A few summer pics

It's been difficult uploading photos and posts via my blogger app lately, resulting in a huge backlog of unpublished posts stuck on my phone :(. So, while I promise to get those belated posts up eventually, I'm here on my computer to put up a few happy summer moments from my regular camera:

Catching fireflies

Ollie wants in on the action too. He likes PRI-ddy FI-fies!

 No fireflies were harmed in the making of these photos. All were released before bedtime.

A teeny praying mantis on my parsley plant

Stephen tries to get him, but he flips to the underside.

A quiet moment.

(The moment after this involved Rockam and some unfortunate squishing of the delicate insect.)

These photos capture Rockam 100 percent.

Stephen and Rockam's last day in Hopkinsville

Nona and Papa drove to Hopkinsville yesterday and then took Steve and Rocky home with them today. In honor of the three Parrinos' last day at 2803 S. Virginia St., we took a few photos.

Both Stephen and Rocky are feeling sad about leaving the only home they've known. We've had some wonderful times here for sure! Last night Joe and Stephen sat in each room and reminisced about good memories before saying "goodbye."

Stephen has been tearing up once in a while over the last few days. We can tell Rockam is sad and frustrated too. 

Oliver is still blissfully unaware :)

He will travel with me in the van while Joe drives the moving truck next Thursday. Cleveland, here we come!

Birdsong Resort

Oliver's first fireworks

We enjoyed Roselle's awesome fireworks this year.

Poor baby kept his hands over his eyes the entire show... 

Rocky's first fireworks face is a little different. That's a smile, believe it or not!

Legoland

As an early birthday present to Stephen, my mom took us to Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg.

Stephen enjoyed a master builder class.

Ollie really liked dropping Lego vehicles down the ramp. Rocky's favorite part was the pirate ship water table, but I didn't get a photo :(

Lake Michigan sailing

We celebrated July 4th at Lake Michigan with uncle Doug, aunt Nilda and cousin Kiana. Ollie watched longingly from the shore as each of his brothers and his cousin took a turn sailing with Bupps.

Oliver turns 2

Some things about Ollie at 2:

Ollie-isms:

"Soup-Ollie!" = super Ollie

"I na wan it" = I don't want it

"Aye-ya aye-ya" = I'm trying really hard to do something, won't you take pity on me?

"Faw-fee" = coffee

"Fuffin" = muffin

"Silly Goooose!" (He enunciates this phrase exceptionally well)

"Tars! Tars!" = guitars; ukulele

"I eee-chy. I wan hanoo." = my eczema is itchy, put on my lotion (Renew).

"Rocky! Seeve! Bruh-ders!"

"Dank you-mom!" = universal thank you

"Keem!" = ice cream

Oliver enjoys riding in strollers, toy cars, his car seat etc. He likes pushing around furniture to use as step stools. And flipping the laundry basket to get on our bed.

He likes helping put food on the conveyor belt at Aldi.

He eats a very limited diet: almond milk, bready things, pasta, cheese, pretzels, raisins and crasins, peanuts, peanut butter, corn, bananas, muffins, scrambled eggs and pizza.

Sailing at Crystal Lake

We let Ollie on for a little while, but only Stephen and Rocky actually sailed. 

Rocky had a blast-- he was belly laughing the whole time. Stephen was a little more trepid than usual. At one point he shouted, "I don't want anyone to fall out of the boat!!! Not even my brother!!"

Busy Chicago Day Part 6

 

Korean hot wings at Crisp.

Busy Chicago Day part3 BEAN