1:1

Doug sent me this picture from the camera phone - while on an arboretum hike with his main gal today. This was apparently a few minutes after they returned to the car to douse themselves in bug spray! She ate the 1:1 time with Daddy right up.

Butterfly

She received this on a playdate and then managed to keep it intact with some strategic sleeping. This girl can sure MILK a face painting for all it's worth!

Play-overs

"Play-over" is a term coined by Kenzie which is how she refers to playdates. We've been having LOTS of them. So many, in fact, that I am absolutely certain in our decision to stick with just two kiddos. Yep. Three kids makes me crazy. Quite quickly. Waaaaay before the play-over is over.



This little girl is as sweet as can be. She plays the "I'm the guest!! I get to go first/choose next/boss you around" card at every opportunity. Including through the entire junk-a-doodling experience going on in this picture...

**a funny aside - her mother called to ask me how to do these with her at home...and having forgotten the name, called them "crap-a-doodles." he.he.

Swim Lessons

Kenzie is taking Private Swim lessons for the second summer, in our neighborhood pool. I think her favorite part is riding her bike to the pool. (here she is minus her helmut which was accidentally locked in our neighbors garage. I made the exception on this one occasion. I'm a horrible mom).



Kati is a college student who teaches lessons and coaches swim team all summer long. She has some amazingly creative ways of teaching kids basic strokes and water safety. However, Kenzie manages a stealth death-grip on Ms. Kati anytime there is potential for a sneaky hand removal. She can float, doggy paddle and self sufficiently make her way through the water - but doesn't yet have the confidence to go it on her own in the adult pool.



I think I perhaps over-instilled a fear of the water due to my inability to jump in the water with her (since Rylan is always with us). Ms. Kati and I have some good laughs at Kenzie's expense watching her THROW herself amazing distances from the side of the pool -- right into Ms. Kati's arms. Kati keeps scooting back, and yet - Kenzie always manages to land almost on top of her.



It's really fun to watch Kenzie - especially when I see the negotiating begin and -I- do not have to manage it. :) I can see Kenzie asking to shorten the length of the next swim, distracting Kati by pointing out floating lobster play toys...and always, always getting distracted herself by a random bug that floats by. If I wasn't so busy trying to get a tan on my legs, I'd crack right up!

Daddy Day

Kenzie and I commissioned a Doodle Tag as a Father's Day gift. We thought that was awfully fitting.



Kenzie drew a little doodle, which of course, she enjoyed very much. The doodle was transferred onto this tag which we added to a key-chain for the most perfect little gift. The doodle is a picture of her daddy. Wearing a crown. I thought that was hair on his head..but apparently he is wearing a crown. Or so she says..



Along with the doodle tag comes a stamp made out of the same image - which we plan to have lots of fun with as well.



The gifts wrapped up and given with love during a pretty fantastic camping trip - sealed the deal.



It was his best Father's Day ever.... He's one Grateful Dad.

Smiles

This is one of Kenzie's many smiles. She has a I'm having so much fun smile, a I'm-about-to-get-in-trouble-but-maybe-this-grin-will-get-me-out-of-it-smile, an I love you smile, and then there is this one....the Mama.has.the.camera.again.&.I.will.humor.her.smile....

Tadpoles

This summers science experiment, courtesy of Nana Bieker again, is to grow some tadpoles. Kenzie spends a great deal of time with her forehead stuck on the top of the aquarium...commenting on how not much is happening. yet.

Practicing...

This summer, Kenzie's taking a great interest in writing and reading. For awhile, she showed very little or perhaps zilch..interest in it. This was another lesson in "move at your child's pace" for Mama.

Sister

The little screamer better be nice to her one day. This big sister is the most patient, gentle, loving sister I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She stays calme even when the mommy gets flustered. Here she is helping me entertain Rylan with double slobbery kisses, which made him giggle for a good long while.

Like mother, like daughter...

we're trying to get back in the creative swing of things, but now with Rylan on board, I find myself turning the paint over to Kenzie and letting her create what may....



And, I'm noticing that she's picked up my habit:
Must. Photograph. Creations. Immediately.

Bubbles

...a fun surprise lay in our complex fountains. Someone went a little too heavy on the soap. She had more fun there than at our park!