The second half of our summer was just as busy as the first and we took full advantage of our time outdoors. We spent many days at the neighborhood parks, splash pads, the MN zoo (as Auntie Cortie says 'you guys could be tour guides'), the Como Zoo (although we rarely actually see any animals because of the rides), Cascade Bay (Oliver and Dad flipped on a tube slide), and festivals (we were regulars at the Eagan Market Fest and discovered our new favorite, Irish Fest).
We capped off the summer with a trip to the cabin with Amma, Sam, Cort, Rae & Row. This year we went to Boyd Lodge in Crosslake. The week was a bit bumpy but Oliver had the time of his life with his 'cuzins' and did all sorts of new things like fishing, making s'mores, and staying up late. I wouldn't trade the memories for the world although we admittedly left a day early!
Watching the two of you develop your relationship as siblings, friends, and challengers is absolutely priceless. Oliver is gentle and tender with Elsie 99% of the time. You call her 'stinky butt' or 'my little princess' and tantalize her by jumping around and being goofy. The other 1% of the time usually earns you a time out but that's enough said, nothing too bad so far. If I haven't already told you, Auntie Cortie zipped me up in a suitcase when I was a baby and told Amma we could buy a new baby at the store. I'm hoping Elsie escapes without a story to tell.
Our new favorite fall activity is "Open Gym" on Saturdays mornings at Elite Gymnasium. We first visited for Rowan's birthday party and Oliver was sold. You love jumping on the trampolines, playing with the foam shapes, and running around like a nut on the mats. Elsie loves it too - you get to toddle around on all sorts of fun stuff and not hurt yourself when you fall!
You are both growing like weeds and doing new things all of the time. Dad and I watch in wonder, just hoping the time will slow down and we can eek out every moment together.
Oliver is singing the ABC's now and not even missing a letter. You use a sweet singing voice and I always ask you to do it again because it's so adorable! You are also speaking in sentences now, amazing Dad and I with every complete thought you put together. You are infatuated with sports of all kids. Even when we go to huge toy stores, you pick out some sort of sports equipment each and every time. You've recently learned how to do a somersault and you call it a 'flip' which is precious. You're working on potty training although it has been a bit hit & miss. We keep a potty chart on the fridge and the stickers seem to come in waves! You and I have developed a really fun nighttime routine that I try to extend every night. We first name each & every one of your family members and friends, and say good night to them ("Daddy go ni-night," etc.) then we say "I love you more than the moon, and the sun, and the stars in the sky. I love you more than the mountains and the rivers, and the oceans, and the trees. I love you more than the whole wide world." You love it and you've been repeating it during the day when you get tired. I'm going to keep adding it and making it longer so I can enjoy our time even more! :)
Elsie is always changing and growing with each passing day. You are really coming into your own and developing the most adorable personality. You've started to communicate with crazy, high-pitched squeals with both positive and negative meanings. You've been saying "Hi" for a while and "Da-Da" too, and I could've sworn you said "Tickle-tickle" today! You've been standing up for quite a while also, and are very adept at 'couch surfing' but you are only taking 1-3 steps on your own. You started walking behind a 'pusher toy' this weekend and it's so fun to see you cover some ground! You are also clapping and you actually understand the meaning of it. You clap when you see your food, or your toys, or especially your brother. :) You love baby food and other solids like applesauce, yogurt, cheerios, etc. I'm obsessively nervous about you choking so I'm easing you in slowly! Unfortunately your new found freedom has caused you to have lots of head bumps and body spills. You have such a fun personality that you sometimes just stay laying wherever you fell and laugh at yourself. As much as I hate seeing you fall (and seeing the bruises/welts) I love when you lay there and giggle...it's infectious. You're really starting to figure out the super important things in the world too, like how to use a remote control (you hunt them down and turn to point them at the TV) and cell phones (you even use your baby monitor as a phone, hold it up to your ear, and say "hi" - priceless).
With Halloween right around the corner we went to "Zoo Boo" at Como Zoo for the first time tonight, along with Cort, Sam, Rae, Rowan, Carly, Brian, Callie, Eva, and Carter. Elsie was irresistible in her cupcake costume, although you weren't super fond of it. You were warm and stayed in the stroller (most of the time) so you were having a pretty good time. Oliver also had a blast even though you refused to interact with the employees and volunteers that were dressed-up along the route. You were an adorable lion so they were extra interested in you at the zoo, but you just weren't having it. You aren't real sure about this whole Halloween thing so Dad carried you most of the way but you sure were on your best behavior when we approached each candy stand...just as any 2.5 year old should be!
I can't wait to take you guys out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood on Monday. It's hard to believe we were just a family of 3 last year and Oliver was riding in the stroller, dressed up as a baby chicken. It's also hard to believe that we'll be celebrating Elsie's first birthday in a few, short weeks. As much as I wish I could stop time and keep you guys young forever, I also treasure every new and exciting experience that we share as a family. I feel beyond blessed to be a part of it all, and beyond proud to be your mom.
Love you more than the whole wide world,
Mom
