Just a quick update to document that BABY Erin is taking a wobbly step or two at a time. She can stand up in the middle of the room unassisted, from the sitting position. She wants to GO GO GO so badly, but we've only see her take two steps at the most.

Also, yesterday morning she woke up with a tiny tooth bud popping through. Her very first tooth finally, at almost 11 months! Such a big girl she's getting to be!

Jack's swimming lessons are going really well. He finished his first week. I have to brag on him that I am so impressed with his behavior. There are four other kids in his group with one teacher. The teacher pretty much works one-on-one with each child, and the others are supposed to sit on the side of the pool while they wait their turn. Now, those who know Jack, know he is full of energy and excitement. But he literally sits patiently and waits for his turn the entire time. Meanwhile, the other kids are jumping in, running to their parents, etc. It makes me so proud! I've always known he thrives on structure and routine. I think he will be an excellent student when he goes off to pre-k in a year! When it's his turn, he always gladly tries whatever it is she tells him to do. He's doing great with the actual swimming part too (not just behavior). I've tried to get some video and pictures, but the parents are supposed to stay on the bleachers and keep their distance during the lesson, so I can't get close enough to get anything decent.

Grace prefers to cuddle up with her sister rather than being all alone in her crib.

Purdue Pete and the Purdue cheerleader :)

I think I had the best birthday celebration yet for the big 3-0! It lasted all week! It started by meeting up with work friends at San Jose's early in the week. It was great to catch up.

Then my parents and sister flew in to continue the celebration. We stayed busy during the short time they were here. We went boating a couple of times, had lots of good food, and for once I think I was pretty good about taking pictures...which means I don't need to write because the pictures tell the story!

  

  

  

  

  

  

7/4/2012

And we ended the weeklong celebration in Venice visiting Colin's parents and grandma. Colin and I got to float in rafts in the pool (kid-free), which is seriously my idea of paradise! We had a breakfast date on our 5th anniversary with baby E too.

Erin playing peek-a-boo and enjoying some undivided attention with Grandma.

J&G got their faces painted after dinner. They were both pleased with the way it turned out.

Misc. Pictures

squeeze!!!!

A couple of week ago, it was raining pretty much nonstop every day. The kids were going a little stir crazy, so we took them to McDonald's for lunch and then to Monkey Joe's. You can tell the girls are happy to get out of the house!

My wild baby girl loved Monkey Joe's.

The next day we had a play date at Jumpin' Joeys. Jack is such a social butterfly. He absolutely adores people! He will talk to anyone!!! 

Elmo!

sweeties 

This was their fort they created.

Our new favorite date night P.F. Changs.

This girl is so close to walking! She just needs to master the balance. She has the determination for sure! She can get around fast by holding onto furniture. I bet she will be walking within a couple of weeks. The other tricks she can do:
-point to nose and mouth on command
-give kisses on command
-say dada, mama, more, boo, ut oh
-sign more and all done
-imitate pretty much anything (sneeze, cough, yawn, words, etc.)

Chillaxin'

I love when they all play together nicely. They did this Melissa and Doug snap puzzle for several minutes together the other day. 

Erin's first trip to the public library.

She was a big fan (once I let her out of her stroller)!

Publix is FUN!