A Pirate's Life for Me

Who would have known the hype from the new Pirates movie would reach even little toddlers? Imagine a parent's surprise to find her precious baby twins, looking like they're about to set sail on a pirate's ship! (Either that or join the Backstreet Boys... )
Here is our devious duo now, Maddie in red. A special thanks to Hailee for always keeping us guessing!

The grass is always greener...

....IF YOU LIVE NEXT TO THE BARLOWS!!!!
When we moved in in August, our grass was mostly yellow, dead, and/or missing. So this summer Ryan has spent a painstaking amount of time outside, and it finally shows! For the 24th of July, my dad graciously agreed to donate a portion of his rock collection and his time to come install a lovely rock wall for us! It took Ryan, Spencer, and Judge about 6 hours, but they were able to finish in one day. Thanks a million! We are no longer embarrassed by our lawn!






A finished product! We love the way the rock looks against the house.



We even created a special stepping stone using London's left foot....


....And Maddie's right foot. It only took us three times to get it perfect. Who would have known babies don't like putting their toes into wet cement?!

Meanwhile...

While the boys were outside working on the wall, L and M had some fun with the girls! (Yes, Bronco is considered a girl!) Their favorite new activity is chasing Bronco and pulling his fur! Maddie pulled out several handfuls yesterday. Luckily, Bronco puts up with it okay, but hides whenever he gets the chance. His favorite hiding spot used to be under their cribs, but the twins foiled that plan! Bronco is in trouble when L & M start to walk, which we think is just around the corner!



Aunt Heather (blue tongue) helps Maddie chase Bronco with her Strawberry Shortcake brush.


Bronco gets a little nervous when the girls get too close!






Grandma sings the girls campfire songs before bed. Check out their new kitty nightgowns!

The best of both worlds....

This week has brought even more developmental milestones for our family. Yesterday was the biggest one of all: L & M's first words! Of course, I was pushing for "mom" while Ryan was hoping for "dad" but we ended up with the best of both worlds: London says "mamamama", while Maddie says "dadadada", only with a little bit of prompting! Other things the girls can do on cue: clap, wave, and starting to point with one finger. We are so proud!
A couple of days ago, L & M played together in their chair (Madelyn in pink pants). Maddie especially loves to wrestle with London when she's trying to get some work done! Little sisters can be such a pain!

Maddie Jane: a close second

We knew Maddie would soon follow in big sister's footsteps and sprout some teeth. Today was the day we felt the beginnings of two bottom teeth! London is going to have to up her game soon if she wants to stay ahead!
We thought maybe this explains all the grouchiness going on at our house. At least for the twins...
Here is our little champ now, eating her favorite food, vanilla yogurt!

Partners in Crime

The other day L & M helped themselves to the only cupboard in the house that hasn't been childproofed: the tupperware cupboard! As you can see, they literally got into the cupboard. They were having so much fun they couldn't even pose for a picture. And as always, they fought over the same things...

London's Big News

A couple of months ago, London mistook her daddy's finger for a Cheeto and he made an interesting discovery: two bottom teeth coming in! And even though we have speculated teething since about Thanksgiving, we were just as excited! Here are some pictures of London in one of her silly moods. (She always gets that way when dad is around!)

Fun and Games

Where's London?











Peek-a-boo!










Where's London?








L & M have found something else they enjoy...each other! They follow each other around all day like little puppies! Their giggling especially echoes through the entire house when they play this game, which is sort of a version of peek-a-boo/hide and seek! Let's just hope my curtains can take it.

Maddie's big day

So yesterday I spent a good amount of time on the phone with Ed from the Poison Control. How do you explain to someone that while you thought your daughter was taking a nap, she was really eating a candle? For all of you wondering, candle wax is mostly made of beeswax and if ingested in small amounts is not harmful.
Maddie's other feat yesterday? Pulling the outlet plate off of the wall.
When people told us there is no such thing as baby proofing for twins, we laughed because we thought it was a joke.
All of which would drive us completely insane if they weren't so darn cute!!!!

Cute Chickies

London and Madelyn show off their new pajamas before bedtime! Check out those cute little chickies! My favorite picture is the one where London is dancing!

Fourth of July

Daddy, London and Maddie had the red, white and blue thing down!






Happy 4th of July, London! She looks like a cowgirl with those pigtails!








We spent the day at the annual Davis family 4th of July picnic. In the midst of a competative volleyball game, L & M try their hand at their favorite game.








Miraculously, I was able to catch Jocelyn and London the exact moment they found out they had won the Davis Family Musical Chairs Cakewalk Surprise!