Strike a Pose

Carson has fallen in love with this little bench of Spencer's, so like the good brother he is, Spencer consented to let him use it for a while. When toys are too boring, sitting on a bench makes him happy.He's all ready for a little girlfriend to put that arm around. "Hey honey...."

Spencer sort of wanted to sit there together, but Carson doesn't like sharing "his" seat.

Summer Fun

Carson hadn't been to the pool for a long time, so we all went together. He enjoyed trying out his new baby float. Spencer needs almost constant practice at swimming. He gets so nervous about going underwater! We're going to do more swimming lessons in October, if it works out.

Here they are hanging out in the backyard, watching Spencer and me play baseball.
Giving Spencer a big, sloppy kiss. It wasn't well received.
Playing "dentist" on everybody.

The Criminal

Yes, that's me--I'm a violator of the law of the land. About three weeks ago, I was driving Spencer to his haircut appointment when I saw the flashing lights behind me. Apparently the hill I was descending has a speed limit of 30 mph, and I was doing 42. In other words, I fell into a speed trap. So I appeared in court today with the rest of the local felons to plead my cause and beg for traffic school. We all sat in our own row. The room was dead silent. I sat there with the druggies and the drunks, clutching my flowered purse and hoping it would be over soon. The judge was totally stereotypical, too. He was an older guy, balding, with the dark-rimmed, rectangular specs. He had a grouchy look, a gruff voice, and hardly looked at anyone. He asked how I was, and for just a second I considered divulging that I felt like a real criminal, but I decided he wasn't the type to indulge any kind of joviality. So I took care of my business and hurried out of there. I'll be completing my traffic school in about a month. I plan to do something fun afterward so it doesn't seem like a complete bummer of a day. I don't have a mug shot to put on this post--sorry to disappoint. Maybe next time....

Naptime

Here are my latest favorite sleeping pictures.

I thought he was so cute with his hand pressed against his chubby little cheek.

Sometimes Spencer gets up way too early (like 6:45), so Daddy volunteered to take a quick nap with him. Dads get all the perks!

Obedience

Yesterday my mom came to visit. I hadn't slept very well the night before, so she told me to go take a nap. I resisted, explaining that I would do it after lunch. Spencer gave me a stern look and said, "Do what your mother says, REMEMBER??"

Just Hanging Out

This is what "the guys" do to build family relationships....

Carson LOVES popsicles! Even when it's gone, he sucks on the empty stick and then holds it up in the air like a prize.

My little virtuosos....
Carson won't stand alone, but he has no problem standing to play a tune on the piano. He likes to play a little countermelody with me sometimes. He gets a big grin like we're really doing a fancy duet!Carson thought it was fun to wear his bib like this. We called him the Lamanite (scriptural character), and Spencer laughed and laughed.

This has to be my new favorite picture of late. These are Grandma's special magnifying glasses to use when she's stitching. It's quite an effect, isn't it?? He looks like one of those "Twisted Whiskers" animals.

Another of Carson's favorite places to practice standing. A little FYI about him--he went to the doctor today. Just to see what may help him, we're going to visit with a physical therapist for an evaluation. Maybe they can give me some ideas on how to encourage him at home and help him learn to use his legs and feet for something other than scooting! He weighs 25 lb. 5 oz., and he is 33 inches tall. So basically he's still quite tall, but he's slimming down a bit. No worries about the walking yet; we're just going to see what PT has to say.

Let us not forget the important fifth member of our family, Slippy. She doesn't change much, but I still take pictures of her because I think she's beautiful. She won't be around forever, and I would hate to think that I didn't take any recent photos of her. She is now 12 years old, but fit as a fiddle (as long as she doesn't have to have any procedures.)

Outside Fun

Though the days have been miserably hot lately, some of the evenings haven't been too bad. The half-hour before we start the bedtime routine is the only time we ever play outside right now. This was Carson's first bubble experience outside. We've done it in the tub, but outside is way more fun!
Spencer was more than happy to be the official blower. Carson was the demand, Spencer was the supply.

Here is some sidewalk art for your enjoyment.
And now a little story.... Andy got free tickets to a baseball game Tuesday night, so he called to tell Spencer the happy news. Spencer said, "Well, after the baseball game, should we go to a boutique?" Andy says I've warped our son. Don't worry, he's very excited for baseball, too!