Miles is Walking!

Sorry for the spoiler in the title, but A) I'm very excited about this new development and B) I know that in a year or two, I'm going to want to look back on when he actually started walking and won't be able to find it if it's not in the title. Before I get to the thrilling details, here are a few shots of the kids. This was unprompted:

They actually get along pretty well most of the time. Things are a little more complicated as Miles has become more mobile, but overall they adore each other. The other day, Brooke came with me and Miles to My Gym. There's a "separation time" where the kids play for a few minutes without the parents. Miles is not a fan of this time as he's a pretty big Momma's Boy. He started crying and Brooke called out, "It's okay, Miles! I'm right here if you need me!" She got a resounding "Aww!" from all the other parents. They held hands again in the carpool line the other day.

 

I feel like I need to balance that sweet story and picture out with a story of the time last week when they were playing and suddenly Miles started crying and holding his head. I asked Brooke what happened and she said he fell into the wall. I was comforting him a couple of minutes later when Brooke came up to me and said, "Actually, I pushed him to fall into the wall." At least she apologized, but I just wanted to get out there that it's not all rainbows and unicorns over here on Arrow Glen Court. Of course, Miles wants everything Brooke has (and usually vice versa, actually). Often he gets told "no", but as the second child, he's also been allowed things like sweets much earlier than Brooke ever was. He's also hooked on maple syrup now. Pretty sure Brooke didn't know that existed until she was at least 2.

Having fun at Grandma Audie's.

Just like Brooke did, Miles has his own routine when he comes to her house. He goes into the living room and takes the knobs off the windows. He also has a specific cup that he takes off the shelf in the kitchen and gives to Grandma Audie.

Impromptu group shot. Matt didn't get the "navy" memo that day.

Now, onto Miles at seventeen months. His fascination with ceiling fans has continued, but now he also likes any kind of switch that he can flip. (I blame my brother for taking him around the house and letting him turn the lights on and off when they came up to visit.) He's also really into throwing things, specifically crumbs, in trash cans. He's also dropped  a few toys into both trash cans and the toilet. He came out of the room smiling and clapping and very proud of himself when he did it. The other day, we were at an indoor playground with tons of stuff for the kids to do. Guess what I had to drag him away from?

He's also really into books, especially books with transportation equipment. He also loves to sing. There are  only a couple of songs (a song from VBS this summer and the "Bubble Guppies" theme song - video of that to come, hopefully) that I can decipher, but I can tell he has several in his repertoire. He also loves singing on microphones. Athletically, he's got a pretty good arm. He's getting more words and trying to talk more, but his go-to is "Mama" - that can mean, "help", "look", "I'm done", etc. It can make for a bit of a long day, but I know (?) I'll miss it when he's really talking.

And now, the moment you've been waiting for. He took his first steps around 16 1/2 months, but was much happier crawling. Finally, last Friday (at 17 months, 1 week), he really started taking off and actually choosing to walk rather than crawl. Brooke followed a very similar time line. In the last week, he's progressed to walking about 90% of the time. It's not exactly pretty yet, but it gets the job done. I've tried to get good video of him walking a few times, but he ends up kind of whining and sitting down because he wants something from me. Thanks to Jamie for this video. Enjoy!

Back-to-School

Brooke had her preschool orientation a week ago Tuesday. Of course we took an "orientation day" photo. She seemed to enjoy orientation, but only half the kids were there, so she kept commenting on how there'd be "lots more friends" there when she started Tuesday.We had our second annual "Back-to-School Girls' Day" with Kali and Christy. We were going to do something girly, but the weather was really nice so we just headed to the Arboretum instead.

And both girls remembered that we had gone for frozen yogurt the year before, so a stop to Yogli Mogli was in order.

Brooke's official first day was last Tuesday. (I kind of like the tradition Oz has started of photo-bombing our front door photos.) She was super-excited, which helped me be less sad. It's going to take a little adjustment to get used to her being gone a couple of mornings again, though.

This year, instead of taking her into the building, they have a carpool line. We were early enough to take a picture outside of the school on the first day. I've actually been one of the first in line to drop off and pick up every time so far. Let's see how long that lasts...

I'm happy that she's so happy. Here's to a great year at school!

Sox Game

Last Monday, we went to the White Sox game with our friends, the Linengers. It was a hot one. I think the high that day was in the mid-90's. We left our little ones at home, which made things a little easier.

Brooke had a great time talking and playing with Cade and Kenzie.

She also tried out the "Fundamentals" area for the first time. It's an area where kids can test their skills in a bunch of different baseball-related tasks. I think it helped that it was so hot/the White Sox stink this year, because we didn't really have to wait for any of the activities.

Oh, and Matt and Brooke made it on the Jumbotron!

We all had fun, but didn't quite make it to the 7th inning. Brooke and Kenzie both had their first days of school on Tuesday. Maybe next year we'll make it through the whole game.

Closing Down the Pool

We were able to go to the pool one last time last weekend (they stayed open later than usual due to Labor Day being so early).

Unfortunately, we were almost finished with our visit before I remember to get out the camera.

The sand/playground area at the pool is a blessing and a curse. It's great because it entertains the kids for so long and I don't feel like I have to be as hyper-vigilant about watching them as I do when they're in the water. Anyone who's taken kids to the beach and cleaned them off afterward can attest to why it's not great.

Our next pool shots will be from Florida after Christmas. Bring on fall!

Football Time is Here Again

Football season started about a month ago and games started three weeks ago, so it was time for our annual "first game" photo (see also here and here). Brooke was being a goofball as we tried to get the shot this year. This one cracks me up.

And of course we had the standard, "Brooke, make sure you're looking at the camera...," shot.

The Tigers are off to a great start this year, 3-0 in their first few games. Playoffs, here we come! (Woo-hoo?) We were able to make it to the first half of the South/North game last night. It's really nice to live so close to the school now. The kids and I walked there and drove Matt's car back. We had a great time even though it was a little chilly. We also got to see a lot of friends and family there, as usual.

Go Tigers!

Branson

Brace yourself for a photo dump. We spent the last few days in Branson, MO, with my family. It was a great option for us, because now Southwest flies there. (Sidenote: the Branson airport is the cutest thing I've ever seen. There are 3 gates, maybe 12 employees, and I swear it's made of wood. It made traveling feel so easy!) We rented a house a few miles south (?) of actual Branson, but it had plenty of room for all of us and a pool. The girls even slept in their own room, which I didn't think Brooke would be able to do. It probably helped that we ran them pretty ragged so by bedtime they were wiped out.

On our first evening there, Joel and his girlfriend, Lauren. were able to join us. We went to an arcade on the strip. The little guys "enjoyed" some quarter rides while the big kids did the go-karts.

They had a pretty serious go-kart track. Matt was proud of himself for passing two moms with their kids (including Krissi) to take first.

The little guys were able to ride the train.

I think the girls rode every ride they were able to. They were warming up for Silver Dollar City the next day.

 

Waiting for his turn on the train. Look at those curls!

After that, we went to an authentic Southern Missouri dinner at the Olive Garden.

The next day, we went to Silver Dollar City. Brooke was able to go on a couple of roller coasters and LOVED them. She also loved the log flume. I also got in a little "celeb" sighting as Barry Williams, aka Greg Brady, was a few people ahead of us in line for the Log Flume. Miles enjoyed looking at the goats.

And watching the frog ride.

And the butterfly ride. I enjoyed watching Matt cram into those tiny rides.

The boys and the water-ball-thing.

Tim and Matt on a roller coaster with the girls.

The Silver Dollar City version of a princess.

Why did I think this picture would work out?

Playing in the wood chips at lunch. Who needs rides?

The girls got wax imprints of their hands. It sounded creepy but was pretty cool.

Brooke tried to put up three fingers, but couldn't keep her hand still for all the dipping, so it ended up looking like a partially clenched fist. Still cute.

The slide was a little worn but that didn't stop Miles.

We also had fun hanging out at the house.

And enjoying the swimming pool. We let my dad watch the kids. Just kidding. Kind of.

We "rode the Ducks" on Monday.

The kids each got to "drive" the boat when it was on the water.

Miles was a little skeptical of the captain.

That night we had dinner on and watched the fire and light show at Branson Landing.

 

Photo bomb.

Too bad I'm the one looking awkward in this picture.

Last night. Family pic, minus Joel.

We were there for awhile, so we got to see the show 3 times. Matt said he felt like he was at the Bellagio. Haha.

On the last day, we attempted mini-golf.

And actually did an Old Time family photo. Kind of weird, kind of funny, but totally fun. I'm so glad we did it!

And the girls loved dressing up.

It was an awesome time and we were sad to see it end. I was really impressed with Branson and am looking forward to going back. Now, to gear up for the fall routine starting again. Hopefully I'll be more on the ball with posting in the coming weeks.