moving: an interview

little gymnast

Camille has been taking preschool gymnastics classes at IGM since April, when Auntie Megan signed her up. She loves going every week, loves her coaches, and loves having a designated time for running, jumping, swinging, and having fun.

So, for Megan, who is back in Mexico and unable to watch Camille at class, I wanted to upload a few short videos.



At the beginning of class they do "warm-ups" and then for most of the time they basically do obstacle course circuts. One for balance beam (as shown above), one for bars, and one for tumbling type things (as shown below). The kids just love it, and are happy that they get to do things by themselves without any help.



Levi usually comes with us when Camille has class. There is a toy area that usually keeps him busy, though on several occasions I've had to retrieve him from near the balance beam if I've been distracted and not kept a good eye on him. Today he discovered that he could see over the half-wall if he stood on the Duplo table. Yep, he's a climber. But more on that later!



On Friday mornings the gym has open gym time for the little kids. We try to go at least once a month, and Levi really enjoys being able to roam around without getting into trouble.

Thursday is Camille's last class. Not sure if we will find a gym after we move, or if she will try out something new. I think we'll have to let her decide!

in which camille washes the soap

Alternately Titled: in which the rest of us get a few minutes of peace and quiet
Alternately Titled: Where'd all the soap go?

Camille has been really, well, let's just say active lately. More wiggly and talkative and mischievous than usual if you can even imagine.

So when we were eating dinner last night and she asked if she could go to the bathroom, we were more than happy to let her leave for a few minutes. Before she left we reminded her to wash her hands when she was done.

Several minutes later we realized we'd heard the bathroom faucet turn on and off quite a few times. She'd adjust the water flow, she'd run it full blast, she'd turn it off. Eventually I went to check on her. I peeked from afar and saw her happily sudsing up her toothbrush. When I returned with the camera I recorded while she "washed the soap" (as she later explained to us).

So here, for you viewing pleasure, is video of Camille washing the soap...

in which levi eats watermelon with a fork

I'm pretty sure Camille wasn't given a fork until she was almost two. But yesterday while we were eating lunch Levi started pointing at our plates and grunting something that obviously meant "I want that!" After I explained to him that we were eating the exact same meal, he still insisted that I had something he wanted.

A fork. Of course. What 14 month old wants to eat without a fork? Certainly not ours.

So a fork he was given. And he proved to us right away that he has earned it. Nice job, son!

baby beluga

If I had to guess I'd say we sing this song at least 30 times each day.



And we never sing it the same way twice!

little mommy

Camille clearly learns all of her mommy skills from yours truly. She likes to practice them on Levi.

It will be fun to look back at videos such as these when she is grown and taking care of her own children.

So, for your viewing enjoyment, I bring you 8 minutes of my darling children:





Ok, maybe she didn't learn all her mommy skills from me. Some are obviously just big sister antics! But he's so patient with her and almost never minds the occasional punches, kisses, and poking.

because they love her

On Monday night Aaron and my Dad spent over two hours assembling a doll house for Camille. My parents bought it for her as a Christmas present and we were so excited to give it to her. But first it had to be put together.

They even did it while the Vikings game was on. I don't think they knew what they were getting themselves into.

But persistence paid off and by evening's end we were staring at a beautiful (and larger than anticipated) doll house.

Fast forward to this morning, Christmas morning. The plan was for her to find her doll house in her bedroom after the rest of the gifts were opened. I was going to already be in there with the video camera so that I could catch her reaction. But as you will see in the video, she had to find her own footie jammies in her room when Levi opened his jammies. Luckily I was still able to record her priceless reaction.

(The "excitement" starts at about the 2:30 mark.)

Needless to say, I think Aaron and my Dad will agree that all the work they put into assembling this doll house was well worth their time!

photos

blowing bubbles

(today)

spring cleaning

(on Saturday)

digging and pouring sand

(a couple weeks ago)

(and getting very dirty)

I tried uploading a video, but after 2 hours it still wasn't working. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow...

swimming lessons!

Camille started swimming lessons with Aaron on Monday. She had a great time!

See for yourself...

"no more diapers"

you know it's true

Don't we all have the urge to quack when we hear a car honk?

beautiful baby bobs in bedroom basket

What happens when you put a toddler in a laundry hamper?

WALKING to Daddy!

Dancing with the Pony

We call this, "Yay! Daddy's home!"

Sorry it's sideways, but you get the gist! Enjoy!

Our girl likes the water!

Tickles from Daddy

Isn't it wonderful how much fun a Daddy and his baby can have while they're waiting for the pizza to be done on the grill? (And can you believe I've done FOUR posts today?!)

We’re back from Lake Lida! What a wonderful long weekend we had, despite the rainy/windy weather on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The beautiful sunshine and perfect temperatures of yesterday made everything worthwhile.

We got to the lake Friday evening and enjoyed some relaxing time in the cabin and headed to Fargo on Saturday morning for my Grandpa’s birthday party. It was so great to see everyone again and for more of the family to meet Camille. It was nice to spend the day there since it was raining and we would have been cooped up in the cabin anyway. On Sunday Megan’s brother and sister-in-law got to the lake with their daughters Grace and Ava. They had a great time playing with Camille and Camille loved the extra attention. I had been a little bit concerned about the sleeping situation for Camille, but she was a champ and wasn’t bothered by the goings-on of the cabin and slept through the night every night.

Lake Lida has claimed yet another pair of Aaron’s sunglasses. Last year he lost a pair when he was tubing, and this year he lost a pair jetskiing! At least he knew better than to wear his expensive glasses!

It was a great weekend, but we’re glad to be home now. Here are some of the MANY pictures we took…

She's Rolling!