Audrey the Aggressor

Both happy. . .

Sami's starting to get concerned.

Hey, why is she grabbing my bib?

Vicious right hook!

Mission accomplished (insert sinister laugh).

Take Me Out to the Ballgame. . . Again!

This time it was the Big Time. . .Cards v. Dodgers and Albert v. Manny. Mary and Larry were kind enough to share their tickets with us. The game started an hour early due to ESPN coverage so we were even able to stay for the whole thing (thanks to Grandma watching the twins and a 2 inning ice cream break). Annika had a good time - she even enjoyed (if you ask her she will deny her enjoyment but we know the truth) the fireworks after the home run and at the end of the game.

Lauren sat on Daddy's lap and ate peanuts for most of the game. She clapped when everybody else clapped and she enjoyed yelling, "charge" at the appropriate times.

Notice the peanuts in Karl's hand.

Annika wanted to know why there were so many white flashes when Pujols batted. I told her everyone wants pics of Albert Pujols b/c he's one of the greatest players of all time. . .she insisted we take one as well.

We went with Chet, Larry, and Mary. This was in the 8th inning. Mary was fed up with pitching changes so she got on her cell.

First Solids

I thought I trusted you. . .what are you doing to me, Mommy?

Okay, I opened my mouth, now what am I supposed to do?

2 eager helpers asking, "May I do it?"

Sami isn't exactly EATING solids here, but she is trying. Don't try this at home.

I'll open my mouth for my foot, but not for this soft, tasteless stuff.

Weekend Fun

On Sunday evening we went to the relatively new Citygarden. Kudos to the city of St. Louis - it's very well done and a great family excursion!

We didn't bring swimsuits for the kids but they didn't seem to mind.

Karl took the day off on Monday and we headed out to the Wetlands Trail at Shaw Nature Reserve. A highlight was spotting an indigo bunting (a first for Karl). There were lots of wildflowers in bloom.

Lauren's checking out the birds.

Annika takes the wheel.

Annika's turn to spot birds.

Getting Bigger. . .

1st time in the double jogger! Granted they were definitely doing "the lean" but it worked pretty well.

I think she likes it!

Help from Heidi and Kelli

One of the pieces of advice I received when I found out we were having twins was to be willing to accept help. Kelli (Maya's mom) offered to bring Annika to VBS this week and I gratefully accepted. She had a great week and I didn't have to worry about loading and unloading all 4 kiddos. Annika and Maya having fun on the last day.

Heidi Barker has helped us out over the past couple of months. The kids have really enjoyed playing with her. Now she is off to Switzerland to work as a nanny for 3 months. We will miss her.

Can you tell Lauren is 2 and not into cooperating for photos?

Night at the Ballpark

No, not the Cardinals. . .the one and only Gateway Grizzlies. They were playing the Lake Erie Crushers. Nice view of downtown from the stadium. On the way home we saw fireworks over the arch as we crossed the bridge.

It was a perfect night - temps in the 70's and a beautiful sky. Karl carried both car seats into the stadium. All of the stares and smiles kept his muscles strong.

Annika and Lauren were very excited to bring their camp chairs to the game.

1st ballgame for the Audrey and Sami!

Mary and Larry, Jonathan and Sage, and us - quite the cheering section.

The view from our "seats."

Whose child is this? This is the same girl who sat on my lap and refused to sing with the rest of the kids at VBS this morning. I had no idea she knew these dance moves. . .(As you can hear in the background, Sage was highly entertained).

The Bouncer

Sami has figured out how to bounce herself. . .it makes us laugh every time. Once in a while she even switches legs.

It's so hard to say goodbye. . .

The McBrides have left to begin their ministry in San Diego (http://www.harborpc.org/v2/). We are very sad to see them go. Here are some snapshots from our last days together.

Ridley takes the wheel!

Annika and Lauren had to make sure the car seats were in working order.

This is one of 3 pictures of Mandy and me from the last 3 years. All 9,765 other photos are of our children.

Joseph's going to be a great big brother.

Our last few moments together and Annika says. . . "May I have a snack?"

Annika is battling her fears. . .trying so hard to have a good time.

Boys will be boys. . .

Pure joy. They are playing "let the grown-ups get way ahead and then run and catch up to them."

Hanging out in the bluebird nest at the Nature Center. Good thing they are all wearing their sun hats. . .

Taking a snack break in the shade on moving day.

Olivia, supervising the loading process.

Who woulda thought a moving truck could be sooo much fun?