July 3, 2008--Playing in the sprinkler

After our Branson vacation, Addie wanted to play in the water a lot more often. So one night, we set up the sprinkler in the backyard. She loved running through the water!
After drying off, Aaron showed Addison how to hit the ball with a bat:

July 2, 2008--Enjoying the bouncer

When I snapped this picture in July, it was to show Aaron how much Avery looked like Addison at the same age, playing with the same toy. I was going to show you all as well, but after weeks of searching through picture files, I am giving up on finding the similar picture of Addison. Just take my word on it that they look so much alike!

June 21-28, 2008--Big Cedar vacation

At the end of June, we went with Aaron's family to Big Cedar, a resort just south of Branson. We all had a good time swimming in the pool, floating the fantastic lazy river and seeing the sites of Branson.

The waterfall in the lazy river became our chant throughout the trip--"waterfall!" means close your eyes, you are about to get wet. It has made hair rinsing during bathtime so much easier!

Waiting for the water and light show to start at the Landing.

Avery really started smiling a lot when we were at Big Cedar.

One day, we rented a pontoon and ventured out onto Table Rock Lake.

The lazy river was definitely my favorite part of Big Cedar.

June 19, 2008--Sharing a love of books

Addison has many of her books memorized, so it shouldn't be a surprise to me when she started reading one of her books aloud to Avery while Avery played in the bouncer. I hope that Avery loves books as much as Addie does!
The book Addie was reading is Inside Outside Upside Down, a Berenstain Bears board book.

June 13, 2008--Avery "talking"

Ever since Avery was born, we have playfully made her "talk" to Addison by gesturing Avery's hand as we talk. Addison always got a kick out of it. One night, Addison surprised us by making Avery talk to us.