Bugs at the Library

Chills and Thrills

We've had plenty of fun over the past couple of weeks. It was mostly filled with friends and family.

We have slowed to a nonexistent pace in finishing the house. I think that we have just hit a spot of "I'm tired of doing this."

We took 3 sessions and were able to get some semidecent pictures of all of us. I guess I am going to have to actually hook up some more electronic equipment so that I can share them with you.

Erik has been pretty slammed at work.

Evy is hysterically funny and keeps us all in line.

Merritt is over the top grooving away. He dances all the time.

I'm back in a better cooking phase. For awhile there, it was pretty gross.

More posts with better details on our visits to follow.

Evy's Comment

Stranger: Do you like fruit?
Everett: Yes, I do.
Stranger: What is your favorite fruit?
Everett: Fruit treats!
(gelatin fruit snacks)

Chills and Thrills

The week was blessedly devoid of any major Chills.

We were able to meet up with old friends and dine-upon Saturday samples at Central Market. We had some new friends over for dinner on Sunday.

It rained all weekend and is still raining.

We adopted a fish, Marbles. So far he hasn't really eaten anything. Good thing we've got a "14 day return the dead fish and get another one" option. Good thing the pet store doesn't know that the owner of the fish is a toddler. Actually, Evy is doing a great job!

The Sword

Evy's Thought for Today

Today, Evy was admiring the mad cool driving skills that he gives to Doc, Chick-Hicks, and The King. He outlined the skills to me one by one and included showing off the "racing tyrres" that they have.

He is still very bothered by the fact that Chick-Hicks is not a nice car, that he is a mean car. Today I think he was able to start verbalizing his inner dilemma.

"Chick-Hicks is mean to The King. He no good decisions?"

"Yes." I agreed.

"Chick-Hicks is a fast racer and a good turrrner."

"Yes, he is."

"Hhhhmmmm."

Amazing to watch how children start to pick apart the matter and verbalize the grey areas.

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He is now found carrying around his toy screwdriver. He calls it his sword and tucks it into his pants to carry it around everywhere we go. He loves to show it off to " . . . the people. Need show the people, Mommy."

He carries it because heroes like Hercules carry swords.

Labor Day Weekend

Grandma and Poppa came over for dinner.

We chose a paint color for the kitchen.

Ducks, bread, ducks too full to eat our bread.

Making pancakes.

Last day at the pool. A big day in our house.





Shopping at hardware stores.

And more unpacking.

At Play . . . Tree Eggs

There is this type of tree that has these HUGE, heavy, green, orange-shaped balls that fall from the limbs. Some of these things are larger than basketballs. We see them all over our area. They get squashed by cars, they look like brains, they float, and they are really-really ugly. Today we found one that was small enough to be investigated.

The insides are very sappy, milky. Evidently the seeds are edible but harder to harvest than seeds in a banana. We did some research and found that they are called hedgeapples. Or as Evy calls them, tree eggs. It was pretty cool.

This is how Merritt helps in our investigation.

Lunches with Dad

We have had the best time taking Dad to lunch whenever we can! Definitely a perk of living in the same town as Erik works. We have a great time and feel very lucky to get to see him in the middle of the day!

Hook 'Em

Religion in Texas has started again.

No comment on the game between our arch rival and the school we constantly make fun of . . . .

Texas, Texas, Yeehaw!

Chills and Thrills

We have enjoyed the past couple of weeks. A great visit from Aunt Megan, Everett's godmother, filled in our time as we continue to unpack and get settled. We are enjoying a cooler turn in the weather.

Erik is continuing to slave at work. Sheila is enjoying her time with the boys at home. Evy is the constant big brother keeping Merritt safe, and Merritt keeps us smiling.

We have great plans to repaint the kitchen soon. Forwhatever reason, we are having a difficult time picking the color. I love that this is the major decision facing us right now. A welcome change.

Erik is also serving our congregation as ward employment specialist. I realized that we are always helping someone with their resume and networking. Kind of nice that his assignment fits into something that we already do.

Our current TV favorite is The Philanthropist. Those that know Erik best will understand why.

Nothing super major going on except us figuring out how to speed up the process of mowing the lawn. A charmed life, for sure.

At Months 8 and 9, Merritt Shines

Stats

Weight: 18 pounds, 9 ounces (10-25%)

Height: 28 and 1/2 inches (50%)

Head Circumference: 17 and 3/4 inches (25-50%)

Interview with Merritt

Moderator: Ladies and Gentlemen, Merritt is with us today filling us in on all that he has been up to recently. Tell us Merritt, what do you like to do best?

Merritt: I love to play with my brother and explore. I also try to copy my brother when he makes my mom laugh. We also sound really good together when we play the drums. Evy is so cool.

Moderator: Tell me more about what you like to explore.

Merritt: Everything. Mom finally created "bags" and "boxes" of stuff that she moves around the house to interest me since I love getting into the fireplace, crawling up the stairs, and finding all the "nono" areas. My favorite tub of stuff has CUPS of all sizes. Cups are cool.

Moderator: Your mom said that you are a flirt, what does that mean?

Merritt: Well, I love to smile and laugh at people. I make eyes at them, make eye contact, and then turn my head every so slightly to the one side because it makes me look even CUTER! I am really good at kissing.

Moderator: Really! Well, that is interesting. What is your favorite food?

Merritt: Mmmhhh, well, you should know that I talk when I eat. I make these chipmunk like sounds and make sure I keep up with the conversation. As far as what I prefer, I love finger things like cheerios. I don't like pureed pees. I LOVE bananas and mandarin oranges

Moderator: Is there anything else you want to share with the people?

Merritt: Well, I love to read books. Mom says I light up like a light when we read together. I am constantly getting into trouble because I am "risky." I climb up and go everywhere. That means that Mom and Dad have to get creative in keeping me in safe areas. I really like walks and spend most of my time looking at the ground as we pass over cool stuff. I don't like naptime. I have an uncanny sense of when it will be and I start crying the moment Mom takes me into my room. And, I am extremely ticklish and have a loud laugh!

Here is a picture you can share of me. I was the length of the caterpillar when I was born.

Some thoughts from Mom:

• Merritt is a happy boy. He is on the lighter side weightwise as he is burning calories all the time.



• He enjoys exploring and wrestling with his brother. He wants to be in the middle of the action all the time.


• I think I should start saving for orthodontic work for Merritt. He is constantly bruising his mouth, lips, etc. The dentist says not to worry but you can't help but wonder.


• When he is happiest, he makes these cooing noises like a dove.


• He doesn't like the hardwood floors or the ceramic tile on his knees. He has this crawl that is knee, knee, knee, foot. Pretty fun to watch.


• This one is ALWAYS on the move hitting milestones early, in an effort, I am sure, to keep up with his brother.


• He is a pleasure to be around and Everett is always making sure that he is safe. Evy watches to see how big the food pieces are that I give Merritt whenever we eat. They enjoy being together.


• Changing his diaper is akin to wrestling a steer.


• He loves to eat paper.




• Just yesterday he was standing by himself, without support. He kind of surprised himself!


• 6 teeth and counting.

Evy In Pictures

Evy's Thought for Today

"Mom, here are your keys and your phone!" Evy ran them to me holding them as if they were sacred offerings.

"Thanks, Evy."

"I'm trying to be a hero . . . . like Hercules!"

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After a discussion between Mom and Dad about dinner in the car, Mom turns to Evy, states the plan, and asks,"Doesn't Dad have great ideas?"

Evy emphatically said,"No!"

"What? Who has great ideas then?"

Pointing to himself he said,"Me!"

Follow-up questioning resulted in him explaining that no one else but Evy has great ideas.

Got to love toddler/preschooler ego.

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"Mom, Spiderman doesn't have a nose."

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Mom exited the bathroom and told Everett, after questioning, that she did in fact go poopoo.

"Awesome, Mom! You get a big TREAT now!"

(Let me tell you it does a body good when someone cheers for you even if it is only because you went to the bathroom.)
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Erik hurt his back a couple of weeks ago. Old age, mowing, and moving suddenly. We didn't talk about it too much but it was clear Erik has been in pain.

On Friday, when Erik got home from work, Evy asked,"Dad, your back hurrrting you?" He was checking in to see if he could help dad.

What a sweetie!