Birthday Bonanza

Our friend Logan turned two in August and he's so cool that he knew the right connections to get a pirate ship bounce house in his yard for his birthday party! Kids and adults alike had a great time. [And in case you were wondering about safety, of course there was an "operator on duty" at all times... just like the big sign posted right at the entrance says. ;) ]

New Deck

Dad of the Year

Movie stars

I Peter 4:8 tells us that "love covers over a multitude of sins." I think it must also be true that cuteness covers over a multitude of orneriness.

Must. Have. Nap.

Cora isn't willing to let anything get in the way of her naps... including a pesky older sister or even one of her favorite activities -- eating. The last picture was taken during our vacation at Lake of the Ozarks with Steph's family. Notice the bite of food she still has in her hand.

Aunts are awesome

Aunt Ali stayed with us for a few days at the end of July and as always, everyone enjoyed having her around. She's a topic of conversation just about every day around here. We can't wait to see her again!

StL Art Museum

Check out the arch mowed into the grass on the hill in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park in honor of being the host city of the MLB All-Star Game. We're thinking about trying to replicate it in our front yard.

City Garden

City Garden opened downtown a couple months ago (http://www.citygardenstl.org/)... just in time for the All-Star Game. It's directly across the street from Joel's office so it makes for a great place to go have a picnic lunch with Daddy (it's commonly referred to as "Daddy's park" around our house) and enjoy some time outside.

The shiny black building behind Cora peeking through the tree is Joel's office building.

Snake

A couple months ago, Miriam was playing quietly on the other side of the couch from where I was sitting and all of a sudden she said, "Look Mommy, a snake!" I was a bit concerned until I walked around the couch to see the 'snake.'

Perfecting her masterpiece.

The talented young sculptor brushing off her hands after her work is complete.

"Mommy, don't touch it."