#50. Summertime...and Twins Livin' Is Easy

In a couple days, Luke & Clare will officially be one year old!

Bring on the birthday cake!

It's hard for us to fathom that a full year has almost passed.  It's also hard to believe a month of summer (if you can call it that here in Chicago) is also nearly gone.  Luckily, the twins have a lot to show for it.  So far, it's been a summer of movement.  These two do NOT like to sit around!

Luke on the prowl...garbage can and dishwasher in striking distance

It's not uncommon for Clare to pop up between your legs to say hello

Standing up at Luke's helmet appointments beats sitting in the car seats

If the dishwasher's open, it's THE hangout spot in the kitchen!

Speaking of attractions, perhaps there is none more popular in the house than any of the 3 flights of stairs.

Yep, the new gate went up as soon as those eyes started lighting up looking at the stairwell

For once Luke beat his sister to a 'milestone' and led the way,

Go brother, go!!

though it didn't take long for Sister to catch on.

Daddy, don't worry, I got this!

Now, it's typically a race to the top, follow the leader style.  

Trying to break their record!

As exciting as a stairwell can be, summer is more about getting outside and the twins have done plenty of that. One day we had a little picnic on our lawn.

Melon on the menu

Luke loves our courtyard

Clare is in agreement (as is Trig!)

We've been spending many evenings on our patio enjoying the fresh air and watching the sun go down.

Luke checks out the courtyard from our balcony

Clare wants more patio time

The twins have their first lesson in horticulture

Luke and Papa lovin' patio time

Clare's ecstatic to be hanging with Dad on the patio

Unfortunately, it's been a summer of rain thus far, so sometimes the twins are forced to retreat indoors.

Rain, rain, go away, come again another summer

A great day to stay in...catching highlights of the historic Supreme Court Ruling!

Summer also means street fairs,

Glad our twins had the chance to meet up with the
Lauricella twins at the Andersonville Street Fair!!

and watching Daddy play softball.

Uncle Mark is way too busy on his phone for us!

Softballs as big as our head!

For the July 4th holiday, we headed up to Whitewater, Wisconsin for the weekend.  A great time was had by all.

They were fighting over the cellphone right after this picture...one of them ended up in tears

I totally forgot to put my finger in my mouth for this one

Trig having the time of her life in Wisconsin

First boatride for the twins

Luke  strapped in with Papa and Clare attached to Uncle Shaun

Luke's too cool for school in these shades

Captain Clare, reporting for duty

Didn't take long for Luke to get hungry...

...and Clare to get thirsty.  Luckily, we had some child friendly beverages onboard!

We even had time for a swim lesson in the lake.  Luke loved his time in the water.  Clare was a little less
excited....she misses the comfort of the swimming pool where the water is warmer and Daddy can touch

The twins also made a trip to Door County, Wisconsin, with their Papa (to give Daddy a little summertime R&R!) to visit their Great Grandpa, GP.

It's a long drive north, so a stop in the park was in order...all eyes on the swingset!

Might as well give them a shot!!

Hey GP, can we go swinging again??

Guess the twins got their way once again!

As you can see, the first half of the summer has been filled with adventures and fun.  Hopefully, there is more to come.  Next post, these twins will be 1!

Havin' a blast with these three this summer!