Elizabeth at 21 months

Elizabeth is 21 months old and in the middle of a really fun developmental period. She's learning more words, loves to explore, and is definitely developing opinions! "NO" is one of her favorite words. She loves books, music, peek-a-boo, This Little Piggy, and Play-doh but don't try to get her to finger paint or take away something she wants or you will hear her protests!

This truck has probably been the best toy purchase we've made. We bought it for Ben's first Christmas and both kids have driven miles and miles around the living room and kitchen.

Dancing together

A neighbor of Dave's parents is a beautiful woodworker and had made these rocking horses for his grandchildren, who are older now. When they moved out of KC, he gave them to our kids. We cycle them in and out but this was the first time we'd gotten out the big horse for Ben. Ben and Elizabeth like "racing" each other. Elizabeth is as fearless as Ben was on the little horse, necessitating the beanbag to keep her from rocking too far backward. We're pretty sure the horse is designed not to let that happen, but just in case, the beanbag is there.

I changed her diaper and then went to wash my hands before getting her into pj's. She used the time to lounge around and grab a book!

Hanging out in the mei tai during our zoo trip

She has been getting more into using markers, crayons, and dot markers. Here she is gleefully shaking the crayon box:

Proudly modeling a Play-doh watch designed by Mommy

Autumn has arrived!

After a September with rather unseasonably warm temperatures, it is finally starting to feel like fall in Kansas City.  The kids are enjoying being outside and would probably stay out there all evening if we let them.  Ben loves playing football, baseball, soccer, and going up to the middle school track with Dave. Elizabeth likes when we help her sit in the tree, taking walks or wagon/stroller rides, and carrying around a baseball glove and ball.

Eric and Dave completed the Royals 5K run at Kauffman Stadium. The kids and I went to cheer them on. Elizabeth did NOT like it when Slugger, the Royals' mascot, came over to say hi after the runners left.

Eric and Dave high-fiving the hot dogs as they run into the stadium. Dave is in the Frank White shirt, Eric's ahead of him in dark blue.

Running along the warning track in the stadium

Celebrating! (Ben is unsure and was probably wondering where the promised free food was.)

Dave took Ben back to the stadium for the last Royals' game of the season. (I was at camp for work and Elizabeth was getting some extra Grandma & Opa time.) They got to see a 10th inning walk-off grand slam by Royals player Justin Maxwell to win the game, then got to run the bases afterward!

In September, our friend Neilam visited from California. We had a great relaxed weekend with trips to the local farmer's market and of course, the obligatory barbecue meal!

Ben & Neilam playing "Word on the Street," which is a really fun game!

My parents flew out at the beginning of the month and Ben milked his Papa time as much as possible, with two trips to play miniature golf and a lot of outside playtime. We had lovely weather and the kids loved spending an extra day home with Grammie & Papa as their daycare was closed on Columbus Day.

Elizabeth & Grammie goofing around

Ben doing a puzzle sent by Great-Grandma Meyer

We also took a trip to Bass Pro Shops on a randomly very warm day in September. It's one of our favorite free places to go on days where it's too hot or too cold to spend much time outside. The kids love watching the fish (giant catfish Bess is below) and the ducks.

Ben thought he might add this boat to his Christmas list.