Books with DeeDee

When DeeDee visited for Easter, she and Kaya spent some time with books. Kaya was in the "let me pull everything off the shelf" phase, and then, as now, she loved to page through books all on her own. Here are some photos of the big mess!

Some leftovers from winter...

Now that it's almost summer, it's hard to remember some of those long winter days when no one want to leave the house, but we're all still bored with each other. Laundry basket/Daddy train rides to the rescue! 

I know you'll love seeing Kaya in her red peacoat as much as I did every day:

And then there is of course the panda hat!

The evolution of movement with Kaya

This post covers a three month period, and shows you Kaya's progress from:

Her first crawl (caught on video), dated around February 18:



To her walking with support (and being quite happy about it, dated March 4):



To her walking! April 9:



And lastly, to her cruising around, May 5. Isn't it amazing how quickly it all happens? You'll also learn in this clip that Liora is now dry all night--no more pull ups for this big girl!



They grow up so fast! Love my little ladies!

New York, Cousins Brunch

On our last day in New York, Andrew and his family hosted a bagel brunch!

Like Uncle, like Nephew

We had a lot of photos from this jungle gym. The kids enjoyed making various crazy faces, hamming it up for the camera.

Cousin Zachary pulls the kids around in the giant tubing.

Another photo for the cupcake diaries.

And now I give you: the cousins.

New York Gymboree

The trip to New York in March was a chance for a bunch of old friends from college to get together! Sarah and Chris were in from London, so we just had to meet up so the kids could become new friends. We all met up at a Gymboree, which was a genius move--it allowed the adults to talk while the kids got busy.

Auntie Helena with one of the British twins, Lauren.

How fast can these kids empty a basket full of balls?

Kaya and Anna say "FAST!"

Liora hulla-hooping.

The gang from college, plus our good clown friend.

Kaya loves Helena...all the kids do.

Tony giving the kids a ride.

Liora giving a ride back!

Two headed horse.

The gang! 

The ladies: Lauren, Anna, Liora, Kaya, and Sophie

The girls plus Nate.

New York, stop #1

In mid-March, we took another trip up to New York. We had a gathering planned in the city, and we were able to combine it with some good extended family time. The first evening, we headed to Randi and family's for a great dinner.

Cousin Ryan on babysitting duty.

Uncle Scott on babysitting duty! :)

Liora and Randi demonstrate the cannolis.

Hanging with Kona dog...

...who doesn't seem that pleased with the kids (that face!), but she let them hang on her anyway.

Of course Liora got to help cousin Zach on the guitar...

...and Kaya accompanied on the drum!

A Visit with Colin

Friends Elise and Andy went and had a baby the same time we did! Colin is just a few days older than Kaya, and they are oh so cute together. Here are a few pics of them moving and shaking!

And Liora practicing some gymnastics.

A Pirate's Life for Me

One of Liora's buddies at school had a pirate goodie bag for his birthday, and so we've spent a few weekends with the paraphernalia. We've hidden the gold coins so Liora can discover the treasure; we've all had a go at the eye patch. 

Taking a good look at her treasure.

Kaya wants some too!

Whoops, eye patch fail.