Spicy Butter Masala

Last night, I made chicken simmered in this butter masala sauce out of a jar from Trader Joe's. It had a kick. All of us sat at the table with our mouths on fire. Yet, to my surprise, my boys all ate it. Tyler said, "It tastes so gingery and is spicy, but I like it!" Vincent, who doesn't usually tolerate spice, ate it, then went to get milk. But, he didn't complain. And, Crosby ate most of his, including the chicken, which he normally doesn't care for. 

Nice work, Trader Joe's!

No Physical Activity

So, last week, Tyler fractured the orbit of his eye (it's part of the skull, under the eyeball). Ouch! Right? Yup, he fell on the handlebar of his scooter. He's doing great now, but we've been told he reds to take it super easy the next 3 weeks. This includes no P.E., recess, karate, saxophone playing, blowing his nose hard, and postponing his birthday party.

Crosby and I decided to have lunch with him at school yesterday to cheer him up. Both brothers loved this, as well as Tyler' classmates. Crosby sat next to Tyler like one of the big kids, happy as a clam.

22 months

Words! C is putting 2 words together as of this week.

Singing & dancing.

Tantrums!!!!

A little sign language.

Obsessed with Frozen, and asks for "Elsa?"

Toddler Days

My morning date with Crosby was to good ol' U Village. He rode on a butterfly, then on an unicorn, pushed around a twirly flower thingy, did a little hammering, ate a blueberry muffin, spit out warm milk (I guess he doesn't like it warmed), helped me buy some groceries, and charmed 2 senior ladies (a mother/daughter duo). These are the kind of toddler moments I cherish. They help balance out those screamy, trantrum moments.

Our 18 Month Old, Crosby

We have quite the toddler among us. At 18 months old, Crosby a spunky little guy, who enjoys screaming, dancing, snuggles, kisses, exploring everything, and animals.

Budding Artist

Summer's Chugging Right Along

It's Blue Angels/Seafair weekend in Seattle. I feel like this is the height of summer. I love the Blue Angels. They are so amazing.

For me, though, it seems like after this weekend is over, summer is starting to come to a close. Of course, there are still 4 weeks left before Seattle schools are back in session. But, in many other cities around the country, they start heading back in August. I start seeing Facebook posts about this kid's and that kid's first day of school, etc. Soon, I will be the one posting the pictures of my kids heading off with backpacks & lunch boxes. 

For now, I am going to continue taking in this fabulous summer we are having. Both the Seattle weather and our family adventures have been warming to my core. Sure, it hasn't been without stress, or anger, or sadness. That wouldn't be real life. But, our positive moments surpass the negatives, and I feel so grateful, and blessed for my sweet family. 

Beyond the five of us, our extended family and our friends are also amazing. We were so fortunate to see some last week, while in Cleveland and Boston, that we haven't seen in a few years. Seeing them, and knowing they love and support us is truly comforting. 

July this year was jammed pack with adventures, traffic, travel, sunshine, junk food, playing in water, giggles, ice cream, boredom, too much screen time, baby eczema, Aquafor, organic vegetables, camps, Orange Is The New Black, lazy afternoons, a couple of scheduled activities, eating out, and memories galore. I hope I can report back soon about how awesome August has been.

I leave you with this picture of mini felt cats my sister made me for my birthday (oh yeah, I had one of those in July). Cute overload!