Chef Anika

Anika is in love with water these days. If she isn't playing IN it she is playing WITH it. She is constantly making dinner for me and her brother. (We used to eat a lot of "soup crackers" but this week we got "chicken, potatoes, and beans")

Anika pulled up her chair to Andrew's exersaucer and made herself a table. Andrew is happiest when his sister is around!

Another Phase Complete

We have completed another stage in the playset saga. Ground is level, playset is anchored, and peagravel is down. We are so excited. Anika and I are out here every morning. (Ever morning that isn't insanely hot, that is.)

Andrew's New Move

Andrew likes to suck on his toes when he can get them close enough. It is amazing how flexible babies are. Our friend and neighbor, Alyssa, and her famiy gave me a break from the kids last night. It was great to have some adult conversation and some help with the kiddos!

Hotter than hot

Here is my saga for the last few days. . . If you've already heard this by phone (yes, I've called a number of people to cry on shoulders) then skip this and just enjoy the pics.
For the rest of you. . .
Lloyd left for Youth Unlimited Convention on Thursday evening. Friday morning when I awoke I realized our AC wasn't working. On any normal day I wouldn't have sweated it (pun intended) but . . . Yakima Valley is currently under a heat advisory. Temperatures this weekend were upwards of 110 degrees. (Those in the midwest may be saying, "But I hear its a dry heat". Well, 110 is HOT humidity notwithstanding.) So, I labored through the day in my basement (with three extra little ones that I was baby-sitting -- hey, the time went quickly). The inside temp was over 90 degrees when my faithful friend, Bill, the AC guy showed up. He simply flipped the circuit breaker and the darn thing was up and running. We survived Sat. and Sun morning. Then during my Sunday afternoon nap the AC went out again. I tried the whole circuit breaker routine but I accomplished nada. I glanced at the outside temp and saw a blistering 118 degrees. So I couldn't imagine making it through the night. Again, Bill to the rescue. Even on the Sabbath he stopped by, flipped the stinking switch and got the thing running. Needless to say, I'm feeling quite sheepish about my home-owning capabilities but I'm VERY grateful to Bill.

Well, all of this was to explain why my kids spent their weekend this way. . .

Sharing Sister

I had to click a quick pic of Anika sharing her blankie with her brother. Her blankie is her most prized possession. (Let's not talk about what I have to go through to get it washed . . .) I'm so glad that she loves her brother enough to give him a corner:-) Just today she said, "I love my brudder" as she gave him a big hug. He can't go down for his nap without a hug, kiss, and "goodnight, buddy". I'm sure the affection won't always last but I'm enjoying it now!

McIlrath Family

My brother-in-law, Jeff, titled this "The New and Improved McIlrath Family".

Another new life

We welcome another new nephew into our family. My sister, Heather, delivered a healthy 8 lb. 12oz. litte boy, Elijah Dennis on July 18. We are so excited to meet him in August when we go visit.
Aunt Hilary supplied these pictures. I'm jealous of her proximity. She gets to hold Eli while I'm stuck in Washington:-(
Daddy Jeff introduces Karissa (7), Ian (6 --today), and Alethea (3) to their new brother, Eli.

A few more pics

Three Wickers

Anika's Cut

Anika did a wonderful job getting her hair cut.

Andrew's Big Moment

Nana has a wonderful Kid's Cuts place around the corner so we took the plunge. Andrew looks great but I have to admit I miss the curls.

Before













After

California Fun!

Helping Nana water flowers is fun!


Anika got a Dora backpack from Nana -- boy was she excited, even if her face doesn't show it.

Nana has a park right down the block. What fun!

Adventures in Picture Taking

Even though I could have just chosen the best pic to put up, I had to let you in on the adventure it was to take a pic of the grand kids with Nana and Papa.

Try One: Wiggly worms

Try Two: Fingers in nose and mouth
Best One we could get:-)

At the beach

Anika enjoyed the beach and the waves even though she had a traumatic start. She got hit from behind by a wave while playing in the sand. She recovered quickly then loved being in the water. She wasn't quite as fascinated by the hermit crabs as Mommy. Daddy is an expert at catching them so he was always surrounded by a gaggle of little girls who wanted to see them.


Aunt Rachel was a wonderful companion for Andrew as she shared his shade. Andrew isn't a big fan of the hot sun and sand.

In the pool

Anika LOVED the pool! She couldn't get enough of jumping into the pool -- again, and again, and again. Here is the play by play:-)

Meeting Simon

We met our nephew, Simon Joseph, for the first time. Anika couldn't get enough of this tiny little guy. We rejoice with Christine and John in this new little life.

Anika & Daisy

Anika can't get enough of Nana & Poppa's dog, Daisy.

Nana & Kiddos

Anika & Rachel

Anika relaxes with Auntie Rachel after arriving in So. Cal.

Pake & the kids

Time With Beppe

We started our road trip to California with a stop at Pake and Beppe's. Beppe loved to spend time with the great-grands!