Summer fun

With the hot weather lately, the kids have been spending a lot of time in the backyard playing with their new water toys. They love this little water table; especially putting balls and water down the big spiral chute in the middle. The only problem we have is that Charlotte gets a little overenthusiastic about putting things down the chute and keeps getting it jammed with random toys, Louie's tennis balls, etc.

They also love this cool sprinkler, though Charlotte was a little hesitant at first to get too close.

Not Jack! He positioned the slide to go right into the spray. The first day we used this, he played for about 4 hours nonstop before we had to drag him away.

Charlotte eventually worked up the courage to get closer.

Now she just sticks her whole arm in.

Charlotte is very considerate of Lou when we're outside and brings him water. We just have to watch her closely because she likes to drink out of the cup after him. Eeewwww!

Lou found a shady spot. So cute with his big watermelon smile!

Last day of preschool

Jack's last day of preschool was on Friday. The teachers prepared a really nice graduation ceremony (not sure why they called it "graduation" when at least half the kids are 4 like Jack and will be in preschool again next year, but anyway...). Each kid got a nice collage of pictures taken throughout the school year (see above).

Here's Jack chatting with Emma, one of his usual playmates, before the ceremony began.

Charlotte just had to get in on the action too. She took advantage of the empty seat by her big brother while we were still waiting for people to arrive.

Holding up artwork to go along with a story that was read about cloud shapes. 

Mr. Silly Face, ruining what would have been a cute picture.

Not sure that this was really an improvement.

Charlotte kept escaping to go play in the toy room. Thank goodness both Grandma and Sarah were there to help watch her!

Jack and his best buddy Janila.

Jack and Miss Maria.

Jack and Miss Laura.

The whole crew (Jack's in the back row).

Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Birthday to Uncle Paul!!

We had a great Memorial Day weekend at the lake house with the Johnstons! I actually have more pictures to post later but thought this entry was already long enough with what I have here. Jack, Will, and Charlotte had so much fun playing in the water and on the beach. Charlotte was not a big fan of the boat but she did at least let us get a picture of her "driving" while the boat was stopped.

The kids enjoy playing with Lou; not sure that Lou always shares the enjoyment. He has kind of a "help me" expression on his face here.

Jack in the raft.

Our friend Scott's place, where we went on Sunday.

Some action shots of Jack and Charlotte splashing each other.

Charlotte sneaking a drink of lake water.

On Memorial Day, Andy's company hosted a Cubs rooftop game. Jack and Charlotte preferred staying downstairs and gorging on junk food to watching the game on the rooftop.

Mmmm, ice cream!

Charlotte trying to copy her big brother.

It was Sarah's birthday on Tuesday! She took the kids to the zoo, along with a friend who also has 2 young children.

Jack and buddy William in matching monkey hats.

Our crazy girl

When was the last time you had a meal this good?

As we all know, Charlotte loves her food. There are some meals that she is particularly enthusiastic about--one of her favorites is chili. She took us all by surprise the other night when she shoved her face in the bowl to get the last bit out.

Yum!

No messes from Jack!

And some other random photos...I'm sure she'll hate me for this later, but I couldn't resist showing Charlotte's outfit of choice after a bath.

Sarah playing with the kids in the backyard. I didn't realize as I was snapping this picture that I was catching Charlote in the middle of a faceplant into the grass. 

Litte cuties! It's hard to see in the picture, but they are actually sliding through water spray from the sprinkler. I actually bought a new sprinkler attachment recently that they have much more fun with and will post those pictures some other time. 

Visit with the Lamkins

Yesterday we went to visit the Lamkins and meet their new baby daughter, Avery. It was a REALLY hot day--note the pink cheeks and sweaty hair, especially on Charlotte. Oreo ice cream pie was the perfect dessert.

Charlotte and Carson playing (actually it was more Carson watching while Charlotte took over using all his toys).

Cute pic of Jack

 And sweet little Avery, passed out on Mom Lori's lap.

 What a cutie!

We've had some warm days here and there recently. The kids took advantage of the nice weather last week and were playing in the backyard. Sarah bought Jack this big flower pinwheel, which he proceeded to play with for hours.

Charlotte preferred to play with the sidewalk paint (and also sneaked in an occasional taste when she thought no one was looking. Thank goodness for non-toxic children's products).

And a cute video of the kids playing together on the bean bags.

Spagarus

The kids have been a little better about eating their veggies lately. I got them to eat salad the other night, and they also recently discovered asparagus--or "spagarus," as Jack first pronounced it. I was pulling some roasted asparagus out of the oven a couple weeks ago, and Jack shocked me by saying that he wanted some. (Though in truth I think he actually thought they were pickled stringbeans that Grammy makes, which he loves.) Here they are chowing down.

Charlotte still eats food too fast and often without chewing well. She generally eats her asparagus by taking a bite off the top, and then shoving the entire rest of the spear in her mouth. Reminds me of a feeding a log into a wood chipper.

Some pictures from another night when Charlotte really got into her potato soup.

 It's especially fun to squeeze the soup through your fingers.

 And another cute one of Mr. Jack.