Happy Father's Day & Happy Birthday!

We had a great weekend celebrating Father's Day and Jerrrold's 30th birthday! My boys are so fortunate to have Jerrold as a father. He spends so, so much time with them. We are so blessed that he has flexibility with his work schedule and is able to get home early each afternoon.

Eli tells everyone every day that he will play basketball with his Daddy that afternoon. He normally follows this up with, "Knox will have to take a nap." Just like everything else, they are learning to share his attention too. I am so proud of him and the relationship he has with our children! We are a very blessed family.

Second Child Syndrome...

Our second child is so loving, but in his own way. He offers many, many kisses and is now bear-hugging us all. He comes up behind me and grabs me around the legs, it is absolutely precious. His big brother is not as amused by his bear hug/tackles. This picture is right before one of the major hugs. The photo above that is Eli trying to pacify Knox with an appropriate hug, not one that knocks you down if you are also a toddler.

I often feel sorry for Knox because so much of what we do as a family is geared around Eli's interests and abilities. I have started to become more intentional about making sure that Knox is able to participate in anything we are doing. As I have begun to pay more attention I have noticed that Knox rarely is "left behind." He sticks close to his big brother and mimics most everything he does. Knox pitches an absolute fit every Sunday morning at church! He hates nursery and can't bear it at all if my sweet friend Becky leaves the room. Jerrold is always the one to drop them off and bear the agony of leaving a screaming child. Jerrold has started putting Knox in Eli's room and he has been tear-free for two Sundays in a row! This is a big victory for the Simmons clan and the gracious crew at church!

Touch a Truck!

Eli's sweet, sweet Daddy took him to "Touch a Truck" in Summerfield this past weekend! They had such a great time! Little Knoxy had to stay behind and take a morning nap, so this was a fun adventure for Eli and his Daddy! Eli is so attached to J these days. We'll give him choices for certain things and he always picks his Daddy, and he normally wants to exclude Knox. He is just really beginnning to show signs of real jealousy, but Knox is also starting to become much more engaged in all we do. They are both so sweet, and such busy, busy boys...

Park Fun!

We discovered a new park that is lots of fun! It is the perfect "size" for little ones. This week was the first week that both the boys were able to run about and have fun without a lot of assistance from me. I was thankful for their age difference as I watched them playing together, along with their buddy Mac. Knox surprised us all with his confidence and ability to navigate the playground. Eli and Mac are very serious about their devotion to the garbage trucks of Greensboro! No park can override the joy of watching a big truck roll by!

Eli & Knox

These are my efforts to capture one decent picture of both the boys. They are really growing up...makes me so sad. Our summer is off to a great start! We have discovered that both Simmons boys love the pool! Eli was a huge fan last year too, and Knox seems to share his enthusiasm for the water. I think Knox will be totally bleached blonde in just a few more days. His hair is much lighter than Eli's.

They are keeping us very busy and on our toes! One of Eli's favorite things these days is a nightly basketball game with Daddy after dinner. He will make reference to it several times during the day. He is a very affectionate, loving child. He maintains a passion for books.

Knox is into everything and not very obedient. I had to punish him this week for standing on top of their art table, and Eli asked me to please not fuss at Knox. Knox wants to do anything and everything that Eli does. They are playing together very happily these days, a big improvement!