It's been a while, readers (if you're out there). Kate is 16 months old and Cole will be 4 in a few weeks. The weather is finally in the 70's (can't believe I'm excited about the 70's, but we'll take what we can get in the pacific northwest). I took a few weeks off work and honestly, I've been perfecting my relaxing skills. This includes dinner being grilled, backyard pools coming out, lots of play dates and continuing swim lessons at the pool (Cole is making a lot of progress this summer). We also made a trip to California for some more relaxin'. Man, I could get used to this! While my official vacation is over, with the weather nice, it just seems like a big backyard party all the time.
In other news, Kate had her 15 month check up this week and all I can say is we are slowly falling down the weight scale (wouldn't we all be so lucky). She continues to get taller and taller, with literally no weight growth in the last 4 months. Doctor says she's happy, healthy and she eats just about anything so no cause for concern. In fact, her language has really jumped in the last month (perhaps because Cole stands in front of her and says, "Kate, say this or say that"). So she's trying to repeat anything he tells her. And wow is he protective of her. They are a good match for brother and sister and don't seem to drive each other crazy. They laugh a lot!
We said goodbye to our wonderful nanny last month and Kate started daycare at Cole's school. I would call it the easiest transition ever. She walks right into her room and waves goodbye. Her wonderful teachers say that she has a blast and is quite the spicy little one (we knew that already). She takes huge naps there and seems to enjoy the wide variety of activities including walks, gym time, chapel time, dancing, singing, etc. Her class is mostly boys!
Cole is such a great kid that I'm not sure what else to say. He is enjoying his pre-school room so much and becoming quite the artist these days. We're going to create an area in his room to hang his art. He loves to draw boats and racecars. He continues to be our night owl (nap or no nap - doesn't matter). He doesn't like missing the activity of whatever we are doing. He loves to play games with us and he loves movies. Here are a few pictures from late.
Gardening with mom (our front yard is seriously enormous and getting out of control these days!) We'd much rather enjoy our time with the kids.
Enjoying the sunshine and the backyard pool. She definitely has her daddy's skin - getting so tan.
Boys watching a show after some pool time.
Practicing his letters.
Cole decided one day that he didn't want training wheels anymore. This was the first try at riding solo. He actually did pretty well, but hasn't wanted to ride his bike since (training wheels or not) so we're just waiting until he gets excited again.
Whoops! Part of the process I guess.
California road trip...miss it a lot!
Seriously, how long are we going to be in this car???
Worth the drive!
Exact words from Cole, "Mommy, it's more beautiful here than Seattle!"
There's no mistaking my mom and sister are mother/daughter!
We ask my parents every year to make sure it's ok if we come for the 4th. What a great tradition! Thank you for your hospitality!
The Chism's back together as a family...we are thankful to have Jeff home!
Occasionally asked if they are twins, but no, just cousins and buddies!
Evening time...
Love this girl. Wow - is she a mommy's girl. Sometimes she will only let me hold her.
Cole loved throwing the frisbee. He must be the son of LMU students.
Road-tripping home. Horsing around in the hotel.
Night night
