Laurel Elisabeth Stevens

Henry is a toddler. I'm not sure when he made that transition, but I suddenly became aware of it over the past few days. It is more than just that he is walking. His understanding of things is becoming more apparent to us because he is communicating with us in more ways. News flash: his first word is "Dog"! To you it may sound like "Dada," but in context, it is definitely "Dog." He has just added to that "Wuh wuh" which is what the doggie says, or "woof woof." I love it! Whenever he sees a dog he gets so excited, and calls out "Dadadah." He chases them when possible, and has gotten many kisses and licks already. In fact a few weeks ago while visiting friends, Henry began walking after the dogs and fell face first on the asphalt. The result was lots of blood and a huge upper lip. (A week later Elisabeth had to have her own big lip and fell while attempting to vault herself onto a chair. Kids and lips do heal quickly). I go...

We went to the zoo yesterday, Elisabeth, Henry and I, and met Sarah, Charlotte and Timothy. It was Henry's first trip. He squealed with glee at the fish, just as Elisabeth did around the same age. I think that was his highlight, because they were right out front for him to see. Elisabeth's highlight was running around with Timothy. They greeted each other with hugs upon arrival, like long lost friends. Later they had their arms around each other, but of course the camera wasn't out for it in time. We've been up to so much lately, and haven't taken the time to get the pictures on the blog. So click on the links to the few pictures here and see even more on flickr.com. Quickly before Henry gets up, here are some pictures. It is a gorgeous day outside--dry and cool, probably our last non humid day until October, so we've gotta get outside! Mom and Nat came out on Nat's bike to The Woodlands. Elisabeth loved seeing Grandmere ride off on a motorcycle! Love, Lau...

DSC_0020 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . A breathless Elisabeth staggers off the ride (the Cobra). That was her favorite part. A close second was seeing the "kids"--the baby goats.

E and J on roller coaster , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Elisabeth enjoyed her first roller coaster ride. She beamed the whole time.

DSC_0083 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . (by the way, if you click on the writing under the picture, you can get to "flickr" and see lots more pictures)

DSC_0106 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens .

DSC_0101 , originally uploaded by j_lstevens . Henry loves to climb around at the park. On Friday they pretty much cleaned the pollen off the slides with their little bodies. Henry is developing a taste for wood chips (the cushioning material at all the playgrounds) and would rather climb than swing. Elisabeth loves to serve ice cream and slide with Henry on her lap.