Keeping Cool

Fans of the Erickson and Parks family blogs (I'm talking to you, Jarvis) will have to forgive me for posting the same pictures Katie posted on her website a few weeks ago. BUT, I had to show off how cute the girls are in the pool and give a special shout out to one of our favorite play date friends...Henry! Henry is the adorable guy in the hat and we are lucky to hang out with him and his fab mom, Katie, once a week. One of these times I'll bring a camera and won't have to borrow Katie's photos!

Elsie spent some time dumping water on Margot's head, which Margot loved!
The face Margot is making is priceless. I think she looks like a cranky old timer.

Como Zoo

We left the burbs and traveled to the big city to meet up with a few of Elsie and Margot's favorite peeps (Gabe, Stella, Audrey, and Violet) and two of my favorite ladies (Stacey and Julie). The little people were much more entertained by the HUGE puddles and each other than by the animals. Oh, the rides were a big hit too! Here's Margot watching the big kids on the rides. She can't wait to join them!
I was happy to see that Audrey didn't text or talk on her cell phone while driving with Elsie as her passenger.

Gabe, Elsie, and Audrey strike a pose.

"Mom, please stop taking my picture so I can see Sparky"

Clean Up on Aisle Erickson

This picture doesn't even come close to showing how messy these two ladies were at dinner last night. Margot can not get through a meal with half of it being in her hair. Good thing they like take baths.

Get Me Out of Here!

The window is our new favorite play spot. It looks like the girls are trying to tell us they want out! It is really funny to be outside and see these little heads peering out the window.

Margot Madness

Let me tell ya folks, Miss Margot keeps us on our toes. As you can see she is too cute! However, she is into everything...such as cords, steps, toilets, outlets, and still loves pulling Elsie's hair. She has an odd crawl, but I don't think she'll be using it for too much longer. Standing and cruising are two of her new hobbies. I am loving this age and we are haivng a blast with her!

Table For One

Elsie was quick to catch onto the idea of eating outdoors. What a good little Minnesotan!

Fresh Air

Of course the Erickson girls love to get outside in the fresh air. The pictures below will show you what a lovely time we have enjoying the nice weather. What these pictures won’t show you is the mom coming close to having a breakdown each time we get ready to go outside. Now, I’m about to go on a little rant here so those of you with more than two children should ignore me while I whine, because I know it can always be worse, BUT here’s what it takes to get us out the door.
1. Apply sunscreen – Elsie does great with this, but with Margot it’s like competing in a wrestling match.
2. Put on shoes – This is where things get tricky with Elsie and it takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes to get her shoes on. This is also where I say several swear words in my head and try to not throw the shoes across the room. Just thinking about Elsie wanting to put her shoes on by herself, then crying because she can’t do it, then changing her mind on what kind of shoes to wear, makes me want to never leave the house. Nothing is more annoying than toddlers and shoes, right?!
3. Put on the hats because the sun’s powerful rays will burn our children to a crisp. Of course, Margot is not a fan of the hat and I spend the entire time outside putting her hat back on.

Of course we eventually get outside and then Elsie has to use the bathroom (I miss diapers), so we head back in and start the whole process over again. Happy Summer!

I love how Elsie has her eyes closed while puckering up!