The kids are fast becoming little people with their own language, minds & attitudes. I am trying my best to turn princess Lucy into a tomboy & Hunter into a little talker. But, as any parent knows, there are certain traits that your children are just born with.
Lucy continues to blow my mind with her beauty -- sometimes I look at her & just wonder how I (we) made such a beautiful little creature. Her tiny little features, her kind, loving spirit, her laughter, her ever-challenged brain. Lucy is speaking full force now, repeating almost any word that comes out of my mouth. She is constantly pointing out things wherever we are, "Cat" on a book... "Duck" at the lake"... "Truck" on the road -- it is insane how much she has absorbed in her short life. She is so happy these days, waking up with a huge smile on her face & spending most of her days sitting alone wherever we are just taking in her surroundings -- almost like a little adult. One of my favorite things she does lately is her dancing -- she absolutely loves music -- just like her dad. Her little shakes & grooves have turned into full on dancing routines around the house & her new favorite dance tune is any Beach Boys song. I tried to memorize part of one of their songs -- I Get Around -- so we can sing/dance together whenever the time feels right. And each time we do, it definitely feels right.
Hunter is becoming more challenging -- mainly because I'm not a boy. My wonderful, easy, perfect little son is now on the move constantly & completely fearless. He runs into lakes, oceans, over couches -- you name it. He is still obsessed with trucks, cars, etc. -- and loves driving in the car to check out the motorist scenery. One of the sweetest moments ever was when we were driving over to the Olympic Peninsula recently & he saw a huge truck with a picture of a bear eating honey on it... the kid pointed at it so sweetly & looked over at me like "Mom, that is sooo amazing... truck, bear, food... all at once." Who knew such simplicity could exist.
They are playing really well together & I am so thankful they have each other. They wake up to each other every single morning & have little conversations about their day. They fight, scream, laugh with each other... and are really there for each other. Whether it is bringing each other a drink or finding a long lost toy that one hid away somewhere or sharing a cookie... I truly believe that encouraging teamwork is going to pay off in dividends as they get older.
We have been on so many trips since May -- including San Diego to visit my Aunt & cousins, Olympic peninsula to go camping with Nick's family & Lincoln City where I spent my childhood vacationing & where I hope to form many future memories for my own children. Each getaway had it's own share of challenges & delights -- including a 3 hour flight home from San Diego where Lucy screamed the entire time -- but overall traveling with them has become quite manageable.
As for me, I am starting to loath pushing two 30+ lb. kids in a jogger stroller & really enjoy the moments where I can workout, shop, think for myself -- even if it just for a brief moment. My age is definitely showing more these days & I am trying (really trying) my best to roll with the punches & realize that aging is beautiful in it's own way. And that what matters is the laughter you share with your children not the 6-mile run you promised yourself you would get in.
Here are some pics for your to enjoy!
18 month photo in honor of our Ma:
Olympic Peninsula (Kalaloch) with the Haney's:
Seaside on the way down the coast:
Last stop on our coastal adventure, Lincoln City:
And here is some old pics from Easter that I stole from my sister-in-law Cheryl (thank you!):
