Where's the dip?

Eli wants dip with everything he eats. Ketchup seems to be the favorite, but anything will do.

The other day he was saying "Num Num", so I stopped and picked up some chicken nuggets for him. I thought this would hold him over until we could get home, but it backfired. He held up his chicken nugget and cried the rest of the way home, apparently he was unable to eat it because I wouldn't give him dip in the car.

His greatest challenge to date has been "how to dip a drink", he worked hard and came up with a successful technique. Please watch the following demonstration including chocolate milk and ketchup.

First: Dip the spout of the sippy cup

Second: Soak to ensure saturation


Third: Sit back and enjoy

At the River with Grandma Rowe

While Daddy went on a three day backpacking trip, Eli and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Rowe in The Dalles. We drove during nap time and, with the help of Harry Potter on tape, the 2 hour drive seemed short. Eli loved playing with his Cousins (sorry no pics) and exploring Grandma and Grandpa's house. He could open all the doors (including the front door) so nothing was off limits, although the pantry seemed to be a favorite for obvious reasons. He slept great in the Pack and Play (this was the first time we've used it) so this gives us hope for our upcoming Tacoma trip. Thanks for a fun weekend Grandma and Grandpa Rowe!

The (little) Man I Love

Camping

We went on our first family camping trip!

We stayed at Lost Creek campground on Mt. Hood.
Eli thought camping was great, and sleeping in a tent was the most fun thing he's ever done. We got in bed at 9:00 and thought he was really tired. He ended up running laps around the tent and dancing until 11:15. He took a great nap on Saturday so we had high hopes for Sat. night, but Eli had other plans. He started with the dancing and gymnastics routine again, after about 45 min. I called it quits and we came home early.
There was a neat little nature trail in the campground, we walked it a couple of times. Eli loved throwing rocks in the creek, and of course we made smores.
Ben went on a "Bear Grylls" adventure during nap time, complete with a swim.
Overall it was a success and we're looking forward to going again in a couple of weeks.

Climber

The other day I was doing my hair and noticed the lights in the bedroom turning on and off. I peeked out and there was Eli on top of the dresser. I finally caught him on film the other day, usually he does it when I'm not looking. I just can't believe how strong he is!

Sprinkler Fun

Elmo

I found this Elmo at Goodwill today. It's a brand new Target "salvage" item, so no one has owned it before and it works perfectly. At first Eli only liked it when it was quiet, as soon as Elmo started dancing and singing ELMO to the tune of YMCA he got a little upset. He got over that pretty quick and was dancing around the kitchen with Elmo.

He wanted Ben to hold him and dance while Elmo sang to them.

Conversations with a 1 year old

Me: Eli where's Jesus?
Eli points to Jesus
Me: Can you say Jesus?
Eli: DaDa
Me: Say Jesus
Eli: Mama
Me: Jesus
Eli: Elmo!

4th of July Parade

Catch me if you can!