Ava {8 months}

It has been a month since I last logged on; all is well over here we've been soaking up every minute summer has to offer.  Trips to the pool, filling up the pool for the kiddos in the backyard, walks walks and more walks, time with friends and family.  Enjoying the good kind of busy that comes along with summer.  It seems like we pack as much into our weekends as possible leaving all 4 of us extra tired Monday mornings but knowing that fall will be here before we know it keeps us on the go.

Summer Lovin:

 Not only have we been busy but so has Ava.  She is learned to sit up this month and she seems to have really found her voice.  Ava let's us know when she isn't happy (believe it or not she has a little temper) and she smiles and or screams when she is happy.  Ava attempts to clap her hands which is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen.  Her bottom 2 teeth have popped up; it was clear she was in pain during the process.  I have a feeling she is working on some more teeth because the drool; can't stop won't stop.  We are officially packing away Ava's 3 month clothes and starting to buy 9 month sizes for our little peanut.  We weighted her at home last weekend and she is 16 pounds and in size 2 diapers.  She seems to be eating more these days and is also a bit more active during the day.  She loves jumping in her jump-a-roo, rolling around on the floor, stroller rides and anything to do with her brother.  Ava is a little snuggle bug and loves to be held and cuddled.  I know that won't be the case one day so I try to remind myself that on the days she has been on me every second.  Ava wakes up between 5:30am and 6:30am; and anytime before 6am I really struggle.  Matt is much better at pulling it together for her 5:30 wake up calls (thanks babe).

first time with yogurt 

Likes:
- Bubble Guppies TV show
- being held
- being tickled
- when you dance and clap for her
- jumping in her jump a roo
- being part of the action

Dislikes:
- sold foods
- getting dressed
- long naps alone


Mason 8 months 

Water table = lifesaver

                                               

Summer time isn't always easy! With countless hours outside (I repeat countless) it is hard to prevent Mason from getting hurt. He might even give me a heart attack with the spills he takes while running head up at super human speeds. Keep up with him you might say; well it doesn't work, he then thinks we are chasing him. Which results in faster running and less paying attention on his end. Our gated back porch has been great but he usually wants to roam the backyard in like .2. Solution: a water table! Our water table strategically placed in the shade on our back deck equals hours (or what seems to be hours) of fun! And more importantly gives us a chance to either sit down or get a meal going. Yay for the water table and making our summer livin' easy (aka easier).

                                                  

This is the water table we have but honestly I don't think it matters a whole lot which one we would have gotten. Add some ice cubes (a new fave) to the mix and we have one happy boy!

Successful Trip to the Splash Pad

Last weekend we decided to hit up the Ty Warner Splash Pad in Westmont (if you have little ones I would highly recommend a visit to this park|splash pad).  Mason was so excited by the water park he was trying to bust out of his stroller.  He loved crawling around and getting wet; the trip was a success and we will be taking Mason back to the splash pad again!

August 28, 2013 Mason learns how to clap; we couldn't be prouder of our little man!

Much love from the Murray's!

Sunday Funday {Family Style}

Today the Murray Family ventured to the Brookfield Zoo!  Mason has been working on his animal noises so I thought it would the perfect time to take him to see some real animals.  Here are a few pictures from our day, along with a few others from this past weekend. We continue to take advantage of the wonderful weather we are having and tend to spend a LOT of time outside (hey, that is where Mason is happiest).  Walks at 7am our key these days and have become a staple in our household (I'm nervous about what we are going to do in the winter). 

Our little Frogy!

Loves to eat & drink like a big boy!

Mason LOVES books!  He enjoys playing with his books on the floor & he also LOVES when we read to him.  He gets so excited when we read one of his favorite books and is sure to tell us when we are reading a book he doesn't want to listen to (we never seem to make it through a book he doesn't want to read).  It is so very special for me to see Matt and Mason together.  The love and excitement they have for each other is heartwarming.