Cute Things

Oh, how this little guy is changing!  Mitchell has started a few new things lately.  First, after I put food into his mouth, he likes to take it out, look at it, then put it back in.  Cheerios are no longer easy treats to carry around with us!  Yesterday, he started the new phase of throwing his head back; this is NOT one of my favorites.  He will look at me to see if I notice and how I react.  This will often make a rather loud sound, but I have learned to ignore him for about 15 seconds and then turn with either a blank face or a smile.  He loves when I help him clap his hands and will open from fists so they make a sound.  He loves my songs (although, really, who doesn't?!?).  He loves getting up from naps and seeing each of the kids.  He is still constantly bombarded with hugs and kisses from Ben, Annie, and Emily - this warms my heart but also causes some stress as they each want to kiss him RIGHT NOW!  He does have cute, kissable cheeks, especially right when waking up.  He's starting to make his presence known and can crawl SUPER fast.  He loves things he shouldn't get into...joy.  Mitchell will pull up on furniture and cruise.  Today he stood for about 3 seconds without holding on to anything.  Ben, Annie and I were in the room and cheered rather loud.  I think we might have scared him from further attempts!  He is a joy and we love him dearly!

Emily has hit a new stage that about drove me bonkers when Annie went through it - her panties don't feel good.  *sigh* I was realllllly hoping she would skip this one!  Unfortunately, I have learned (after going commando a few times), that I need to check for bottom-coverings and not to trust her word that she isn't bare-bummed!  It's a rough little stage!  She is doing so well to explain things; I am constantly astounded with her vocabulary and capability of speaking.  If not for the articulation issue, one would think she is 10!  Emily has LOVED doing 'school' with me this summer.  I have to call it quits because she would continue in her little workbook forever!!!  Ems loves being where the action is!  She can make friends with anyone and just loves to be around people.
Annie is such a sweetie!  She likes to please her mom and dad.  She is consistently happy each morning when we read scriptures and ready to jump in.  She finds where we are supposed to be and then waits patiently for Ben and Emily.  I'm pretty sure Annie's calling in life is to be a nurse; she has such a comforting and nurturing nature.  Whenever anyone is hurt, she is the first one there!  She will run to get bubbly-stuff (hydrogen peroxide), q-tips, band aids, and cream then either hold the patient's hand or blow on the owie or whatever is needed to help ease the pain.   Then she will read stories to Emily or get a special blanket or give up a toy.  Annie most often chooses to be the peacemaker - not to say that she can't stir up her own trouble!  She and Ben have discovered wrestling this summer.  Each time they wrestle, Annie gets hurt and cries, but she always goes back for more!

Ben loves riding his new bike.  He worked for about 3 months to save enough money (minus tithing and savings!) for this purchase.  Andy and I told him, that if he could save enough for half of the bike, we would pitch in the rest.  He's had so much fun going on a couple of scout bike rides and walks with our family.  Although now he is getting more confident and trying tricks, which definitely makes my heart beat faster!  Ben loves to work and especially to serve others.  He spent half of the day making Annie a tower (from Tangled) out of Legos, complete with Flynn Rider, a soldier, and Maximus.  He loves helping our neighbor, Miss Linda, with weeding or putting down mulch or watering.  Ben has really gained a testimony of prayer over the last few weeks and is almost always, the first one on his knees for morning prayer (even if scriptures didn't go so well).  He is my gopher and completely loves his brother.