August 9, 2006

Stretching to reach the peg.

Joseph gives Grace a kiss...

...and then fixes her hair for her.

August 8, 2006

Reading in her new favorite spot.

August 7, 2006

Reading and having fun with Dad.

August 6, 2006

Today we had our neighbors over for a visit, they asked if Grace was climbing stairs yet. We told them that while she -could- climb stairs, she simply didn't do it on her own. She ignored them. A few minutes later, they pointed out what was happening behind our chairs:

We couldn't believe our eyes -- our little monkey, climbing like she's done it every day of her life.

There was only one time halfway up when I had to stop her from tipping too far backward -- even then, I think it was more me being nervous than her truly needing help.

Not entirely thrilled about coming back down to visit.

Determination is on her face as she heads back up a second time.

I love the look on her face here, as she considers the challenge posed by the next stair.

Look how proud our girl is of herself!

Looking down at the crowd below from her perch. What a great accomplishment today!

August 5, 2006

At the flower shop on the way to lunch with friends.

Grace spotted a red gorilla that's even bigger and fluffier than her own. It was love at first sight.

The two gorillas together -- just look how happy she is to have them both. Luckily, our lesson that you can play with something in a store but it might not come home with you seems to be working.

Lazy Saturday afternoon -- these two are the picture of relaxation.

Looking through some books.

Leaning on Dad while reading.

Excited to see Hop on Pop.

Pointing out just where Pat is going to feel the pain if he sits on that cactus. Grace is so funny while we're reading this -- she always shouts a warning to Pat when we get to this page (usually along the lines of "No, Pat! Owie!").

Grace as a... vampire?

She loves it when I fan her with anything -- a book, a paper, whatever's handy. It cracks her up and then she grabs the "fan" because it's so overwhelmingly funny.

Hysterical over the fanning.

August 4, 2006

Helping Dad make breakfast.

Sweet smile.

Eating a graham cracker.

So happy.






Just for the heck of it, here are a bunch of Grace and me reading one of her favorite books at the end of the day.

August 3, 2006

Grace and a blade of grass from our morning nature walk.

August 2, 2006

On a play date you can't really control where they will play...

...or what spot they might find interesting...

...or what they'll play with. But you can be sure they will have fun!

Playing a drum.

Sharing with Joseph.

Looking at the baby laptop.

August 1, 2006

Keeping cool during this heat wave.