While Mommy is in London, the kiddos will play

After a busy day with the kids, I headed to the airport to fly to London. We arrived at noon, got to our hotel, showered, and headed over to Buckingham Palace. For two months out of the year, they open up the palace for visitors to tour the State Rooms. I had never been inside and it was quite impressive. We also got some shopping in before the stores closed. I spent Mon, Tues, and Weds in meetings in our London office and headed back on Thurs. It was a quick trip and was glad to get back to see Andy, Avery, and Ryan on Thursday night. Andy did a great job holding down the fort while I was away and sent me pictures often from his phone so I could see what they were up to.




Avery climbing into the basket


Avery taking Ryan for a ride

Ryan lifting his big book

Ryan carrying around his favorite books

Avery

Ryan "texting"

New York, New York

Andy's cousin, Alex, got married in New York City this weekend. We were hoping to make a trip out of it, but since I found out I needed to head to London the following weekend, Andy went out on his own. I wish I could have made it as it sounds like I missed a great rehearsal dinner and wedding!

Josh, Sandy, and Andy (had to look closely to put that in the right order!)



Andy, Sandy, Barbara, Josh, and Brandy

While Andy was in NY, I had a fun weekend with Avery and Ryan. We met my find Kristen and her two girls at the Mellow Mushroom for lunch. The girls loved spending time with the "babies".

Ryan, Ashleigh, Jordan, and Avery

On Monday, we split the day at home with the kids as Nan wasn't feeling well.

Avery and Ryan watching Baby Signing Times
Avery and Ryan imitating Mommy and Daddy

Avery typing away!

Visit to the Zoo

Tuesday morning, we ventured to the zoo as Mom, Dad, and Becky hadn't been before. We decided to ditch the stroller and loaded up the wagon for the outing. Avery and Ryan still didn't seem to notice the animals that much last time and figured the wagon might help them get a better view. It definitely seemed to help and they had fun checking out all the animals. It was not very crowded and we had great weather - it was a perfect morning!

We had a great time with Mom, Dad, and Becky and so glad they came to visit. Avery and Ryan really warmed up to them and can't wait until we get together next!


Ryan, Avery, and Black Bear. We decided to give Avery and Ryan a better view of the bears and Ryan was super excited!






Checking out the gorillas

Daddy with the wagon

Grams, Gramps, Avery and Ryan

Amy, Avery, Grams, Ryan, and Gramps

19 months and Labor Day

Avery and Ryan turned 19 months today! They continue to develop their language and signing skills. We recently purchased the 3rd and 4th DVD in the Baby Signing Times series. It is amazing how fast the two of them pick up the new words/signs. We are trying to learn the new signs as well so we can keep up with them!! They love peek a boo, playing chase, hugging and giving treats to Raleigh, blocks, walking the puppy, balls, dancing, running, swinging, and puzzles.

We decided to head up to Boulder as we haven't made it up there since last summer when Greg, Shyloe, and Taiten were in town. It was fun to walk around, check out a few stores, and have lunch. Avery and Ryan enjoyed the stroll as well! Though, cut our time a little short because that was when the Forest Fire in Four-Mile Canyon started. By the time we left, Boulder was covered in cloudy smoke with some ash starting to fall.

Ryan and Grams reading Brown Bear


Dad had stroller duty on Pearl Street Mall

Becky, Dad, Mom, Ryan, and Avery

As we walked West on Pearl Street, we started to see smoke and smell a fire. It looked pretty bad and found out later that it would only get worse. Hopefully, they get it under control soon!

Daddy and Avery at Walnut Brewery

Ryan enjoying making us laugh at lunch. When we left the restaurant, it was definitely more smokey and ashy out and decided it was best to head back to Denver.

Daddy, the kids, and Brown Bear

We headed to the park and Avery and Ryan spent the majority of time running up and down the hill.

Grams enjoyed catching them up at the bottom of the hill

Avery and her pigtails

Andy's Birthday!

Today was Andy's 36th birthday (and Uncle Josh's). It was great to have Date Night to celebrate on Sat. night while my parent's babysat. We had a fun evening out! Andy and Dad played 9 holes of golf this morning while Mom and I stayed home and played with the kids. Aunt Becky (my mom's twin sister) arrived around noon from Kansas to spend a few days with us. The girls got out on Sunday afternoon to walk around downtown Littleton and Aspen Grove. Sunday night, we went back to Cantina Laredo for dinner to all celebrate Andy's birthday. We had a delicious meal and Avery and Ryan did great. Ryan was in rare form and ate everything in sight and was very animated!! We let him do some running around after dinner and luckily it was an injury-free evening!!

Becky and Ryan reading Brown Bear (he can't put the book down and has a big version and small version)





Avery checking out the kid's menu



Mommy and Ryan

Daddy and Avery

Family photo

Dad, Mom, and Becky with the kids

Andy and Ryan and Brown Bear

Birthday boy with his hands full (and he wouldn't have it any other way ;) )!

Busy Day

Saturday morning, we went to My Gym for gym class and Grams and Gramps joined as well. Avery and Ryan seem to be getting a hang of the class and are really enjoying it. Afterwords, Mom and I were able to head out to do some shopping while Dad and Andy held down the fort at home. We had a great time shopping and found some good deals. That night Andy and I had a Date Night while Grams and Gramps had babysitting duty. Before heading out we got to watch some of the Carolina game which, I wasn't too sad to miss it while we were out since we were behind, but ended up missing a somewhat exciting ending. Mom bought Avery a cute Carolina cheerleader outfit and it fits perfectly! So cute!

Ryan on the exercise ball


Avery and Ryan on the the stairs - they are definitely improving on the down part

After naps, it was time for the splash table and playing in the yard

Ryan loves playing with the rocks

Daddy and Avery

Avery in her Carolina outfit trying to find the game on the tv

Ryan watching some football with Gramps

Grams and Gramps Arrive

Grams and Gramps Luehrs arrived from NC today and were so excited to see Avery and Ryan (and us too I guess)! The last time they saw them was when they turned one and need less to say, they have changed quite a bit.

Avery and Ryan playing with their new musical instruments from Grams and Gramps

Grams and Ryan watching some Elmo

Avery cornering Ryan to give him a her version of a hug

Wild Avery
Happy Ryan

Avery checking out pictures of herself on the camera

Enjoying a nice night out on the deck. Andy grilled us buffalo burgers and corn -yummy!