19 months

It has been fun to look back over the last couple years of posting and see the changes. Today Willow seemed excited for the photo. Little did I know.
What she was really excited for was the camera - or should I say, to hold the camera. Or at least that is what she thought she should get to do. This photo is the least sad looking.I think it has been one of those days. Neither child wanted to nap, both have been testing Brian's patience - thankfully he does have a lot.
Carl is phasing out of his naps somewhat - though he does seem to need the rest. It will be a change for all of us when he no longer naps. And Willow just didn't want to be put down. Brian mixed fun and cleaning and gave them a bath. They both enjoy them, especially Willow, and bubbles have been a recent treat.
Carl has been liking to be so independent and today decided he was going to wash his own hair. Willow takes everything that Carl does in and I suspect soon she too will be working on her hair. For now, she will let her Daddy do it.

A family vacation

Our trip to New York was a bit of a whirlwind. Now that we are home it is almost like we never went. It does seem to happen that way... you go and then your back, exhausted. Much anticipated things go quickly, and of course one like myself gets so caught up in some of the petty things that I (sadly) don't get to enjoy things as fully as I wish. This is something I tend to regret and is something to work on.

But I do have photo's to remind me of our time together. (And some wonderful works of art from Cali!)

Mom was determined to get a photo with all her grandkids. We knew it would be difficult but tried. They are all there... sort of.
Reese was trying to get out as quickly as possible. Carl was probably still wishing her Happy Birthday and telling her he loved her. He did this the entire trip trying so hard to get her approval and love in return. She was resistant and continued to say she didn't like birthdays or I love you.
Cali adored Willow and just thought she was the cutest thing. She'd say, "Look at her hair!" "She's talking." "She's so cute!"
Hours before we left they found some time and a way to connect.
It was very sweet and wonderful to see them play together. And I think Mom enjoyed it too!