Lillian and Zachary (Karen and David's boy) were due one day apart but Lillian came a couple weeks early and Zac came a couple weeks late. As a result she is technically almost a month older in age, but they are still very close in size - if anything Zac is bigger. For all that he outweighs her she definitely holds her own. There were some really fun interactions as each kid always wanted what the other had.
As a non kid bonus, Karen set up a pack and play so while the kids napped we could do some adult catch up time.
Lilly: Hmmm... Zac, that looks interesting.
Lilly: Let me see that!
Lilly: I'll take that. Zac: Wait!!
Lilly: focus on a quick get away
Lilly: Auntie Karen, I love this!
Lilly: Mama, look! I came by it honestly, promise!
It doesn't happen too often, but it is great when it does. Simon is showing Lillian how to put the shapes in the right holes in her new toy (thanks Karen and Dave and Zachary!)
We have been packing a ton into every single day in Boston. Monday Simon spent the morning reading with Papa and Lillian slept the morning away. We went downtown and had Lizzy's ice cream and Simon had a big kid cone! He was very serious about eating it all. Then Jake came over to visit and Alan and Jake taught Simon to throw a frisbee. Check out the video - no surprise that our little athlete picked it up quickly. Lillian and I sat on the edge of the yard and watched the boys play.
We rounded out the day with a campfire in the new fire pit. Simon had his first weeny roast and even got a s'more. We added raspberries to the traditional marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker. It was amazing and will be a forever addition in our household.
They read every book in the house while Simon wore his hard-hat.
Don't drip!
Jake traced Simon a bunch of times and then took this picture.
That is Jake's thumb photobombing.
It is now a tradition for us to spend a day in Leominster when we come to Boston to visit with the family and have the kids get together. Simon loves getting together with his cousins and kept pulling me aside during the day to say 'Abby is so nice'. When it was time for lunch, Simon only had eyes for his cousins and had to figure out where they were sitting to eat before he would commit to his own seat.
Jake and Simon immediately started playing. Simon is the slightly littler one.
Dressed like little twins.
Abby was awesome with Lillian. Abby just made her laugh and laugh.
Managing to play baseball even by the pool.
Auntie Amy was one of the brave ones who got into the pool.
Lillian was *so* tired on the way home. Amy wouldn't let her sleep.
Auntie Amy gave Simon his birthday present when she saw us in Boston. Simon ADORED his present and wore it non stop for the week. He also liked the books, but the hat was a huge win.
Guess who got a cool workerman hat from Auntie Amy?
We are at Gaga and Papa's new house this week. They are right on the Charles River and they are becoming serious kayakers. Simon was so excited to ride on the boat too and on our second morning he got to go out with them. He did great and totally loved it. We will try to do it every morning of our trip. What great fun!
