Can You Hear Me Now?

It's been a busy week- we hosted two play dates for neighborhood friends, although Alex and Ari napped through a visit from their new friend Riley and her mom Fara at the second play date. They woke up in time to see their friend Jacob and cousin Jonathan, though, and catch the last hour or so of that play date. It's fun to see how Ari and Alex are actually now "playing" at these play dates, vs. just observing (or, in the very early days, napping in their car seats!) Alex is quickly developing a reputation as the "food bully," stealing everyones' food (bagels, cookies, crackers, etc.) right out of their hands. Mommy has tried to explain that this will not make him a popular guy, but he doesn't seem to listen. Arielle tends to be the drama queen, shedding big tears any time another child tries to touch her or take a toy from her. Looks like we have some work to do in the etiquette department.

And now for our fun picture of the day: "Can you hear me now?"

This morning Aunt Lori, Uncle Sam, and Cousin Ozzie came over to babysit Alex and Ari while Mommy went out to a doctor's appointment. The kids had so much fun and were in the happiest mood when Mommy got home. In fact, they didn't even realize Mommy was gone (or if they did, they certainly didn't mind). Alex was excited to have a doggie inside the house (vs. just walking by on the other side of the window!) and Ari enjoyed having Aunt Lori read stories and sing songs. As is evident in this picture, Alex was more intent on playing with Ozzie......and was happy to have a new friend join him at his window ("You see, Ozzie, that little white dog goes by every morning around 10:30, and in a little while the big brown dog will go by.")

Alex and Ari told Mommy that they hope Aunt Lori, Uncle Sam, and Cousin Ozzie come back very soon to play some more!