B's

Big Boy Cup Baby Blue Eyes

Aaron is so proud of himself for starting to drink out of a big boy cup. He holds the cup so carefully and just takes a tiny sip at a time then says "yum!"

Sammie is rolling around like crazy and loves to sit outside on the blanket and play with her toys and watch her big brother.

Cousins Part 2

Bri with the kiddos in the EGG at the zoo Korban making Aaron laugh at his 2 year birthday party

Mandy with the kids at the zoo

Aaron and Sammie are so lucky to have family close by. Jeremy's brother Rick has 3 kids that adore ours. They love playing with them and helping out. When either of the two girls come by one day a week in the afternoon, Aaron leaps out of bed and runs to greet them. Last night we had dinner at their house and I loved watching them play with Aaron making him laugh and holding Sammie with such care and love. Thank you Mandy, Bri and Korban for being such great cousins!

Big Boy Bed

Aaron slept in his converted big boy bed for the first time last night. My little boy is growing up. I felt myself being excited that he is growing but also a little sad that time goes so fast. We are so proud of you Aaron!

Sprinkler Ball

Today after naps we had our neighbor's over to play in the sprinkler ball. Aaron and Kate (2 months apart) enjoyed getting wet as Sammie and Will (4 months different) watched on. Becky and I enjoyed watched the kids squeal as they got drenched with water. Aaron kept running up to the ball, drinking the num num water and then turning around and falling down. We are lucky to have such good neighbors! It is fun watching the kids grow up together!

Will and Samantha relaxing on the swing

Aaron and Kate enjoying the sprinker ball

Samantha 8 months

Samantha Nicole Vance is 8 months old today! She is 19 1/2 lbs and 27" long. This past month she has cut her first tooth, rolled from front to back and started standing while holding on to things. She is pretty vocal and enjoys picking up puff cereal and getting about 40% in her mouth. I enjoy holding her close and kissing her cute cheeks. We are so proud of you sweetie!

Haircut

I got a hair cut today and I feel great. There is something about getting your hair styled that makes you feel a little extra special. I can't pull it back in my usual ponytail anymore. I got a lot cut off. I asked Aaron if he liked it when I got home and he smiled and shook his head yes.

Cousins

Aaron and Samantha are lucky to have cousins so close in age and that live near. My sister and I try to get the kids together at least once a week. Aaron and Brandon are 6 months apart and Samantha and Kayla are 1 day. This week Aaron and Brandon enjoyed playing in the backyard with the sprinkler ball! They squealed and ran to and from the ball. Samantha and Kayla enjoyed exchanging toys back and forth.

I took Aaron to the Doc today for his 2 year checkup. He is 29 1/2 lbs and 37" long. Samantha is 19 lbs.

Aaron is 2

Boy it's been awhile since I've done a post and my friend Elizabeth commented on my lack of postings so I will try and do better!

On July 11th we had a family birthday party for Aaron. He loved everything that had to do with being the birthday boy (especially the cake). I made him a car cake that he took more than his fare share of frusting. He kepts going around the house saying "Happy Birthday to Me!"
We just got back from Chicago and a nice weeklong family vacation. The weather was perfect and we did plenty of walking and site seeing. Our hotel was located in Grant Park so we could walk easily to the museums and was about 1 1/2 miles to Navy Pier. We visited Lincoln Park Zoo, walked to Navy Pier (Aaron loved watching the sail boats), ate at Uno's (Jeremy had been craving it for some time) and on Wednesday we celebrated Aaron turning 2. We took him to Shedd's Aquarium and to Rain Forest Cafe for dinner! He loved watching the elephant and we sat next to a fish tank. He got all excited when they brought him out cake and demanded to have his birthday hat on for the occasion! When we got back to the hotel Jeremy and I braved the ice cold water of the hotel pool and took turns swimming with Aaron. He was on cloud 9. It's hard to believe that last year he was just learning to walk and now he doesn't stop!

Sammie did great on the whole trip. She loved watching the people and was entertained by her brothers antics. She is now rolling and just cut her first tooth.

It was a nice little getaway!