The Cahill's

My sister, Lori, and her husband Jonathan came for a visit last weekend. Here are some of the highlights!

Lance got his birthday present from Gammy – a fire hat! He also got a box of raisins from Aunt Lori and proceeded to eat the entire box upon opening. Ivy tried the big slide at the park – exhilarating.

We played Bocci while grilling a fajita feast! L&J won – though it seems Brian has a handicap…

Went to the Stockyards on Monday. Lori took this shot of me and the kids. (note Ivy eating the rocks)

L&J had couple bonding time trying to race through a huge wooden maze.

The kids whiled away the time in a stage coach. Almost couldn’t get Lance out when it was time to leave!

Lori picked up a cute cowboy who was hanging around the depot. Just needs a hat and he’d be perfect.

Next stop: Botanical Gardens. Got a sisters shot and a rare one of Amy up a tree. We explored many forgotten trails.

The kids enjoyed the outdoors immensely and were the only ones not worn out by the end of the trip.

We had a great time visiting and talking, playing and laughing. I love family.

Looking forward to another visit and a birthday party this weekend!

The weather has taken a beautiful turn so the kids and I have headed out door for a little fun.

Ivy loves the new area to explore. Nothing bothers her as she crawls full steam ahead through sand, dirt and grass.

I introduced Lance to the fun of dandelions. This was such an intriguing pastime that he found and picked just about every one that graced our friends backyard. Thanks to his industriousness there should be double the amount of “flowers” next time we come to play.

Lance never really got the hang of blowing, but Landon sure did.

While the highlight of my day is when Brian walks through the door, my two little companions make many bright spots in-between times.

Ivy is a determined little critter – she may be second born but she’s doing her best to keep up. Merely weeks after mastering the crawl she surprised us by pulling up to a stand – all on her own in the other room. She loves this new form of motion and practices everywhere.

And again, while Lance claims the title of “potty trained”, Ivy follows close behind. While there was a period of time where the effort didn’t seem worth it, both kids have passed over a hump and the training has paid off. No dirty diapers at this house!

With Ivy following in his footsteps, Lance continues to forge ahead into new talents and skills. Just the other day he tried his hand at cooking. He is growing in awareness and his ability to communicate his thoughts. When driving by Brian’s work Lance queried “Daddy? Daddy?” And when we went house hunting without his sister he questioned her empty seat every time we got in the car.

He likes to experiment with new objects and is starting to mimic his environment. Last night Lance and I played make believe for the first time, praying over and eating plastic food. Another time I was singing a song off a kids CD we listen to and he started “singing” another song from the same CD – head, shoulders, knees and toes – with some accompanying motions; boy was I shocked!

Of course, learning multiplies itself in the form of many teachers. Don’t think I’ll have to teach my last kid anything!