Did I Sign Up For This?

We've taken some really fun pictures this month. I thought you might like to see what we've been up to so far this summer. We've managed to have a pretty good time since we got back from the beach doing a whole bunch of nothing. We still have several small adventures on the docket before the activities of fall descend upon us, but we've managed to have a pretty good time doing what we do best. We hop on the crazy train just about every morning and see where it will take us.

Samantha and her friend Sadie James at the Max & Ruby stage show at the Tennessee Theatre.

No crawling from young Andrew yet, but he manages to get around. One of his favorite spots to get stuck in is underneath the chair. I'm still not sure how he backs himself up under that thing. (Don't you just love that we still try to put his quilt out? Ha!)

Samantha loved having a reason to get her leftover party supplies out (and to antagonize her brother with a blower) when the Pierces came over to celebrate Brent's birthday.

Another favorite activity - making chex mix! Don't worry, her hands are pretty clean. And I try to pick out the pieces she licks and puts back.

She keeps telling us Andrew wants a little brother, too. (Ummmm, no.) Maybe if we just dress him up every now and then we can pass him off as a baby sister. Or as her cousin It.

The wigs have been lots of fun. They were in the dress up trunk she got from Wawa and Papaw at Christmas. This is her "princess" look.

Yet another failed attempt at a picture where they both look somewhat normal.

Great picture, huh? If only I knew how to photoshop all of that drool.

Samantha and Daddy hanging out after a walk around the neighborhood. She has on her very first VBS shirt. She asks to wear it almost every day!

Samantha and Daddy apparently bored Andrew to sleep on said walk.

"What did I do with that blueberry? I know it's around here somewhere. I can smell it!"

Our first toy casualty. I guess it's technically not a toy. It's one of those little stress thingys that Steve got at work. We thought nothing of Andrew chewing on it. He's only got 2 teeth for crying out loud! Well, guess what? They fall apart. We stand corrected.

Life is Just a Tire Swing

There is an adorable little playground at the entrance of our neighborhood. We've been taking advantage of the longer days and early evening temperatures to stroll over for a little playtime before bath, books and bed. Thought you might enjoy a few photos we snapped tonight.

Another First: Brain Freeze

Young Andrew is into trying lots of new things lately. We've really had a lot of fun experimenting with food - different tastes, textures and temperatures. I guess second child syndrome makes me a little more relaxed with him. Case in point - while Samantha and I were enjoying a Push-Up I decided to see what Andrew thought of it. Of course, he loved it. So far, he hasn't rejected anything we have offered him. (Side note ... haven't fed him broccoli and cheese yet. Seeing that the smell of them makes my stomach turn, I'm anticipating those won't be a favorite!) One thing I didn't count on was Andrew taking a pretty big chunk at once and giving himself brain freeze. Don't worry, he bounced back quickly. Too funny!

"Oooohhh, I like this!"

"Wow, that's kinda cold."

"It's too cold! Too cold! Too cold! Waaaahhhh!"

No brain freeze for big sister!

The Little Gym, Take 2

If you are a longtime follower, you know that we have not been to the Little Gym in quite some time. Samantha lost interest in the parent-child class, and it became a chore to take her. After taking some time off, we have just enrolled her in her very first dance class. We have several good options here in Knoxville, but I really wanted to take her somewhere and just let her have fun. We need to make sure she likes it and can respond to instruction before we enroll her in a serious program. Well, she did not disappoint. Every day since we have been home from the beach she has asked about her dance class. Finally, the day was upon us. This was NOT a parent child class. She did everything on her own with the instructors and other little girls. I had to take the action shots through glass, so that's why they appear a little fuzzy.

We thought you might like to witness a little bit of her life's story ... her first ever dance class. And from the looks of it, it will be the first of many!

Modeling her first official leotard, tutu and ballet shoes.

... and the tap shoes.

Doing a little creative movement with the poms.

"On point." She loved to dance around on her toes!

They got to spend some time in the gym practicing different skills - strength, balance, etc. Our big girl tackled the balance beam all by herself! This would not have been attempted a year ago.

Sacked out!

A Beach Baby and A Big Girl

Are you ready for some pictures? We just returned from our annual beach trip to Isle of Palms, South Carolina, so there are plenty to share. I say "beach trip" because, let's face it, it's not much of a "vacation" with a 3 year old and 7 month old! But if I can do my job anywhere, it may as well be the beach.

Samantha was such a big girl this year. She always comes back a little "wiser" after spending time with the Pyle girls, and this year was no exception. We have now given up potty seats, the booster seat, and sippy cups. Big girls simply don't need those things! Her swimming lessons seemed to have paid off as well. Samantha LOVED the ocean this year, maybe a bit too much for my liking. She never went it too far, but she was fearless playing in the surf. Quite a departure from a year ago!

Andrew did not disappoint. Though I've heard some horror stories, he loved the sand and the water. He liked to sit and let the tide wash up around him, and he enjoyed digging his hands into the sand. Everything fascinated him. He was so much fun to watch! And yes, he did eat some sand, though not huge handfuls of it. It came mostly from his beach toys that he decided to chew on. I'm guessing it felt pretty good to his little gums, so we just let him go at it. I hope he'll continue to be a little beach bum.

Crossing over the dune and getting her first glimpse of the Atlantic. This was about an hour after we got to our house. She and Daddy didn't waste any time getting down to the beach!

Steve said the second she saw the water she just took off and ran for it. Don't worry though ... he wasn't far behind, and she never went it too far without one of us.

The first sandcastle of the week.

Andrew and his buddy Kate. Kate was a lifesaver. She loved doting on him, and he loved the attention. Win-win!

Not sure what Andrew thought about all of this, but he found himself the center of attention on numerous occasions. For those of you keeping score, he's surrounded by 3 Pyle girls and 2 Lane boys. Big sister is nowhere to be found. Imagine!

Day 2, back for more!

Wisely observing a dead shark from a distance. This apparently was a baby. Thank goodness we didn't meet Mama!

Samantha and her buddy Lane building a sand castle.

Andrew literally and figuratively digging him some sand.

Happy, happy boy!

Andrew eyeing Samantha's cotton candy slushie at the farmer's market.

Enjoying a picnic lunch with Eli.

Chasing birds.

This is about the best we could do for a picture of both. Samantha is still in her I-don't-wanna-smile-for-the-camera phase, and Andrew was too busy playing with sand to pay attention.

Samantha and Lane playing in the surf.

All he needs is a gold chain ... (That is a reusable swim diaper, by the way, but we loved that it looked like a baby speedo.)

All smiles playing with Daddy.

Pondering the meaning of life.

Love this one!!

Getting braver as the week goes on - she was rolling in the surf by the end of the week.

Daddy and Andrew take a little snooze.

Samantha taking her turn on the makeshift balance beam. This thing kept the kids entertained all week!

Jumping off - her signature move.

Amazing that we got all the kids together for a picture - even more amazing that they lined themselves up shortest to tallest without us saying anything! Kate holding Andrew, Charlie, Harper, Lane, Eli and Samantha.

Strolling Andrew around Charleston before we had to head back to reality.