Zoo and splash pad

Miller Park Zoo, in Bloomington, IL is over 100 years old--who knew?!

It was a hot day, so most of the animals weren't too animated. It's a nice-enough zoo, but didn't take very long to get through. Leo was enchanted by the sea lion and the meerkats were Molly's favorite.

Meerkats, come out and play!

The zoo had lots of these metal animal sculptures all around.

Hello lemur!

Leo's sea lion

Splashing Molly

Leo said repeatedly he didn't want to go to the splash pad because he didn't want a bucket of water to dump on his head. Which attraction do you think he spent almost the entire time playing with?

In other news. we register Leo for school this week and Molly's new favorite word is Eo.

Got sock?

Happy 16 months Molly!

Not a whole lot new this month. You are very talkative with lots of words (spoken and signed)--your favorites are hungry, bubbles (you love to blow bubbles!), cracker, cheese, more, milk, go, bye-bye, book, shoes, and thank you. We also heard "mine" today.

Just before this you were in a cute hug, but then you starting hamming for the camera.

You are very curious and busy--you love to read, pull things off of shelves and out of drawers, and to climb on things. You still think your brother is the best thing since sliced bread, even though he calls you "pesto" and frequently asks if we can mail you to Michigan. You love to hug him (and us) and occasionally will give kisses.

So many books, so little time.

You still love to go outside for walks and love to ride on Daddy's bike. Especially if it involves bunny watching--any time you get near a window you say "bunny!" (regardless of whether there is one in sight). You like baths and the one time we got you into the kiddie pool (it's been too hot to do more!) You love music and will dance and bob your head.

You are getting interested in getting yourself dressed and undressed. You love getting your teeth brushed, and will even walk up to the bathroom sink and ask us to do it. Lately you've been getting up waaaay too early.

Papa and I feel like we can barely keep up with you and your brother. You push us to be better parents and people, and it isn't easy!

But, we love you sweet Molly-do,

Mama, Papa, and Leo

Molly gives her side of the story

Big

Leo visited me at work, where he found the monster zucchini that someone brought in.

Molly got a bike helmet that is ginormous, because she now has a bike seat on her Papa's bike.a

Bookworms

Midsummer Nights

Yes, Molly is a climber--stools, chairs, tables, you name it.

"helping" with the puzzle

Going to Grandma's

Fourth of July weekend...

...feels like so long ago I can barely remember what we did. :-( Sorry--just so busy and so little energy by the time the kids are both in bed!

We went to Allerton Park for the first time and had a picnic lunch and explored the gardens and statues. It was the coolest day we'd had in a while, but still hot. Lots more pictures up at Flickr. When we got home we filled the kiddie pool and Molly got her first chance to go swimming. She looooved it. She loves water play days at school too.