Bubbles

Brody loves bubbles!  Really, what kid doesn't love bubbles?  He loved them right up until he got some in an eye.  It's a rare case where he gets remotely upset about being hurt, so when he cried and cried and cried, I felt bad for him.  Luckily nap time was near which meant 2 hours with his eyes shut to get the bubbles out:)  He learned his lesson and reminds me when we play bubbles not to get it in my eye.  I don't know what the average 2 year old memory is like, but Brody does not forget much and this includes a scary attention to detail and pointing out when something moves.  He could have 100 toys on the floor and if I take away the hammer, he'll ask me where it went.  Seriously?  As if he intentionally left it on the floor in a random spot in the middle of chaos.  Apparently.

Happenings with the Parks

 Clearly a lot of Brody's summer while I am off will consist of playing in the water on our deck.  Thank God for that little deck!!

 Kelly meeting Maverick

 Claire loving on Maverick

 Making footprint butterflies with all 4 kids for Father's Day.

 Claire asked to ride the Barbie car about 85 times, almost as many times as Brody asking to ride "me motorcycle".  Those two love those toys.

 Max sneaking some cookies from GG.

 A smile with his eyes open...miracles do happen:)

 Gotta start 'em young with the slave labor!

 Paco holding Mav for the first time :)

We all went in on a new grill for my dad for Father's Day.  Here's the construction crew that put it together.  We grilled kabobs as soon as they finished, yum!

A Few Happenings, more catch up later

 Never a dull moment with Brody around.

 My cousin Jesse came over with her two boys; Andrew who is just 3 months younger than Brody and Ethan who is just 2 months older than Maverick.  Brody and Andrew are very busy boys, I hope that Ethan and Maverick stay cool, calm, and collected to balance it out!

Strawberry Time!

Today Brody and Daddy went to the strawberry patch and harvested over eighteen pounds! Brody was a big help, taste testing as many as possible. More importantly, we have now acquired a strawberry supply for a summer's-worth of smoothies!

Birth weight!

The complete opposite of his brother, Mr. Skinny Legs and Long Arms Maverick is finally back up to birth weight today!

Maverick's Newborn Photos

This is what it looks like when I attempt a photo shoot of Maverick by myself with my little helper Brody around.

 Maverick, Daddy, Brody

 This is attempt #2.  This time we were at the farm, Brody was napping in the room next door and Heather was helping me prop Maverick.  There's a great story I could tell you about the fate of that beautiful cream blanket that belongs to Omi, but I'm guessing Omi's hands are still sore from scrubbing it clean ;)

This isn't really a "pro" shot because of the paci, but Maverick's eyes were so wide open I had to post!

Goofball

You're witnessing one of the rare whining & crying-free moments we've had since 6 AM. This is what makes days like this tolerable!

Life with Maverick

 Omi with Brody visiting Maverick at the hospital.

Auntie Heather visiting Mav in the hospital.

 Papa

 We got to come home from the hospital the day after delivery (thank goodness since hospitals are boring and uncomfortable!) so Josh and Whitney got to visit Mav at home on Thursday.

 Barry wrangles Claire, Max, and Brody in the chaos.

 Thank goodness for cold packs.  They make every injury better.

 Enjoying our deck and nice weather.

 GG pays a visit.

 Maverick makes for a good snuggler during study time.

 A visit to the farm gave Brody an opportunity to have some fun and run off some energy.  He loves riding his motorcycle.  Best $5 garage sale find ever!

 A ride in the swather with Papa.

 Grandma Cindy came down from Ely for a visit.

 Grandpa Steve...Mav looks pretty comfy.

 Kicking back with Great Grandma Marian