Baby Birdies

We have a nest in our rose bush. I think it's a Cardinal nest, because I often see the daddy bird and he certainly stands out, although I can't be sure because a bunch of birds lay white and brown speckled eggs. Goodness. Anyway, we have some sweet little baby birds in our rose bush. I think Mama Cardinal watches us all the time. She's sneaky, that mama bird. And, of course, she's very protective. Understandably. The male Cardinal is never too far away from the nest and his female companion; usually he's hanging out in one of our trees, perched on the fence across the street, or sitting in a tree in Maddie and Gray's yard. :)

This is a picture of the nest, hidden behind the thorny rose branches. OUCH. I admire Mama Cardinal for even building a nest back there. There are a lot of "pokey things" (as Lainey says).

Yesterday, Baby Bird #1 hatched.

And, a few hours later, another little one (or two?) hatched.

This morning (Monday) all but one of the eggs had hatched. Look how sweet and cute and hungry those babies are. They are already tweeting and it's such a soft, sweet sound. Aww. I'm such a sucker. I refuse to believe that they will grow into big birds who will poop on my front porch.

And of course, Lainey loves checking on the babies every day. She was a bit surprised to learn that the baby birds wouldn't fly away immediately upon hatching from their eggs. But, she understands that we can't touch them and that we shouldn't stalk them. I, on the other hand, am completely obsessed and I am completely stalking them. I need to chill out a bit. Poor Mama Cardinal. She must want to file a restraining order to keep me away from her nest!

A Busy Princess

I do realize that I've been a bit picture-happy lately. I took a camera class (well, it was more like a tutoring session) and I'm trying out some of the things I learned! Anyway, I'm having fun taking pictures and learning as I go. I have a LONG way to go but I'm excited that I'm actually learning more about my camera.

playing peek-a-boo :)

Lainey is "galloping" in this picture.

eating sand (yum)

actively trying to catch the runaway princess

Sweet Avery (and her mom, Barbara) came to visit us last night. Barbara, her husband Daniel, 3-year-old Emma, and 6-month-old Avery live in Houston, so we don't get to see them that often. Avery is the sweetest, most laid-back baby. She is precious!!

Thanks for stopping by, Barbara and Avery. It was so fun to see you guys!

This Takes Talent

I'm not sure that I'd even attempt this! Washing my hands while standing on two (stacked) stools in my 4-inch heels? :) Ha!

so elegant

the daily battle over the stool and the opportunity to play with the running water

sweet girl :)

Because this kept happening...

the little table upstairs no longer has chairs.

He's a little stinker. A cute one, though, I might add. :)

Great-Grandmother's Gifts

My grandmother Margaret, my mom's mom, made these needlepoints many years ago. I wanted to take a picture of Lainey with her two inherited pieces so that I could send it to my grandmother. :) I think Lainey is very pleased with her two pieces - particularly the one of the angel!

A Boy in a Girl's World

Oh, little brothers. They will just play anything in order to be included. Well, at least that's how it is with this little brother. :)

This is what I saw when I came up the stairs. Lainey was busily preparing food for Walker and me.

throwing back his cup of tea during his meal (sound effects are included, by the way)

"Oooh, strawberries. And carrots!"

more tea (he is a good guest)

And, here's Lainey, posing for a picture with Cinderella.

Lately Lainey has been very into princesses. Just this evening, we played "Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella." I was Cinderella, and Lainey was Sleeping Beauty. Reagan was Tiana. And Walker was Jasmine. Although I was able to convince Lainey that Walker should be the prince instead of Jasmine. Our backyard was scene of the grand ball, and her scooter was her carriage. :)

And I quote... "Chef Lainey at your service, madam."

Can you see his excitement at being given the opportunity to explore his sister's tiny-shoes-and-clothes-and-dolls-and-accessories drawers?

This boy is so happy. I have no idea what Lainey was doing or why she didn't care that he was getting into her stuff.

coming down the stairs like a big boy

using his fork like a big boy

Walker is surprisingly skilled at using his fork (still working on the spoon). He uses it almost as much as Lainey does. He tries to put everything on his fork, like apples, blueberries, his sandwich, tortilla chips...you name it. He gets frustrated if he can't get the piece of food on there, so we help him every now and then. Although, we have yet to figure out how to use a fork to stab a tortilla chip...

And here's our shaggy Princess. She so needs a haircut and a bath! Especially with this heat that we are already experiencing!

Safari Adventure

While on our safari adventure...

Lainey rode her first zebra,

and pretended to be a giant in a tiny village with cars, trains, pirate ships, houses and barns.

Meanwhile, her brother acted like he owned the place,

and apparently had some thoughts about where certain toys belonged.

Walker's bouncy horse eventually made it back to its home in the toddler play area

just in time to give some sweet good-bye hugs to his friends RoryCate and John. (He must have hugged John five times. SO cute!)

It was great to see y'all, April, John, and RoryCate!!

Summertime

Holy cow, it's getting hot outside. And, it's only June 1st! Summer, we're ready for you, I think. Just give us a break every once in a while by providing a gentle breeze or some cloud cover or a rain shower every now and then. With two kids and a mom who love to be outside, a little reprieve every now and then would be appreciated!

Dylan and Lainey

sweet Coan, who is moving to San Francisco next week :(

Walker and Coan (2 months apart in age)

mess

little Ella