Almost off!

We leave tomorrow for our VA/MT/WY adventure. Kids are excited and still 'talking' in bed after their 7:30/8:00 PM bedtime. Very jazzed about going to stay with Grandma and Papa! Zach talks (motions) about DADDY and MOMMY going up in an airplane every time he hears one fly over. He enjoys our the view of the planes going into PHL from our big porch, especially seated in the stand-up stroller with a book and milk. Odd, but it's a way he enjoys passing the time. Caleigh took out her crayons and sketch pad after dinner Tuesday night and drew letters for us to inspect. She drew multiple (and very good) uppercase/lowercase: e, z, o, q, m, n, p, u, v, and the number 10. We wonder what else she knows and just hasn't let on about yet. ;-)

We are leaving Caleigh with our older digital camera to capture memories of her week at Grandma's house. Can't wait to see what all they end up doing! Papa should be in the hay (mowing, raking, baling, getting up) during their visit so that should be a highlight. Every time Zach plays with his John Deere he points to the front seat and says, "Papa!" ;-)

We plan to drive from Missoula, MT to Kalispell, MT and stay three nights there, visiting Glacier NP two days (I know! Not nearly enough time!!). Then to Big Sky, MT and visiting Yellowstone and Grant Tetons NPs for two days. My how six nights gets planned out quick! Anyway, we'll miss the kids terribly but are excited for the adventure especially as we plan to add another beautiful Schantz to the fold end of September. This seems to be ending up to be the perfect time to get away. Maybe we'll try it again when the youngest is >2 or so. Oh, and maybe for even longer than 6 nights! ;-)

Pictures from the VA and MT/WY adventures by the end of the month...

Professional pictures

Looking a bit older than three and three months in these first two pictures, I think! ;-) We didn't successfully get any individual pictures of Zachary (almost 18 months old!!) who just wanted to sit in his stroller seat and eat crackers... At least we captured a couple good poses of the two of them. We're so blessed that they (mostly) really do love each other and enjoy being together.

While Caleigh was in the arms behind the head pose she said "I could stay like this all day." Funny kid...now get up and smile in another pose! ;-)

They are both getting so tall!

Aquarium and the new pool

This is our new pool! Our neighbor had an extra and we gladly carried it up the hill two blocks. We immediately filled it up, found the bathing suits and let the kids jump in. Caleigh danced and flung her hair about. Zach looks SO BIG! here. Look at those abs of steel! ;-)

And we realized that our kids stick their tongues out a lot when smiling (Sears picture photo opportunity was quite enlightening). Here is Zach's, but he looks so cute.

And a couple more from the Aquarium (thanks Sharon for asking us to meet you!). The kids touching anemones...Zach not being attacked by a shark.

Zach at the fish tank

These fish were just the right size for Zach. Caleigh, now used to touching fish (baby sharks, jellyfish...) thought she should be able to reach in here and pet these fish too. Actually, Caleigh told Mama that she shouldn't touch the jellyfish since they would sting her. I reassured her that they wouldn't put out fish to touch that would hurt anyone. She looked more closely at the jellyfish and determined that it must be safe because they didn't have 'legs like spiders' (aka tentacles). Yep!

We are reminded that Zach is very interested in things being orderly. He is also very social -- Mama and Zach went for a walk after supper this week and he caused quite a stir on the roadways, waving and saying 'hi' and 'bye' to passing cars. One family of four all stuck their hands out to wave at him. He seems quite pleased with the result of his actions.

Caleigh and a hippopotamus up close

A great Aquarium experience!

Memorial Day

Back in PA, just the four of us. We got some chores done (sorry, no pictures of that... ;-) but also spent a nice time at the park and then back home for Popsicles, the sandbox, and an art project.

Zach climbed up the four stairs by himself and successfully navigated the slide area and tunnel. Caleigh took her tricycle all the way around a large circle of asphalt. It was great to have Dan home an extra day! Caleigh told him he didn't have to go to work on Tuesday if he didn't want to. He admitted he didn't 'want' to. ;-)

Zach gives a big 'O' look on his mouth when he is impressed by something. We tried to keep him entertained leaving D.C. area by pointing out the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, etc. He kept going 'OOH!' and looking quite impressed with it all. Funny.

We've also learned that he can be very insistent. He'll run to where we are, grab a leg while saying "UH OH! UH OH!" and then run off, expecting you to follow. Usually the damage is minimal but it's hilarious how badly he wants you to see/fix the problem.