one weekend...many pictures

Last week/weekend was packed full of great opportunities to take pictures. Starting with a dress up Thursday. Holy Super identity crisis, Batman.
POW! ZAP! BANG! I think he's fighting the messy criminal who left that tornado of blankets and toys in his trail through our House.

Daddy got her little sweetie a wand at the store the other day. She got to play with it for about two seconds before Levi and Charlie kidnapped and broke it. A pattern I'm sure will be followed for years to come. Her reaction is sure to get stronger though.

Shortly after the three of us woke up on Friday morning Levi came running out of his room with a hat on saying "Gracie, Gracie look at my hat!" Then he decided we all needed to put hats on. Once we had our hats in place he started up an impromptu march and song around the house. It was fun and one of those memories I'll hold onto. Gracie and I followed the leader pirate Levi around the house in a march while he made up songs, expecting me to echo. Charlie kept putting his big body directly in our path so one of the songs by Levi was "and we put Charlie outside!" as he marched our path over to the back door. I wished Nathan had been there to record our fun morning but it's in my head.

After that we ended the march and song in my room where I had to put away loads of laundry. Levi kept Gracie Bella entertained.

Levi decided to put on an acrobat show for his captive audience.

There's his #1 fan in the audience. She smiled and cooed in delight at his show of talent. Anytime he'd stop for a break she would flail her arms and demand more.

Later, after the show and dance, as G.Bella napped Levi and I decided to color his Grammy given train tracks. It was pretty fun and creative, if I do say so myself.

He got a little distracted by the temptation to color on himself. I can relate to Vera's blog about trying to stop an action but being ignored because they notice you're taking pictures. And sometimes the photo opp wins.

True art

Friday afternoon we had some outside time. It was sunny and relatively warm so we took advantage. This is Charlie's favorite place to hang. It's a little unsettling when I'm inside the house and look out that window to see a floating dog head. It happens.

Nathan had to mow the lawn finally so Levi and Charlie spent their time chasing and running away from the progression.

Naturally

Gracie joined us after she woke up from yet another nap. It was way too bright for her tender eyes so she had to live under cover.

While mowing the lawn on Friday Nathan apparently had inspiration to build Levi and clubhouse. Friday afternoon he was drawing up the blueprints, which led to a trip to Home Depot that evening, and started Saturday off with saws and hammers.

While the boys built things our of wood, the girls went to the grocery store. Very typical.

It looked like they were having lots of fun all day.

Nathan left some nails not quite finished for his little helper to finish off for him. Cute and helpful. Start training him now in the ways of Shalz Men.

Everything Levi does...Charlie does.

Levi's house even has a skylight. It's quiet an impressive and thorough clubhouse.

Levi's a little disappointed that the roof is covered now but he should appreciate it with all the rain recently. The middle shingle is clear so there is still sunlight streaming in.

End of the work day party at Levi's house!

There is even a garage! Nathan is fun and impressive. His next project should be our own house!

Can I offer you a drink?
taking the tour...

Proud Home owner

After the long construction day Daddy and baby girl needed a little rest time.

Sunday morning brought church time and pretty outfits. She wore her white slippers from Grammy for the first time.

Gracie Bella has a special little chair called the bumbo seat. It helps her to sit up on her own even now when she's not strong enough yet. Now that she's holding her head up fine she can do it. It's really cute to see her in it. She doesn't stay in for too long at a time but it's cute while it lasts. In about a month I'm gonna get her an exercauser. That will be a fun step.

A couple pictures of the 3 kids at play after the weekend frenzy. Gracie loves whenever Levi and/or Charlie comes around. I think she sees them as a team. Levi is involving G.Bella more and more each day in the things he's doing. And Charlie always wants to lick her, lay on/next to her, come with me to check on her when she's crying. All for only a moment, and then it's back to Levi's side.

Trust me...Gracie enjoys it all. She doesn't cry about any of it unless something actually hurts her. She doesn't get annoyed or scared. I think she's just pleased to be involved.