Our Little Rainman ...

... who brings us so much sunshine. Mike crafted this adorable list of some of Aaron's habits and interests. He really seemed to capture Aaron as a little boy. I added an item to the end of the list. I decided to post it here, with Mike's permission of course!

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Just some thoughts, and wonderful memories regarding the one and only Aaron.

1. I love to hear him, no matter what time in the morning, getting up. I sit up in bed and look for him to come into the room. I stretch out my arms to him and he runs over (pat pat pat little steps) and climbs into bed with us. We cuddle up tight. He frequently goes back to sleep, but sometimes says, "Daddy warm my milk up," which I do.

2. Aaron likes gummy bears, chicken nuggets, milk, and especially macaroni and cheese.

3. Aaron likes to play outside on the swing, ride his bike, play with JT and Mitchell across the street, see his Ninas and Papas, go to the pool, play with trains and trucks, run through the hose, and dance when the stereo is turned on. He has a high knee type run that he does when he is dancing. Frequently his brother joins him and waves his arms. Aaron also enjoys singing and playing in the nursery at church.

4. Aaron always runs and gives me a big giant hug when I get home from work. He then says, "Daddy to play with me."

5. Aaron loves to ride in daddy's car. When given the option, he chooses daddy's car over the van anytime. He likes Nina's and Papa's truck most of all, however.

6. Aaron has a thing for elephants, trains, and little people. He thinks all the people in the house are his including the people given to Grant. Luckily Grant couldn't care less, usually.

7. Aaron frequently says, "I'm not a baby, I'm a big boy." His parents always confirm to him that he is a big boy.

8. Aaron always tells me he loves me. In the car he frequently tells everyone in the car he loves them over and over.

9. Aaron is learning to pray and prays for his food, regardless if it's food time or not. He likes to say the prayers.

10. Both his favorite color and flavor is orange. You can win him over with anything orange.

Aaron is awesome and we love him and his brother very very very very much.

Grant Turned One!

Sitting cute with cousin Leah







I'm obviously very behind on my posts since Grant turned one in May and here it is July. But, better late than never!

We had a little birthday celebration at my parents' home with pizza, cake, and ice cream. Aaron and Grant are quite the active duo, and anyone who watches them will agree! Grant is a delightful little boy and is starting to say "hi" and "bye." He also says, "mamama" (Yes, three "ma's.") He also points to his bed now when he's ready to go to sleep at night. If only it were that easy during the day when he and Aaron just seem to egg each other on! :)

Celebrity Run-In

Can anyone guess who this celebrity is? Or what movie she was in? I'll give you a hint: it was a film starring Julia Roberts set in England.

I spotted her in a bakery while visiting a friend in NYC in May. I had to have at least one celebrity run-in while in the city! (Even if some people don't know who she is!) She was very nice and said Julia was delightful to work with! (Important information, I know.) :)

We Miss Our Friends!

We took these pictures just before our good friends Ashley and family moved to Chicago. We miss them sooo much. We had playdates all the time. Ashley was (and still is) a dear friend, and Aaron and her son Oliver were great little playmates.

Ashley is a professional ballerina and is so graceful and elegant. Her husband Brian is a talented graphic designer. We hope they are doing great in their new home and are getting adjusted. We're so glad we had the opportunity to get to know this wonderful family and wish them the very best.

Thanks to Ashley for providing the photos!

Brothers

Camera-ready


Happy


Contemplative

Here Aaron is 2 1/2, and Grant is just over 1. They're starting to interact more and more - for better or worse. I think growing up they will definitely be glad they have each other! They really do bring us so much joy, and we certainly can't imagine our lives without these fun, lovable little boys! They are very busy. Days are especially good when their naps overlap, which is starting to be more of the norm than the exception. We love them!

What A Beautiful Day!

I thought I'd post a more serious photo and a goofier one. We were fortunate to have both sets of wonderful grandparents visit us on Saturday. Can you guess whose parents are whose? We had such a great day! It was a joint celebration of Father's Day and my birthday. Thanks to each of them for making the trip to come visit and for the wonderful gifts. Thanks to Dianne for providing the delicious cheesecake - with a nice helping of blueberries on the side.

We could not feel more blessed for the amazing role models that the grandparents are for our boys. Aaron and Grant adore all four of them, and Aaron always says, "I have two Ninas and two Papas." Yes, Aaron, you do! Thanks again for a great visit! We love you all very much. Happy Father's Day to Mike, Wayne, and Steve!

Grant's Stats

A little overdue, but just wanted to post Grant's one-year growth stats.

Weight: 23 pounds ~ 50th percentile
Height: 2 feet, 6 inches ~ 50th percentile
Head circumference: 47.5 cm ~ 75th percentile (I think)

He's a growing boy, so happy and exclusively walking now! We love our little guy. **Pictures to come.