Photo Op

Charlie and Grace were sitting together so sweetly this morning, so I tried to grab my camera before the moment passed. I guess I was a little late.

I love the way Grace is in background with that looks that says, "Okay...can we just get on with this?"

Father's Day

Our kids are blessed with two amazing grandpas. Actually, they don't have any "grandpas." They have a Bop and a Boppo. We had a great time celebrating with both of them this past weekend.

Three Generations of Walters Men

Father's Day 2009

Bop was originally going to be Pop because growing up, Jeff often called him Pops. When Grace was a baby she called him Bop instead and it stuck. There is no doubt that Bop loves his grandkids. As babies, he taught them the great joy of being carried around the house so they can point to everything and be told what it is called. He drops everything whenever the kids are around to spend time with them. He finds great joy in sharing blueberries and ice cream with Grace and giving Charlie rides on his office chair. My kids adore their Bop.

Boppo and his Grandkids

Father's Day 2009

When I was pregnant with Grace, I asked my dad what he wanted to be called. He knew right away he wanted to go by Boppo. He told me it was Italian for Grandpa. We're not Italian. And it turns out Boppo does not mean Grandpa. But it stuck because we all love it. Boppo's other name in our family is Mr. Fun. He loves to spoil the kids with trips to Subway, extra TV shows, and by sneaking them treats when he thinks we're not looking. He covers the floor in pillows and cushions so the kids can jump off the couch and ottoman. Once he bought an ENORMOUS dog at Costco for his grandkids to play with. Storing that huge thing at his house is big love. My kids can't get enough of Boppo.

Boppo teaches Charlie his BBQ Secrets

Fathers Day 2009

Little Artist

Grace loves to create. I seldom get away with throwing away a scrap of paper, ribbon, cardboard box, or toilet paper roll without her asking for it to use in an "art prodect." She has an art box filled with paints, markers, paper, tissue paper, and glue (her favorite), which she asks to get out daily, and she always has an idea for what she wants to make. A few days ago it was a caterpillar. Before that it was a rocket ship. Frequently it's a dog house. (She was inspired by her friend Eli on that one.) Recently her friend Kayla gave her finger paint and that has become a new favorite. Luckily, Kalya also gave her an art smock!

Beautiful Grace

Early Father's Day

Since we have a lot of dads in our life to celebrate, we decided to celebrate Jeff, the world's most patient, fun, and loving dad, a week early. I wanted him to have a whole day to do whatever he wanted. He had three requests: sleep-in, time as a family, steak dinner.

For our family time, I planned a trip to Rattlesnake Lake for a picnic, nature walk, and time at the beach. We had such a great time. It's a shame that it's so close by but we've never been as a family before. Both kids loved playing in the water and with the rocks. As soon as we got in the car to come home, Grace started asking when we could go back.

I apologize for the picture overload. It could be worse. I took 150 pictures in the 2 hours we were there. I have issues. I also have a new camera that I'm trying to learn how to use to its full potential, so bare with me. =)

Exercise Class

True story:

This morning Grace was jumping on the couch doing "exercises". Charlie and I joined her (not on the couch), and she asked me to show her some real exercises. Because I'm an expert, you know. I showed her a few moves and she copied what I did.

Then she said, "Here's another one I learned from you!" She layed down on the couch and said, "I'm exercising my back!"

Ouch.

Graduation Day

This morning Grace graduated from her preschool class. It was fun to get to celebrate a fun year with her friends!

Our little Graduate

Enjoying the shade

Walking to get her certificate
All the kids got a cupcake after receiving their certificate. It was a smart way to entice some of the hesitant kids to actually go up in front of everyone to cross the little bridge. The cupcake was a big hit!

His favorite things

Charlie was once an extremely content little baby. Possibly the most content baby that ever lived. We could stick him just about anywhere, anytime, and he would happily look around and smile.

Those days are gone.

While he is still an incredibly happy little guy, he has definitely learned the art of voicing his opinion. Here is a list of some of his most favorite things:

crackers (cacker!!!)

light switches (off!)

being outside (out!)

Grace (ace!)

crackers (cacker!!!)

milk (cup!)

Jeff (Dada! Dada!)

crackers (cacker!!!)

trucks (uck!)

bubbles (bubba!)

crackers (cacker!!!)

green beans (cacker!!!)

grapes (cacker!!!)

noodles (cacker!!!)

"Cacker!! Cacker! Cacker!" It is the soundtrack of our lives these days. =)