Summertime!

Oliver & Elsie -

Summer is finally in full swing and the Hormanns are ready! Every day seems new in our house these days - at least once a week one of you physically looks different when you come home from a day at Mary's house. I don't know where the time has gone but my monthly posts are slowly becoming quarterly at best.

I don't want to forget all of the family outings and explorations, and all of milestones and memories. The past couple of months have been crazy busy but mostly fun...mostly.

Poor baby Elsie got really sick in early April and ended-up on a nebulizer while Dad was out of town. Most kids would be miserable and unbearable but not Elsie - you gladly sucked on/chewed on the mouthpiece and even laughed your way through one of the treatments. Your personality amazes me!

Uncle Andrew came home for his Bachelor Party and brought Auntie Vicki's brother, Tim, with him. Oliver had so much fun spending time with him in the basement and Andrew loved getting to know Elsie better. Oliver really took to Tim and repeatedly insisted that Tim come inside and play with you in the basement - priceless.

Easter was especially fun this year - Oliver really enjoyed dyeing eggs, hiding eggs, hunting for eggs, and opening eggs! You were so excited about the dyeing part that we went back for multiple dozens of eggs so you could try all sorts of combinations. It was our first real 'project' in the kitchen and I hope I never forget it. Elsie was unbelievably adorable in her Easter dress from Gamma...I wanted to parade you around town but you weren't really on board. Oh well, at least I got a cute picture!

On May 20th Mom & Dad skipped town and left you guys home for a night to celebrate Andrew & Vicki's wedding in Florida! Oliver stayed with Rae & Rowan and Elsie stayed with Ama. I can definitely say that I spent MUCH more time planning for the trip and worrying about the trip than I did actually on the trip. Needless to say, it was a beautiful wedding and I am so happy we were able to make it work.

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Rowan's 4th birthday with him at Elite Gymnastics. Oliver had the time of his life and we watched adoringly with all of the other parents. You followed directions like a champ and performed all of the 'moves' with style. I hope I never forget that either!

We've also celebrated Mother's Day (brunch at Al Baker's), Mom's birthday (at Pa's house), Dad's birthday (Oliver made a cake), and Father's Day this coming weekend! Gampa & Gamma were nice enough to come stay with you so we could stay downtown for our 6th anniversary last Saturday. We had so much fun re-living our downtown days but spent most of the time missing you guys!

We've already made a few trips to the zoo, visited the Falls, explored some new parks in the area, gone back to visit our old neighborhood park, and ventured out all over the city. I can't wait for many more busy weekends to come.

Oliver has been spending a lot of time lately playing any and every available ball game. You love baseball the most and quickly graduated from a tee to pitching, you love bowling, soccer, basketball, golf, football and pretty much anything else related to a sport. You just got a 'big boy' haircut last weekend and you look so, amazingly grown-up. I mourned your curls (o.k. I'm still mourning them) but I keep telling myself this is just your summer look.

You both have recently taken a liking for Sid the Science Kid and Dora the Explorer...lots of videos on the iPad, especially in the mornings! :)

Elsie is starting to sit on her own but hasn't yet figured out how to sit up. You are also trying so hard to crawl but it's still just a wiggle / scoot motion. No teeth yet but they're definitely on the way...your gums are starting to get white which I know is a good sign. You are still the happiest child on the planet and you have been especially cute lately in your new summer clothes. Wow, mom is having a lot of fun dressing you!

You are both the most amazing children and we love you more than you'll ever know. We both treasure every minute we have with you and can't wait until the next time.

Love you both to pieces,

Mom