Say CHEESE!!!!!

Although I love that Camdyn now understands what to do when you ask her to smile, I do think we have a bit of work to do on our cheesy grin!

Life Isn't Always a Picnic

Hopefully wrapping up a few REALLY rough days with our little Princess. The heat does not appear to bring out her best, and we have been busily testing Mom and Dad in just about any situation. From throwing food in my face, to beating the dog with blocks, to pulling all leaves from all plants within a 100 yard radius of the house, Camdyn has found ways to get under our skin and seems to relish in every second of exasperation. The hours of our day not devoted to naughty behavior seem to be filled with stiff-bodied, high-pitched screaming tempter tantrums......As we attempt the implementation of time-outs, positive reinforcements and a variety of other discipline techniques, Jeff and I are working hard not to loose our cool.....not to mention pondering the whereabouts of our little angel!

One positive solution has been to take any meal possible outside! We seem to be our happiest on a blanket in the sun, surrounded by food. Of course, since Camdyn must declare her new found independence in all daily tasks, meals come complete with her own plate, fork, spoon and big girl cup! Mom is just happy for the temporary reprieve of parenting obstacles....not to mention the minimal clean-up!

More Corn Please........

Oh the joys of summer......BBQ's, picnics, fresh garden veggies....and of course, corn on the cob!

Perfecting Their Waves

We are so fortunate that one of our favorite families has decided to make Wallowa County an annual tradition! Over the 4th of July weekend, the Johnsons hopped into their car and made the drive to Enterprise to help us celebrate the holiday....and what a difference a year makes! Last year (picture #1), Addison was great with Camdyn, but definitely couldn't really use her as a play mate....this year however, the girls had a blast! Camdyn thought Addison was just about the coolest thing ever, and Addie seemed to think living in a small town could be pretty cool if you got to be in parade every year! Despite the heat, both girls dressed up in Red, White and Blue (complete with patriotic bubble necklaces and flags) and took to the parade route, waving their hearts out the entire way! I think we may have some future Rose Festival Princesses in the making..........

Happy 4th.....Um, 17th of July

Maria's Top Five non-blogging excuses/legitimate interruptions:

1. Weekend-after-Weekend of house guests
2. Mini-vacations on my non-house guest weekends
3. Technical Issues with my router...or at least that is what the computer man says
4. Keep forgetting my camera at the most opportune times
5. Scattered pregnant, while being a mom-with-with-a-toddler brain...(perhaps an announcement for those of you who didn't know we were expecting #2)

We have been having a fantastic July and I am in the process of gathering pictures from people who actually remember to use their cameras......in the meantime, here are a few cute shots of our first tire swing encounter!

Why it's a Classic

It doesn't matter how much baby brain research Infantino or Baby Einstein may do. Nor does it matter what cool lights and sounds new technologies may bring to toys.........the most simple, classic playthings will never fail to entertain a child. Just ask Ms. Camdyn when she found a Fisher Price "popper" that is at least 40years old. Despite my intense hate for loud toys, I couldn't help but smile......

Like Mother, Like Daughter............

Looks like blue eyes, the love of early mornings and thin hair aren't the only inherited traits........