For Cousin Joshua

This post is for cousin Joshua. Von has tried to hold his bottle since he was born. He doesn't get a bottle very often anymore--maybe once every two or three weeks. But today I gave him a bottle of water because of the heat, and Von was very excited to figure out how to hold it for himself. Of course, as soon as I grabbed the camera, he stopped. So the first one is him just fooling around. In the second video, he figures it out again. Such a joy to see him learn!

A laugh riot

Von is laughing! Especially with Papa. I try alllllll day to get laughs and maybe if I'm lucky I'll get maybe one tiny giggle. But the minute Papa comes home from work, Von starts laughing! In fact, just tonight we heard him fussing in his crib. Aaron went to check on him, and he started giggling as soon as he heard Papa's voice. I love it. :)
I'm sorry the quality of these videos isn't great, but you get the picture. Enjoy the smiles.

Smiles all around!

At the end of the Bolines' visit, Aunt Kitty came to help Marmee while she recovered from her hip replacement. It was wonderful to have her here for almost 2 weeks! What a joy she is, helping with Marmee, sharing baby advice, and spoiling Von rotten with love and attention! Von absolutely adored her, as do we. :)
We were so, so sad to see her go.

First camping trip and visit with family

This post is LONG overdue, but a few weeks ago, Erin, Patrick, and the kids went on an extended trip to the Wild West. As they worked their way from Wyoming to here, we met them in Ouray and Von experienced his first camping trip. He was a trooper! He slept for the first time in his port-a-crib and slept through both nights, no sweat. He loved the fresh air and being doted on constantly by his aunt. His eczema even cleared up while we were there. It was a WONderful visit that we'll treasure forever!

Uncle Patrick and Baby Von after breakfast at the mine where Papa used to work.

GG reading/playing on my Kindle while we chatted in the sunshine.

Baby A playing a cup magic trick.

Aunt Erin taking a break from carrying Huge Baby while Mommy shopped.

Papa to the rescue with the backpack!

Sleeping in his port-a-crib in the tent.

Playing in the morning in the tent while Mommy got dressed.

We stopped on top of Monarch Pass and Patrick took the kids on the gondola. We enjoyed the cool air and sunny weather.

huh. Not sure how this sneaked in there. :)

Sophie

Von has replaced his little clown friend with his new bff--Sophie the Giraffe. He loves her to pieces!