Jungle Marcus

Provo has no shortage of playgrounds much to Marcus' delight. Often we'll stop at a playground on the way home from errands to let Marcus get some of his energy out (there's lots to spare). Holden just enjoys being outside but it won't be long before he's sliding down the slides as well.

Marcus has been watching the Little Mermaid this week and is quite enamored with Ariel. He requests "mermaid" when it is quiet time.

Kjell begins school tomorrow. It's been difficult to get motivated for 2 more years of homework, but after reading some of the case studies that will be discussed this week, Kjell is getting excited. Uncle Shawn will be staying with us this week, which is perfect timing since Kjell won't be around as much and Marcus will still have someone to "rough house" with. Marcus also loves to listen to music and go on bike rides with Uncle Shawn.

Holden and Kjell have cooing conversations. Holden smiles quite often but no one can make Holden smile better than Kjell. All the more reason to always have Kjell be in charge of Holden when he's fussy, right? Holden is good at making Kjell less fussy too.

Wide Eyed

My mom has noticed that in almost every picture of Holden, he is quite wide eyed (OK, bug-eyed). Where does he get it from we wondered....

I think this picture answers a lot of questions.

(Click on the photo for a closer look).

My Boys

As of Wednesday, Holden is 2 months old! When Holden was 5 days old he was the 11th percentile for weight. Now he is the 75th percentile for height and weight. He weighs 12 lbs. 13 oz...almost double his birth weight.!

Marcus' vocabulary grows daily. He tells the flashlight to "work", the candle it's "hot" and the freezer when he wants "cream" (ice cream). He loves to watch Dumbo and without fail comes to find me to sit on my lap or give me a hug whenever the scenes come on when Dumbo's mom sings to Dumbo. Marcus also loves to swim. With his water wings he is confident enough to swim around the pool and jump of the edge. We almost got him to jump off the diving board yesterday but once he made it up the stairs he'd have 2nd thoughts. He's as active as ever and thrives on attention, as d0 most 2 year olds.

Summer Do

Marcus' golden locks are history after daddy shaved them this afternoon. Although he looks more obedient with buzzed hair, Marcus has been particularly naughty this weekend, especially when mommy is feeding Holden. Marcus gets his agression out by helping burp Holden (also known as an excuse to pound the baby on the back). Last night we all went to the water park where Marcus tirelessly went down the slides at the toddler pool and later down the big slides on daddy and mommy's lap. Holden sat in the water as well, docile and content as usual. It looks like my boys are water bugs...even more reason to get excited about our trip to Seaside, Oregon next month to visit Kjell's family.

While in Connecticut, I got to visit with my childhood playmate Christine (see picture) who is now a very talented musician and spends lots of time on the road touring. We certainly took different paths in life but still love to talk and reminicse about our childhood escapades (like building a path between or homes and trying to feed a dead bird:)

Board Shorts

It's official, Marcus has a new favorite piece of clothing - board shorts from Uncle Greg, Aunt Molly, and Hallie in Florida. He's worn them everyday since he received them - doesn't he look like a little surfer? Too bad we live so far from the ocean...still, Marcus likes to practice in the wave pool at 7 Peaks:) Other pictures include Kjell trying to catch a few extra zzzz's after getting Holden ready for church, Holden hanging out outside, and Marcus and Grandma at the zoo looking at monkeys. Also, cousin Tom holding Holden and Marcus on Marianne's (Tom's girlfriend) lap. Marcus took an immediate liking (OK, more like obsession) with Marianne and followed her around all day while we were in Cutchogue. He especially liked her hair. Fortuneately, we left before Tom could get too jealous;)

Fourth of July in Connecticut

We're back! After 9 days in Connecticut we arrived safe and sound last night to sweltering Utah. What fun we had watching fireworks aboard Maramor, shopping, going to the zoo, eating out, etc. We even made it out to Cutchogue (north fork of Long Island) for a day to visit Aunt Darcy, Richard, cousin Tom, Marianne (Tom's girlfriend who Marcus tried to steal), and Uncle Tom. All in all, our trip was too short. We took lots of pictures, which I will continue to add throughout the week. Enjoy!