Random ways in which we're enjoying summer

1) We're still really enjoying our CSA.  We're getting lots of fruits and berries which the girls love.  That's one reason why I chose this particular farm; I know they grow lots of fruits.  I have great hopes every week for making some kind of slump or cobbler with the berries, but they're gone before I can get my act together-- the girls eat them like candy.  L has even learned "strawberry" and "blueberry" and whenever we even mention the word she makes the sign for "please" to ask for one.  (...which reminds me-- she's also following directions pretty well these days.  She definitely understands a good portion of what we say.  If I ask her to go get something, like ball, bear, or shoes, she usually toddles off and returns with the correct object.  She also knows what "sit on your bum" means, and occasionally she will follow that instruction when she's not feeling too saucy.)

2) Although we have a lot of battles over sharing and grabbing toys, there seem to be an equal number of enjoyable play times between the girls these days.  N delights in making her sister giggle, and has found lots of ways to do it.  And the hugs and kisses they share are always adorable.  L (who is usually the first one awake after nap time) runs to the bottom of the stairs and greets her sister with a happy "Hi!" when she hears her waking upstairs.  One toy they've learned to share very well is this train:

They enjoy riding together and pushing each other around (although they always ride backwards when L is pushing, because that's the only way she knows how to go).

3) The other morning, N was talking to us about a Blues Clues episode in which the characters create a pretend place that they call "Wacky Wild World".  As we were getting ready to eat breakfast, N suggested that we make "wacky wild waffles".  Daddy took the idea and ran with it.  N pulled up a chair to the counter and helped him in the kitchen while L and I played in the living room.  This was the result:

Pretty fun, huh?  I tried one and they were pretty delicious, too.

4) We decided on a whim the other day to go hiking, and when we suggested it N was thrilled with the idea of "climbing a mountain."  We climbed Mt. Wachusett (a short climb) hoping it would be an appropriate introduction to hiking for the girls.  N climbed almost the entire way up, only asking to be carried for the last 1/8 mile or so.  L rode all the way up and down in our baby frame pack, and enjoyed herself immensely.  I'm kicking myself for not taking any pictures, but hoping that this will be the first of many family hikes, and we'll have future photo opportunities to share.

5) N took a class at the children's museum near my parents' house earlier in July.  It was a finger painting class, in which she made this creation:

Perhaps just as exciting as the finger painting was the puppet theater in the same room and the different puppets and costumes she got to try:

She's taking another class at the museum this week, and this time it will be musical instruments.  She's really looking forward to it!

We're having a fun summer... hope you are too!