Simon Family Says

My talented and creative friend, Jen is always so good at coming up with beautiful and cost-effective ways to decorate her home. Her latest creation? These adorable name cards. She made three for me and I can't wait to hang them on the kids' walls. Thank you, Jen!

Our little Prince turns 4 tomorrow. What joy he brings to our lives! We decided to "interview" him for his big day. He starts out a little camera shy and Jane isn't too happy about this attention on her brother, but it's a good snippet of all things Will.

continued off-tape as Will got camera shy...
"What do you like to do with Grandma Needge?"
Will: "Play"
"What do you like to do with Bubby?"
Will: "Play"
"What's your favorite place to go?"
Will: "Discovery Kids"
"What's your favorite T.V. show?"
Will: "Wild Kratts"
"Who are some of your best friends?"
Will: "Tyler and Evey"
"What are you most thankful for?"
Will: "Dinosaurs"

Joy had her 4 month well-baby check this morning and praise God that she is just that: a well baby. She measured in at 18 lb 5 oz and is 26.5 inches long.
I left Will and Jane with a friend while I took Joy in, but when I found a T-Rex toy in the exam room I took a couple pictures of it to show Will when we got home. He was a little jealous that Joy got to play with it and he didn't. Yes, the dinosaur obsession continues!

I was looking through pictures on my phone and noticed a pattern. I have taken lots of pictures of Joy's baby legs! Here is a photo progression of her sweet legs...
Newborn

6 weeks or so

4 months

We went to a fun party for one of Will's buddys today. An extra bonus was the beautiful view of Mt Si, visible thanks to a sunny and mild mid-50's day here in Seattle. The afternoon was slightly tainted thanks to a Code Brown in the pants by Jane, but we still had a great time.

The kids got to have a fun overnight at the Embassy Suites in downtown Bellevue with Pa and Bubby (with a guest appearance by Tia)


Joy's first time in the Johnny Jump-up

Jane's last time in the Johnny Jump-up

Lots of relaxing as a family while John gets better

Will is really good at recognizing letters but has never been fond of sitting down to color or draw with a writing utensil. He'd rather run around and play games or "read" dinosaur books.
This being said, I'm extra proud of the little guy for working hard to learn how to write his name, even though he doesn't really enjoy it yet.
He's cute when writes his name--he coaches himself through each letter:
"W"---"Down, UP, Down, UP"
"I"--"Straigh Line"
"LL"--"Down, over, Down, over"

Growing up, John always got his hair cut by his Mom. We are trying to continue that tradition with Mr. Will. Unfortunately, I am not a very skilled stylist and Will isn't a very willing participant at this point in time. He tolerates the haircut only when I threaten to take him to a barber, which he dislikes even more.

Usually our haircuts consist of the following dialogue by Will:
"No, Mommy, it's poky!! Ouch, Mommy!! NOOOOO!!"
(While John shoves chocolate or frosting or some other sugar-filled treat in his mouth in an attempt to keep him still/quiet)

In the end, Will usually comes out with a bad/uneven haircut. This go-around, we shaved his head completely to make things easier, and it actually looks pretty good. He's got a nice round head if I do say so myself.

Here is a "before" pictures, with an after picture to come.

Will and his two ladies post-buzz:

John's Grandma turned 88 last week, and we all got together to celebrate her birthday. We had a delicious meal at Dirk and Nedra's house including Swedish Creme and Chocolate Malts, two of Grandma's favorites. All four of her children were in attendance along with her local grand children/great grand children (she has 18 great grands and counting!)

Grandma, age 1

Aunt Esty and Janie

Grandma and her Swedish Creme in a giant martini glass

Grandma and Nedra

Uncle John (wearing Will's hat) and Grandma

Dirk and Mabel

Uncle Dave and Dirk with the youngest great-grandchildren