Almost Back to Work

It's almost time to head back to work. I've never been so anxious about something! I just want to stay home with my babies forever. Ellison may be a wild child and sometimes test my patience, but she is so smart and funny. I don't want to miss any of the things she says or does. My favorite part of the day with her is snuggling in her chair to read at bedtime, and now I'll be missing it 3 nights a week. And Kellen just seems so little to be away from his mommy! I don't want to miss any of the exciting milestones he has coming. I'm grateful that I have such a rewarding job, and that I get to help people. I love taking care of pediatric heart patients and I've met so many amazing kids and families. But I wish I didn't HAVE to work!

I'm so happy the weather is finally warmer. When I looked at the 10 day forecast earlier this week, every day looked nice! It's been awhile since that was true. I really don't like humidity or super hot temperatures (I would be happy with 75 being the hottest it gets), but I will take summer over winter any day! Ellison loves to play outside and this year she is big enough to actually enjoy outside toys - bubbles, chalk, and sports stuff... She has her playhouse and picnic table, and we just got her a water table. She also has a little 4 wheeler! We will definitely miss having Grandpa Jay's pool this year, but we plan to get a kiddie pool. Hopefully a swing set and sand box will be part of the yard before the end of summer too. It's great to have our own place with all this room for fun outside toys!

The garden

Digging dirt

Trying to fly her kite (no wind, haha)

Snack at her picnic table

Water table!

E's 4-wheeler

Jay had Monday off so we got to all go to the zoo together. The kids and I have been there three other times while I've been off of work, but it was awesome to all go! It was a really nice day and not too crowded. Ellison would be happy if we went to the zoo every day...she goes around asking, "What's my next animal?" after she is done looking at something. Jay took Wednesday off too and Ellison got to play outside a lot, and we had a picnic for lunch. The kids and I have also been down to the lakefront and to feed geese at Scout Lake this week, plus a visit from Auntie Litz, Uncle Brian, and Olivia and breakfast with my grandma, stepmom, aunt, and cousin.

Having a "buddy picnic" 

After lunch the buddies wanted to climb the tree...

At McKinley Beach by the lake

Feeding geese and checking out baby ducks at Scout Lake

Kellen is doing very well. He hasn't been sleeping super great, but other than that he's awesome! He eats like a champ, loves tummy time - he pushes himself up really high to look around and sometimes rolls over, chews on his hands constantly, loves playing on his playmat, and is still nice and snuggly :) He smiles and makes lots of noises and is just the cutest little guy ever!

Ellison is looking SO grown up now. I can't believe it! She has her moments where she can be very sassy, but for the most part she is a lot of fun. She loves her brother so much and it makes my heart so happy to see them together! She is currently into the game Elefun, doing anything outside, Play Doh, and playing her beads. She still loves to play with her buddies and blocks, and to color and read! She constantly wears her purple tutu around the house. She does not stop singing. I have had to set a timer at lunch because it takes her so long to eat (she talks and sings instead) and she would sit in her bed at naptime and sing for hours if I let her. She is so full of life and SO smart. I can't believe the things she says or how much she remembers. She amazes me!!!

It's hard to get both kids smiling in one picture, but here are some of the recent attempts...