our adventures in Aruba included Chris getting "stung" by a sea urchin. He had to pull out the long black quills and, following a native's advice, pour vinegar into the wound. Fortunately, it didn't slow him down for long.

We did lots of snorkeling, having brought our own gear this time around. The number of beautiful fish down there always amazes us, and reminds me of Psalm 104: "How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all...there is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number..."

We thought we may have seen a barracuda down there one day, but after looking at some photos online, I'm relieved to say that it probably wasn't one after all.

We had some awesome dinners, read lots and lots of books, and got decent suntans while there. Also, we rented a car this time around, which allowed us to explore other parts of the island. If you need a chuckle, check out the photo of Chris with our orange Picanto!

"Our" Island- well actually, our hotel's!

Brave Chris- petting an iguana!

California Lighthouse

Our rental car was eye-catching, to say the least

the harbor- near our hotel

Summer Fun

Fourth of July Ice Cream Treat

SLIP-N-SLIDE!

Swimming Lessons

We've had a wonderful summer so far! Above are pics of Nicholas learning to write letters (L was his first!), D and N playing in the yard with sprinklers and slip-n-slide, enjoying ice cream, and most recently, battling with light sabers (a gift from our kind neighbors who insist on spoiling the boys and bringing them gifts each time they take a trip!). Hope your summer is just as fun!