San Diego

We had the opportunity to go to San Diego with Nana, Aunt Kerri, Aunt Kim, and cousins Nick and Garrett.  We had a tight schedule of fun while we were there.  We went to Sea World, Legoland, and caught a little bit of Garrett's baseball game.  We had a great time.

Kate loves rides!  She is not afraid of any ride and especially loves roller coasters.
I used to laugh at the baby leash and said I would never put my child on a leash.  Then I had Ben.  The leash actually gives him freedom from the stroller and me peace of mind that I know where he is at all times.

A few a shots

Sorry for the lapse in posts but between computer troubles and my summer school I have had little time.  Here are some recent photos.

A conversation

Kate has a good friend Andrew.  They have seen each other at least once a week since they were six months old.  They play pirates, dress up, and babies.  When they are together they disappear into the bedroom , close the door and are not heard from for at least an hour or until they are hungry or need help with a costume.  Andrew recently returned from a 10 day vacation with his family.  We went to his house the day after they got home and this is the conversation that Andrew's mom, Debi, and I overheard.

Andrew:  Kate, you are my friend.

Kate:  You are my friend too, Andrew.

Andrew:  Kate, I love you.

Kate: I love you too, Andrew.

Debi and I about cried at the sweetness of the exchange.  It is just amazing to think that a four year old can express love and friendship.

Kate's desk

This is Kate at her new desk.  She loves to draw and can sit for quite a while doing her artwork.  Jesse and I both got tired of keeping Ben "out of her business" so we decided to give her a special, Ben free work space.  She goes in and closes the door.  We have seen very little of Kate since the desk arrived in the mail on Tuesday.
This is Ben being locked out of Kate's room.  It truly frustrates him.  He sits at the door and screams.

Ben's Tower

Ben has discovered blocks and building towers.  I remember teaching Kate to build and about a month ago I just happened to look at Ben and there he was building a tower.  Last night while I was cooking dinner he discovered the spice cabinet.  And again, I just happened to look over at him to find him building a tower with the spices.

Ben's first nectarine

The nectarine tree in the backyard is overgrown with fruit.  We have picked some to relive the pressure of the branches.  One of these happened to fall on the floor of the patio.  Ben, being one to smell food from a mile away, found it and decided to have a little taste for himself.  This is where he differs from his sister, who still wants her fruit cut up, Ben takes the whole thing and takes a bite out of it.  He would take a bite then look at me and say "MMMMMMM."

Happy 4th of July

Kate is ready for the bike parade.

Ben contemplates the meaning of the 4th.