a walker and floor cleaner in one!

If you're wondering how my brother's been spending his days lately, well, this photo pretty much sums it up. He spends hours and hours zipping around the condo with his first invention, which consists of an upside-down Lego bin converted into an aerodynamic, ergonomic and surprisingly easy-to-drive push walker. (You should see how this baby corners.) Mom and Dad further enhanced his creation by taping Swiffer pads to the bottom. So, it's working out quite well for everyone.

P.S. Here I am with the next generation hand-held prototype:

father's day!

Wyn and I want to wish our daddy (who just so happens to be the best daddy in the world) a very Happy Father's Day. Also, Happy Father's Day to Grandpa Lipsey, Grandpa Kelmel and Grandpa Paul! Double hugs and kisses to you all.

P.S. Click here for a reminder of the very special event that took place last year on Father's Day.

belated wishes

Zak: Hey.
Wyn: Hey.
[SILENCE]
Zak: Do you realize we neglected to mention two very important birthdays?
Wyn: Yeah. It's kinda been keeping me up at night.
Zak: I know. We sleep in the same room.
Wyn: Oh.
[SILENCE]
Wyn: I'm thinking we should try to make up for it.
Zak: How can we possibly do that?
Wyn: Well...how about this. Right now, we say, "Happy Birthday Aunt Katherine. Happy Birthday Cousin Madalin."
Zak: Okay, I think I got that. "Happy Birthday Aunt Katherine. Happy Birthday Cousin Madalin."
Zak: Good. Let's do it.


Both: HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT KATHERINE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUSIN MADALIN! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

yee-ha!

I've started walking a bit, and unlike my brother, I realize that I'm onto something here. I'm definitely going to keep practicing this skill. Who knows where it will lead?

And, by the way, what's up with all these boxes? Hmmmm...

grandma lipsey, grandma lipsey, grandma lipsey!

Well, we had a great and exciting weekend, and I bet we don't have to tell you why. That's right, Grandma Lipsey was in town! Zak and I got to enjoy lots of time with her, along with Cousin Sam, Aunt Marjorie and Uncle Stephan. We spent Friday night at their new house in Oak Park. I decided at 5:30 a.m. that I wanted to spend some quality one-on-one time with Grandma, just the two of us, so I hollered a bit and she came and got me. Ah....good times. It was so great to see her, and we can't wait 'til the end of the month when she comes back, this time with Grandpa! Yippeeeee! We love you Grandma and Grandpa.

Note: What is Zak doing in this photo, you ask? And what does it have to do with Grandma Lipsey's visit? To answer the first question: I have no idea. He's been doing this for a couple of days now. Is it a step towards walking, or merely an entertaining diversion? Only time will tell. As for what this has to do with Grandma's visit, well, not much. We forgot to take good pictures while she was here. We'll do better next time. Promise.

bonus photos

We've received a number of complaints about our lack of posts last week. Sheesh, people! Here ya go. (I'm on the right.)

pasta la vista, baby

Pasta is one of our favorite things to eat. It is also one of the most untidy finger foods known to man. Coincidence?

verbal and upright...and playful

Lots of new stuff going on around here. Zak's "talking" up a storm, with noises sounding more and more like words as he tries to imitate what Mom and Dad say. He's also participating more in our reading sessions, inserting "ah-choo" and "quackquack" in the right places. It's amazing how many of our books contain one or both of those phrases. Anyway, while my brother's getting all verbal, I'm busy getting all upright. After walking for the the first time Saturday, I'm taking a few steps a few times a day.

Now, even with all this going on, the thing that Mom and Dad are most thrilled about (and what you see illustrated in today's photos) is the fact that we are entertaining each other a whole lot more. For instance, we laugh and make faces at one another, chase each other around the dining room table, and crawl up and rub our foreheads together, all the while squealing with delight.

Yeah, we got skills.