Where have we been???

Things have been so busy at the Simmons household. Jerrold is in the middle of a new drug launch that is taking up a lot of his time, and I have been over my head with launching the Awana ministry at church. We are looking forward to a beach trip in October!

These little monkeys are still keeping us as busy as ever! We both agree that they are at a very tough stage right now, the 13 months between them is very evident. We have a very inquisitive, independent 2 1/2 year old, along with a very stubborn, wild, 1 1/2 year old that is also a true blue Mama's boy. We are daily overwhelmed, but still insist that we are very blessed!

Eli is talking a lot and asking many questions. He asks his Daddy every morning where he will be driving that day. He is so, so good with Knox. If Knox is upset, Eli takes extra care to sweet-talk him and try to soothe him. Knox is very lucky to have such a great big brother! Eli began potty training at the end of July and is doing great with this milestone! We are so proud of his big boy skills!

Knox is really coming into his own personality. He nods his head emphatically for yes or no. He has a definite opinion about all things. He, too, is talking a lot. He is much "wilder" than Eli ever dreamed of being at Knox's age. Wow-they are very different children!

16 months old...

Hre is my sweet, sweet boy at a little over 16 months old. He is chattering all the time, calling us all by name, and growing like a weed. He has blonde, curly locks and is still called a "pretty little girl". He nearly has all his teeth, adores his Daddy, and joins us in prayer at each meal. He even says "Amen." He is still such a reminder to me of how much God blesses us, even in unexpected circumstances!

A look back at 12 months old-now that friends, will make you want another baby!

Papa's Garden

Eli is so proud of his Papa's garden. My Dad literally has the largest tomato vines I have ever seen, and Eli has mastered tomato-picking. His Papa doesn't even have to point out the appropriate tomatoes to pick, he knows! He has paid careful attention, and is very, very gentle with the tomatoes, so not to bruise them. Check out this future gardener!

Snow in July?

The Before Shot

We had so much fun with another activity. Sara and I covered the dining room table with Barbasol shaving cream (has to be the thickest on the market) and let the boys pretend they were driving their monster trucks through the snow. Eli, Mac, and Knox all enjoyed this messy fun! They played for quite some time, again not minding too much the terrible mess they were creating. I loved watching their little imaginations at work!

Finger Painting

These boys love to finger paint. They don't mind their hands being dirty at all! I was very proud of how well Knox did with the painting, I didn't try this with Eli quite as young. They both worked very hard on their masterpieces!