Changes

Josiah says "monkey" instead of "mon-monk" now. Who can say when these things change? You just go through your days and all of the sudden he looks across the kitchen bar and says, "Hello, Caleigh" as she saddles up slowly for breakfast. And he waits...for her to reply appropriately. His "miiiilk" is nice and southern. He laughs and runs surprisingly fast and still plops backwards into your lap with a book and demands (verbally now) for you to "read!"

Caroline has stopped saying "mulky-mulky" and says a good crisp "milk" now. She is adamant about being "three and a half!" even as she creeps toward four. She takes on a sing-songy beautifully loving voice when she is trying to help Josiah do/learn something. If he doesn't pull her hair out, she is quite pleased to help his through his day.

Zach is a couple days away from learning to swim. Three days down in his class and he's making great progress. He is making grand inventions with his legos. He believes his neon green striped running shoes make him FAST so he *is* running faster. "Sure thing" is what you hear when he is asked to go outside and help Daddy x. A natural helper.

Caleigh is maturing her helping nature. She is a speed reader with a hunger for more...More...MORE! And it's fascinating what she pulls from what she reads and uses with gusto later. If I gather something new from her she tells me, "you really should read more, Mama." (which is true...). She is getting better (as is Zach) at making acquaintances at the pool/park. It's always fun to listen in on young kids' conversations, but the more they practice with their peers, the better.

Summer is flying by. Swim lessons, French and Spanish mini-courses, Rockwood park adventure camp, three VBSs, trips to Floyd/Galax, vacation to MI/OH/VA. Good stuff. And chickens! Back to four eggs today (had been 2/day for a week or so). Grass is coming in well out in the field. We need to mow. We are hosting Sasha and Ira five nights each and having a BLAST! Busy stuff but it is so worth it!