Meeting Benny

When we traveled to Europe during the summer of 2006 we found a store during a layover at a train station that sold very life-like puppets. It was Bob's "splurge" for that trip. When he was packing up his classroom for the summer last week he brought home "Benny". Benny Hauptbahnhof. The name "Benny" came with the puppet. We were trying to think of a last name and nothing seemed to fit. I finally suggested "Hauptbahnhof". His name literally means "Benny from the train station". Etta seemed to find him fascinating and I'm sure that he'll come out and play more often this summer.

Hi, my name is Etta. What's your name?



Is that your nose?



That's my nose!



I can give kisses. Let me show you.



Mwwwwwaaaaaaaaaa.

Walking...almost...

Etta is finally to the stage that everyone has been talking about for months. The "leading-mommy-(or-daddy)-around-by-the-hands-until-they-start-to-go-a-little-crazy" stage. These pictures were taken soon after I returned from my 18-mile run with Christine last weekend.

This way mommy!



No, this way! More!! More!!!



Come on baby Etta, can't you tell that mommy is tired?

Par-tay

aka: Jonah and Noah's Birthday Bash!

Last Friday Jonah turned three and Noah turned two. How does that work with twins you ask? I really don't know. You'd need to ask Jonah. Anyway, they had a big birthday bash and we were invited. Swimming, goodies, a pinata, everything you could wish for in a good ol' birthday bash. Except for good pictures. Just got a few - and not many of the birthday boys. I'll have to work on that!

Can Etta share in a birthday dip?



Getting used to the water.



A fine lookin' bathing beauty on the move.



A swing break



Whew! I need some water after all that birthday bashing!

Favorite Pastime #5

Going pee-pee on the potty. Actually, I think that is mommy's favorite pastime of Baby Etta...

But mom, I'm naked!



I'm going to come get you if you take another picture...

Favorite Pastime #4

Going to the park. I try to take Etta to the park at least three days a week if not more. Since I've been doing a theme I thought I should try to get some pictures.

She always goes on the swings. Once, maybe twice. And she likes to swing very high. People are amazed high how she allows me to push her!

Bear with me on the swing pictures. Since I can't get the video camera on the the computer this has to do...









Exploring the tunnel





And yes, she does want to go up and down the steps like a "big kid" now.

Favorite Pastime #3

Playing in the dirt. So many pictures. Is there really a need for captions?





















This next one is my very favorite picture of the summer so far!

Favorite Pastime #2

Very similar to #1.

Riding in her new red wagon that Uncle Erik got her. We go around the block at least twice each morning after breakfast and then whenever else we get the wagon itch.