Summer and Words

First, we've been having a lot of fun outside the past few weeks. In the water, on the playground, out walking, in the backyard, etc. We've had some rain, but most of it has been sporadic and Father's Day was one of the most beautiful June days I've ever experienced. Hot in the sun, cool in the shade and minimal humidity. I'm not sure why we didn't get a little backyard pool before now...

Todd on Grandma and Grandpa's swingset.
Heather in a drink float in Grandma and Grandpa's pool.
Heather and Todd "helping" me with the yard sale.
Todd is just a few days away from 14 months and it is clear that his receptive language is improving, and we are hearing a couple of new words a week. Did I ever even tell you all which word was his first?

Kitty was the first one, a few weeks before his birthday, I think. Basically any animal is a kitty - doggies, squirrels and recently a goat that we saw on TV.

Other words:
Uh-oh
Book
Ball
Duck
Mama, which is now mommy
Dada, although since saying mommy, that seems to be his term for both of us
Hi
Bye
Beep
"Ma" for more, which he can also sign

And R thinks he said "cheese" when he was taking his picture last night. Most of these have been figured out because he does a LOT of pointing when he wants something, and that helps to clue us in. :-)

Heat

We don't have air-conditioning in our house. We need a few more ceiling fans and an attic exhaust fan, but we get by. We each have our own ways of coping.

Reading on the porch in the nice breeze



Hanging out by the pool with a cool beverage (covered in sunscreen, of course)



Sleeping in the sink?

Sunday biking

R took Heather on her first bike ride on Sunday before brunch. It was short, but long enough to tell that she liked it.


After her nap she pointed to her bike helmet again. So we slathered on more sunscreen for another ride.
She made it clear that she was ready for "more" bike riding and less picture taking!


(For those non-parents and non-signers out there - Heather is demonstrating the ASL sign for "more" above)

Social weekend - Saturday

Just some photos from the fun we had on Saturday with family. Heather thought that the stuffed bluejay was VERY thirsty. Interesting, because we've never seen her feed a stuffed animal before.


The weather was lovely and we spent all evening outside after dinner. Bubbles, balls and ring around the rosey were just some of the activities. Just sitting in the grass seemed to be a hit, too.












And the day ended with some yummy strawberry pie...