The Lake

We headed down to the lake for the weekend this morning. Lynn and Grace spent the day with us and we are having other company throughout the weekend! What a beautiful day it was today. My mom and the four girls all headed out on the boat for a ride and then to lunch at the marina. This was followed by a nap, swimming, playing, dinner and was completed by roasting marshmallows over the fire.

Grammy was a good driver with two assistants right on her lap. They were driving along and constantly honking the horn. It made them both giggle a lot!

Both girls are standing in a mini pool with their feet in the water. After a few minutes, Dawson got out and Grace decided to go swimming with her clothes on. We were laughing so hard because she was drenched and didn't even care. Even Dawson was cracking up!

Both girls were just climbing and sliding while dinner was in process.

I think Dawson was getting a little tired in this picture!

The girls enjoyed roasting marshmallows but, I'm not sure if they even ate any. Dawson ate the marshmallows plain while Grace ate the graham crackers and a little bit of chocolate.

Two friends taking turns. We heard a lot of "mine" today from the two, two year olds. After some coaxing and negotiating, we did have a little success with sharing. Another wonderful summer day!

An ALMOST Sleepover!

Last night Lynn had a wedding so I finally had the chance to watch the two girls together. From the moment they walked in the door, you would have thought they have been friends forever. Dawson went right over to Grace and asked for her hand. Then she guided her into the playroom (used to be known as the dining room!). Throughout the night they played together and independently. It's fun to sit back and just let them play.

We had one incident where Grace picked the "Wrong" swing. Dawson always picks the one here on the right. When Grace picked that one, Dawson was mad and told her "MY SWING!" Grace didn't know what to do! Welcome to the TWO's! Sharing, sharing, sharing. Dawson's not used to sharing her swingset! Sorry Grace!

They both sat and ate so well. We had home grown corn, peaches, yellow squash (neither liked this) and turkey burgers!

Later in the evening we went for a wagon ride. Halfway through the ride, the girls wanted to walk. I wonder what they are talking about?

Hanging out!

Both girls were so good and headed right up to bed when asked. They were tucked in and reading. After a few minutes, Grace decided she didn't like this idea and so I rocked her a few minutes and they were both out like a light! What a fun night with a good friend! Maybe Lynn will go out another night! We had a blast!

Summer Swinging

Last night I just snapped a few pictures while Dawson was swinging. I love all of her different expressions. One moment she's smiling, then pondering, then exploring then just having some good old fun!

We spent a little time yesterday in Cleveland at Memphis Kiddie Park. It's a tiny amusement park with rides geared towards very small children, about 5 and under. Dawson wouldn't go on any rides with our friends Mayna, Abby or Douglas. As you can see, she watched vigilantly through the fence! The only rides that interested her were the ones I had to go on too...the rollercoaster, the train and the carousel. I'm sure we will try it again this summer!

Pediatrician Visit

Good Bye Dr. Lugo..... Today we went for our two year check-up with Dr. Lugo. He is taking the opportunity of a life time and will be working at the new Children's Hospital Pediatric Emergency Center at the Bath Wellness Center. Hudson put one in a few years ago and it has been a success. It's an emergency room you can head to between the hours of 4-11p.m. when your regular Dr's office is closed and you don't want to head down to Children's Hospital. Dr. Lugo is Hispanic (that's why I picked him) and has been fantastic translating Dawson's medical history (from Spanish to English) since the day we came home. He really takes care of Dawson and we will miss him a lot! About Dawson....she is officially on the U.S. Growth Chart weighing in at 22.25 lbs, (5th percentile) and measuring 31 inches (2nd percentile). Everything else is perfect!

We will miss you Dr. Lugo!

Stroller Safari

Today we went to the Akron Zoo for our monthly zoo class, otherwise known as the Stroller Safari. The theme for this class was "Marine Life." As we entered, we created a fish craft, ate fish crackers, sang an ocean song then read a story. After all this, we headed up to the touch tank and the jelly fish exhibit. Since we go to the zoo so often, this wasn't new to us. Every time we go, Dawson loves to touch the Sea Stars (used to be called starfish but, someone discovered they are not fish so the name was changed!) and sea urchins. Probably her favorite thing to do is look at all the different kinds of jelly fish in the exhibit. They are quite amazing as you can see from the pictures. If you haven't seen this yet, try to check it out sometime. It's only here for another year or two!

Checking out some jellyfish.

These are known as "Moon Jellies." They are perfectly clear and you can see the insides of them. The reason they are peach in color inside is because they eat SHRIMP. Same ideas as Flamingos!

Reaching for the jellyfish.

Sprinkler Fun

Thanks Aunt Kathy and Uncle Ric for the adorable Elmo sprinkler. Another thanks to the Cook family for our new "stylin" swimsuit! We love it! Took some time to just relax and play in the water on Sunday. Dawson just kept touching the water coming out of Elmo and running away from it. She was having such a blast! When the sprinkler time was over, she headed down to the boat for a ride. Grammy's favorite thing to do is use the binoculars to see if she can find her friends on the other boats at the lake. When she put them down, Dawson decided to take a look for herself! It's only a matter of time Grammy and she will be telling everyone everything you do! BEWARE!!! Ha ha ha!