Little Miss Helpful

We probably read that book once a week.  If you don't remember, Little Miss Helpful isn't really that helpful at all.  Well, not my Little Miss. Occasionally, she's down-right productive.  Her grandma would be so proud!
   
Seriously, check out the concentration.  She also wants to help feed her sister, which sometimes works out.  If you've ever witnessed Connor eat, you know that Taylor is definitely not going to be the reason that it gets messy.

For some unknown reason, Connor actually eats better when T feeds her. She doesn't try to grab the spoon from her, or spit in her face, or rub her messy hands in her hair.  Yep, good times.

And then there's the 'Sorta Helpful' scenario:

Instruction: Move your magnet doll so Connor doesn't swallow the little pieces.

Action: Sure.  I'll move Connor.

Result:

At least they are both smiling! 

July-a-riffic

We went to visit brand new baby Anya over the Fourth of July. Taylor and Kaleb were so excited to play with each other they just about couldn't stand it.  We arrived Saturday evening, and took the kids to the park just down the street from Heidi & Jeremy's.  Taylor & Kaleb are quite the little water bugs.

I especially love what's in the background of this picture....

Those two played so hard, but were so excited that they woke up at 4:45 AM on Sunday morning.  I know this because I was awake with Madam Fussy-butt Connor.  The 8 hour trip plus teething plus new-daycare-runny-nose was a little rough on her.  Kaleb and Taylor (Kaylor/Tayleb?) finally took a nap before we went to big fireworks display....awww, cute little cousin buddies.  I have fond memories of sleeping in sleeping bags with my cousins.

Finally we went to a great fireworks show on the river in St Paul ( I think we were in St Paul).  The kids had their faces/arms painted....

Connor was a happy camper again after sleeping most of the day

Her first look at fireworks....it was a toe-grabbing experience

Monday we drove home and stopped in Ames IA for lunch.  We ate at Pizza Ranch -- the whole idea of a pizza ranch still cracks me up.  It's a chain apparently, and there is one in Emporia.  It's basically a CiCi's pizza with a western theme.  Andy and Mini-Andy had to pose in front of the wagon.  

Later in the week, Connor fell asleep while eating her baby spaghetti.

Friday we went to my parent's house to help my mom celebrate her 54th birthday. HAHA mom - everyone now knows the truth!!

Grandma & T loved swimming in the lake

Connor swam later too, but she mostly enjoyed some chill time on the boat.

This weekend, we are staying home.  We need to do some serious laundry and house cleaning. Exciting pictures will come from that, I'm sure.