Gigi and Poppy

Our summer started with a visit from Gigi, then a week later Poppy came to stay.  While they were here, we got to do all sorts of fun things...

We got to visit our favorite people in "Mayberry."  Kaiden really enjoyed playing with E and B (even though his expression doesn't show it here).

He liked swinging on their new play set.

We tried to get a cute picture of all 3, but Kaiden would not cooperate.  He was too busy trying to climb!  Thanks E and B for being a good sport!  :)

Back at our house we found numerous things to entertain Kaiden.  He had a blast playing with the water hose one day.

We also made time for Kaiden to have his second hair cut.  He still wasn't too excited about the whole process.

But a couple of things made this one better.  First, they let him sit in my lap.  And second, well, Gigi and Poppy were there!

I thought it was kinda cool that we got the same lady who cut his hair the first time.  This time I got a picture of her.  Kaiden didn't seem all that impressed.

Kaiden showing off his new do to Poppy.  (Can you believe we already got a smile?!?)

After getting a hair cut, we headed to Poppy's favorite store--Bass Pro.  Kaiden loved this store.  They had plenty of his favorite things:  birds, fish, and balls. 

He really enjoyed watching the fish in the aquarium.  We let him down and he was walking all over the place.  He found a ramp and went up and down it at least 50 times!

A few days later, our neighbor came to us with a fabulous find.  A few blocks over someone was throwing out this awesome cabin!!!!  Poppy and Lichar went to rescue it and bring it to our house.  One man's trash really IS another man's treasure!!

Kaiden enjoyed going in and out, in and out, in and out.  Close the door, open, close, open...  What a great find!

One night Ashley came over for dinner and Kaiden entertained us all!  He was giving us his best fake laugh... and many great faces too!

Just before Gigi and Poppy left, we took a trip to the beach.  We now really appreciate digital cameras--we all left ours at home, forcing us to buy a one time use camera.  We had a great time and got some great pictures, just not the best quality!

Ash and me.  (Can you believe my self photo skills?!?  This was one take!!)

Lichar and Kaiden enjoyed digging holes in the sand.

K and Poppy chillin' in the shade.

Sage had a great time, she kept all the birds away from us.  :)

Kaiden was interested in the sea weed, but didn't like it when it touched him.

Kai didn't enjoy the water too much.  He kept signing "finished" and saying klaar  (finished in Dutch) 

Note Sage protecting us from any impending danger...

With Gigi, Poppy, AND Tante around, Kaiden got a little spoiled.  He enjoyed having a few chocolate chip cookies.  Kaiden had chocolate ALL over him--this picture doesn't do it justice.

Thankfully Sage was willing to help clean him up!

I think Kaiden's favorite part was the birds.  Someone next to us gave us this bird kite when they left.  Kaiden thought it was great.

Self photo... (again--ONE shot.  Do I rock or what?)

Poppy and Kai enjoying the waves.

We had a great time with Gigi and Poppy!!!!  We miss you!

After they left, we needed something fun to do to keep us occupied.  I thought Kaiden might enjoy drawing with sidewalk chalk.

It was fun for a bit, but then he got a little bored....

and decided it was more fun to watch the ants.

But we were both excited when this arrived!  It was our new high chair!!!  His old one was recalled and we had been using a loaner (that we were not very fond of) for the last 4 weeks. Kaiden was very helpful when I was putting it together.  ;)

Stay tuned for posts about our trip to California...