Lounging

The only way to beat the heat when it's 95 is to lounge in the pool!

Independence

Nora is becoming more and more independent, so she thinks. The photo and videos didn't turn out well, so the story of last night will have to do.

Nora decided to undress in the kitchen. "Sit Mommy (pointing included.)" "Daddy sit (more pointing.)" She took off her diaper. "Ba-bye mommy, ba-bye daddy." [wrist waves] Nora then walked toward the stairs going up to our bedrooms. "I shower self."

Yes, she thought she'd just head upstairs and shower off quick. She did technically go in the shower by herself, but someone had to turn on the water, get her towel, etc. She was pretty proud though!

Mountain Fun

Nora's favorite thing to do every day when I pick her up from daycare is to sit outside and eat an orange before going home. It's become our ritual, and she waves and greets everybody as they enter and leave the building. She may be running for class president or planning to pursue a career in politics without us knowing; she also likes to kiss her classmates or shake their hands through the fence before leaving!

Some days (not all) it does feel like summer, and Nora enjoys running in the sprinkler both on Fridays at daycare and on the weekends at home.

Relaxing at the park one evening.

We spent Father's Day weekend in a beautiful mountain condo with the Bergs. The weather could have been a bit warmer, but we still had a great time. We went to a BBQ at a friends' house, Nora and Sawyer held hands for support.

And laughed in the grass.

We rode the gondola to the top of Vail Mountain. The kids fueled up on granola bars so they could make it to the top.

Nora, in her (open toed) sandals, playing in the snow.

All the kids, Joe included, throwing snowballs.

Movie night!

The following day we went to a park.

And then Nora was ready to leave...

Coming up next, we've got Nora's (belated) two year photos with a real photographer. She says 'cheeeeeeeeese' quite well, but looks everywhere but at the camera. We'll see if she's in a cooperative mood on Sunday morning...

So Proud

Nora after daycare this week looking especially cute! Looks like she got an 'a' for the day.

Despite the frustrations I have with using this Blogger site, they've added some new features which I'm trying out right now. Supposedly I can email a picture to the blog and it will update-let's see if it works! Would make it easy for one photo updates (maybe I'd actually do that) since I could email a picture taken with my phone right to the blog.

A Few More

Claire had a few more pictures she took from the Chicago trip that I thought I'd share.

Nanny painted Nora's toenails for the first time. Despite Jeff thinking it was 'messy,' Nora loved it. She's still talking about her pretty nails and Nanny.

Finally, a picture of Jason. Somehow Meghan managed to elude all pictures on my and Claire's camera!

At the zoo.

Playing with Great-Grandma Margaret.

Finally, Nora had her 2 year well visit this week. She got her last immunization until kindergarten! She weighed in at a whopping 23 lb 3 oz (8%) and is 33 5/8 inches tall (45%). She sure feels heavier than that when I'm carrying her around!

2nd Birthday Parties

For Memorial Day weekend, we boarded yet another airplane and went to Chicago. Since airlines require paying for children beginning at age 2, we thought we'd sneak in one last trip before June 3! In case you are wondering, we tallied our trips over the past two years and Nora has flown to 16 exciting destinations (and back) since she was born! Amazing!

Despite the cold weather, Nora enjoyed hatching from an egg at the Lincoln Park farm.

Her and Papa passed the rainy day playing with toys Bruce and I played with as children!

On Sunday afternoon, the rains stopped and Papa and Nora were just itching to enjoy Bruce and Meghan's rooftop deck.

Splashing in the rain is so fun!

Monday was hot and sunny so we spent the morning at the zoo, stopping at a great photo spot.

Nanny Barb sewed a dress for Nora, so we thought she should wear it for her party (which we postponed due to weather until Monday.)

Nora and her second cousin Eli stayed hydrated!

The kids stayed cool by playing in the cooler of ice. Who needs a swimming pool?

Nora blew out the candles on her cake, which was melting by the minute (no, it was not an ice cream cake.)

Yummy, cake.

We had such a fun time in Chicago, the men visited a brewery and took in a Cubs game. We also went to the zoo, Green Market, out for dinner, running on the lakeshore and had good quality family time. Bruce and Meghan were great hosts, and Nora loved watching the El go by 'choo choo!'

On her actual birthday, we had a few neighbors over for cake and ice cream. Not a party per se, just a few people hanging out outside.

The cake had lots of candles, requiring dueling matches.

Nora had lots of help opening gifts.

On a non-birthday topic, Nora and Finn explored a tractor in a neighboring lot one evening.