Scientific Wonders

"Lane, what are you doing?" ..."Can I play too?" Could that be what she's thinking? Maybe a few more months until she is pounding on his door, trying her best to be included. As she spots him on the basketball court, we do all we can to stop her from running out to get him. (Here Lane is watching Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs on his ipod. Ash thinks she is watching it too.)

His social life on most weekends busier than ours, he is an active "tween"-age kid. If he's not playing in a basketball tournament--he's had 6 this season already--he is at a birthday party or some other function. I know it's only the start of what's to come. We already have to book our time with him in advance (with a secretary).

At 18 mo., Ashlyn is the typical toddler: climbing on everything, thinking she can do all that we do, resisting help with most activities on most occasions, learning words and fine motor skills, enjoying new sights like planes, frogs, flowers, and other animals. A sweetheart, she is. (Her most recent doctor visit measured her at 36.25 in. and 33+ lbs., confirming the 100th perc. yet again.)

Getting closer to the start of potty-training, Ash currently uses the hallway as her private spot. (Here she's peaking out to see if we are checking for her.)

Ashlyn has her own social activities both at daycare and on weekends. Brady, the 2-year old cutie across the street, greets her warmly with a smile and hug each time he sees her. And, we so enjoy having dinners with Carrie, Peter, and Ella.

Can Poncho learn the maze quicker than Lefty because there are sunflower seeds at the end? Darn right he can! He smoked Lefty by almost half the time! Experiment successful!! Lane's project was such a success that he made it to the library exhibit yet another year. Good job, Lane!

(Lane and Matt designed the maze, and we helped conduct the timed runs for 7 nights.)

What's coming up? Spring, of course. My daffodils are in full bloom, Matt is is full chaos (with unruly kids at work and other projects), and I am counting down the days until both spring break and summer: 31 and 119. Let's be honest, life truly happens when we aren't at work. Bring on spring, and bring on summer!