Working Man

Between school, camp, and time at the Homestead, Steven has had a busy summer, but that doesn't mean he hasn't had time for work.  Over the last couple of weeks Steven has spent quite a bit of time at each or our offices and he's become very comfortable.  

During a staff meeting at Tommy's office he even felt comfortable enough to let Tommy's boss know that it was time to go to lunch when she asked if everyone wanted to adjourn for lunch or stay for an additional 30 minutes to finish the meeting.  No one spoke up, Steven decided it was time for lunch, and lunch it was.  Good work buddy.  

We'll do anything for fireworks

Our 4th of July fireworks this year took place on dreary July 3rd at the Royals game.  We were worried that the game might be delayed or fireworks canceled, but all sounded well on the pregame broadcast so we headed to the stadium.  Things did not go to plan.  We arrived at the stadium in time to hear over the radio that the game would be delayed, possibly an hour. After an hour of family time in the car, we headed in to find . . . 

 the tarp still on the field.  An hour after that, the game finally started shortly after 9 PM

 Needless to say we thought we'd be waking the kids up when it was time for the fireworks, but Lyla had other plans.  Although Asa and Steven each got in a nap, Lyla Jean watched the game in its entirety.  At 1230 when the fireworks started she was ready to go; glad to see her staying power put to good use.    

Asa at 7 Months

You are starting to change ... and I don't like it. You are looking much older. I can tell that you are more aware of what your siblings are doing, you watch them intently. You voice your displeasure and excitement so much more readily now. I just know that you'll be on the move soon!

This month we brought the Command Center back up from the basement storage. Most families call these bouncers or activity centers. Ours, however, is where the baby is in Command! I think Steven and Lyla liked it more at first than you did but you are figuring out the toys and are getting good at spinning yourself around. 

Asa's Protector

Kira is a good dog. She has dropped several rungs down on the ladder over the last few years but she is still our puppy girl. And she had definitely taken on the role of Asa's protector. I think she is much happier to have a little one around her than the older hoodlums that she has to deal with running at her and bouncing balls around her. Surprisingly, Asa's hair pulling seems much more tolerable to her.

Tommy recently had to make a Pecha Kucha presentation for work and he decided to make Kira the focal point of his presentation. He made a slideshow of photos of her over time and set it to the J.B. Jovi song/poem "I'll be there for you." I just rolled my eyes at Tommy when he told me he was doing it, I didn't really think too hard about it. Tommy thought it was funny. 

The women he worked with had visible tears rolling down their cheeks at the end of his recitation. They all thought it was a tribute to Tommy's dead dog. 

Kira is very much alive and kickin', loving on her newest puppy!

Art by Steven and Lyla

And only a few short days later ... snow on the ground!

Our Tree, one year later

April 14, 2013

April 14, 2012

Birthday Gymnastics

A new gymnastics club opened in our 'hood a few months ago. What a fun party for Lyla! She was the star of the show and loved all of the activities that they did during the party. They balanced on the beam, swung on the bar, hopped on Roddy, ate cake and opened presents. It was such a fun afternoon and so fun to see her with all her friends. 

Friends we celebrated with included: Aria Kahm, Rachel Abadie, Jane Bunck, Grace Sellars, Maria Carson and Isabel.