the maui's

Nixon at 14 months is now master of the stairs. I would say it happened at 13 months, because it has easily been 3 weeks since this photo was taken. So we put up this bench at the top of the steps to block the stairs, because our 2 posts are not lined up, so the baby get did not work very well. The bench did the job just fine until mid July when Nixy would try so hard to get over the bench to follow whomever down the stairs. Finally one day he got over. And then several more times that day. Brian and I watched him climb down the steps one time that day (still dumbfounded that he could get over- alive) I think he was retrieving his toy that he had thrown down the stairs, any ways we watched make his way down the steps and then over to the front door- where I kid you not, he pulled the handle and popped the door open. We laughed and went to go get him. It was the first time he had opened the door, and I was hoping it was a fluke. But of course it wasn't. The 2 easiest doors to open a

little roxy aint so little anymore, she has finally started kindergarten. it has been a long time coming... she has been ready for this for about 2 years. roxy has always been exceptionally bright and confident. so school is going to be cake for her. she did say, and i quote "this is a dream come true!" this was said the day before school, when she realized it was only 1 more day away. i don't want to completely mislead you, roxy has had several "dreams come true" but she was and still is very excited for this. enjoy these photos... posing by the climbing rock sitting with riley and elise while waiting for the bus. about to board bus, with no reservations whatsoever. cute little kid who has no pants... me trying to sneak on the bus- i am like a flipping papparazzi we returned to the porch and riley was noticeably quiet. as we were climbing the steps, with slumped shoulders she said, "well, i guess its just us now."