Yesterday the boys, Steph, and I picnicked at the the beach (I hate saying "beach" since Lake Michigan is more like crumbled rock with a shore line) for the first time since living in Chicago. The boys had lovely bottles of milk and the adults ate Potbelly sandwiches and grapes.

The weather couldn't have been a more perfect temperature nor the sky and lake a more perfect blue (besides, maybe, the colors of the boys eyes these days!).

We discovered a new beach bum in our family---Grant! He was all smiles throughout the afternoon without making a sound. He just looked around and seemed to enjoy his view. Kellen, on the other hand, fell asleep for a while then became a little fussy as time progressed. Oh well, at least we have one potential beach addict.

(Please note the $3.99 umbrella purchased from IKEA, a special new addition to the Marcucci household. Justin wondered why Steph bought it in the first place and where they would use such an umbrella. Here, obviously, is his answer.)

Because Justin took the camera for the Youth Conference this weekend, we had to take advantage of the phone camera, hence, the not-so-clear-but-fun-memories for pictures below. -SS

(Below) Auntie Staci and the boys at the beach

We have been eating dinner out on the patio lately. (Steph says you have to take advantage of the summer!) The evenings have been nice, with a small touch of heat in the air which instantly puts the boys to sleep. Then the mosquitos come out to play, and we have to pack it up. -SS

(left to right) Kellen and Grant

We have been getting a lot of questions about the boys' eye color. As of today, they both have blue eyes; different shades of blue, but blue nonetheless. As of yet, no signs of the boys acquiring the dominant brown eyes (as Stephanie is displaying for us), guess we'll have to wait and see. -SS

What feeding and sleeping can do to a baby March through June.
Below pictures, left to right: Grant and Kellen

March 21, 2006

April 21, 2006

June 18, 2006

There is not a week that passes that we don't take a stroll down Taylor Street. This week we took the boys for a walk and stopped for a break in the park to eat our Italian Ice. As usual, Kellen stayed awake to enjoy the views and Grant fell asleep. Another beautiful (and hot) summer day here in Chicago. -SS

(Below, top to bottom) Aunt Staci, Kellen, Grant


(Below, top to bottom) Steph, Kellen, Grant


(Below) Sleepy Grant

I have a new found respect for parents and bath time...

Steph and Justin went out for the night; which meant I, (aunt staci) became in charge of bath time. Every other night this looked like a simple task, however, I had my doubts regarding my skilled bath time abilities without any true mothering help. With my doubts, I decided to call upon the good ol' fashion sponge bath. Kellen was up first, and all went well. After Kellen, I took another look at the sink, wondering if I could do it alone and decided to take the plunge. Looking back it was an interesting choice to give my 1st ever bath with Grant (due to his skill in screaming) instead of Kellen. Nonetheless, Grant and I encountered success. While that was probably the shortest bath Grant has ever and will ever receive, I was able to give my first baby bath. For all the long-time mothers out there, I'm not sure how you do it, with toddlers running around, phones ringing, dinner to cook or whatever else is in a busy life. My new respects for all mothers around the world. -SS

Bath Time:
Mom and Kellen

It was the strangest thing; one morning I walked into the boys room and they were sitting there with with their sunglasses on. I'm going to assume they were telling me that they would like to move to a sunny, beach-like area (and no, Chicago "beaches" do not count). Did I hear s-a-n f-r-a-n-c-i-s-c-o? Although the boys never peeped a word, I'm sticking with my point of view. -SS

Kellen


Grant

One of our favorite outfits...How can you resist holding cute little bears like these?

(Below, top to bottom) Grant and Kellen