L-U-N-A

So, Luna has been able to identify her alphabet letters for some time now, as well as be able to spell her name out loud.  During a recent drawing session on her easel, I looked over to see Luna spelling her name in writing.  Check it out.  I'm allowed to brag, right?

The Tent

Grace has been more then ready to transition into her crib from the bassient.  Problem is, Luna wants to be super helpful when Grace is making noise: give her a pacifier, toy or try to touch her.  This freaks me out a bit, so my solution?  A crib tent.  Made to keep out pests, I use it to keep out a curious toddler.  Poor Gracie.  Now, if we can just keep Luna from unzipping the dang thing.......

Sisters!

Gracie has been having lots of floor time lately.  She loves streching out those long legs of hers and being able to kick around (and try rolling over).  She rarely get's her own personal space however....Luna loves laying down with her and interacting with her little sis.  Luna tells stories, sings or makes faces trying to make Gracie laugh.  It's so much fun to watch the girls interact.  Gracie clearly adores her big sister and reserves her biggest smiles and laughs for Luna's efforts. It's getting so much fun......

Luna's growing up

As we rapidly approach Luna's 3rd birthday I am surprised daily by how "grown up" she can be (although she definitely has her toddler moments).  She miraculously let me put her hair in pig tails the other day and I snapped this photo as proof.  When I looked at it later I thought, who is this big kid?  My little Luna is rapidly becoming a full on preschooler.  Love this girl.  I can't wait to see what she will surprise me with today.

Fragrance Lake Hike

Luna, Gracie & I joined part of the MBMS Science PLC to hike Fragrance Lake.  We were quite the group making our way up the trail....3 adults, 5 kids and a dog.  We had a great time and the boys were awesome with Luna, scaring away the "monsters" in the woods both ahead and behind us.  Kristen wins the "stud" award, hauling Luna up and down in the backpack (Luna's weighing in around 42 pounds these days).  We were happy to help Kristen train for her Baker climb in August! Jody helped lug Gracie up as well when she started getting fussy.  It takes a team!

Luna, Kristen, Jody, Jeremy, Thomas, Geoffery & Junebug

Lynnelle, Grace, Kristen & Luna

The boys fished up at the lake

Taking a snack break & getting ready to head back down

Hugs goodbye!

Luna was so tired when we got home, she crawled up on the changing table and promptly fell asleep

Bellevue Kid's Museum & Uncle Ken's Birthday

The day after our zoo trip, we continued our Seattle "vacation" by heading to the Bellevue Kid's Museum.  Luna had so much fun exploring, running from activity to activity trying all sorts of cool and new things.

A life-size Lite Brite

No surprise here.  Luna spent most of her time at the water display

Ten-Four buddy. Luna's driving the semi!

Luna's taking Daddy for a spin in her big rig

After a busy morning at the kid's museum, we headed over to Uncle Ken's & Auntie Steph's to celebrate Uncle Ken's birthday.  Oma, Grandpa, Auntie Emily & Hugo joined us for the party!

Aunt Emily, Oma & Gracie

Grandpa & Hugo

Love this face.  What the heck?!

Gracie & Auntie Steph

Gracie found a friend in the backyard

Big sister Luna, joined the menagerie

Luna's sweet new dolphin goggles

Luna took this picture of Mommy & Oma

Hugo napping on Oma's lap

All the excitement required a nap by Gracie

Luna got to decorate Uncle Ken's cake.  Budding artist?

Birthday Boy!

Auntie Emily & cousin Hugo

The Zoo!

We headed to the zoo with Cousin Hugo & Auntie Emily last week.  Luna picked our route and the animals we visited.  She kept wanting to touch & pet the animals so Brian had to keep explaining that "wild" animals are not for petting!  Gracie slept through almost the entire experience, as did Hugo.  I'm sure the two newbies will be into a zoo visit in the near future!

Luna was excited to see the tiger; one of our first stops on Luna's tour

Simmer down Hugo!

Observing the orangutan

Big Sister loved the baby elephant

Emily, Hugo, Gracie & me

Elephants!

Good parenting

Hugo's first visit to the elephants

Cutie!

Luna can't believe it!

Taking a ride on a hippo

The real deal

Hugo's pacifier of choice

Hugo's "What the heck?!" face

Luna & Brian took a carousel ride

The fam!