Ernie at His Most Terrifying

For the record, I did not pick out this costume for him to wear. Nor did I pick out this book for him to read (Archaeology of the Mind by Jacques Derrida)--it's all his own.

Of course he doesn't actually read from Derrida, he instead recites a poem he called "Three Skulls and a Mask." What immediately precedes this recitation which I didn't catch in time was the beginning of the poem: "'ROOOAAAAAAAR!' said the skull . . ."

At the end, in response to my question, he chatters his teeth like a skull might do.

A day at the rose garden

Daddy took the kids to the rose gardens for a picnic, which is one of Ernie's favorite places, especially in the fall. That is, until Ernie managed to fall into a rose bush and get himself all scraped up. As he describes it "I fussed a bit." I think it was a little more than that, but he managed to pull himself together for a few pictures of the gorgeous day.

More friends!

Cullen Erb has arrived, gorgeous as his older sister and looking even more like his daddy at birth. Welcome, Cullen! Thanks for letting us hold you!
And Morgan is a great big sister!

Father's Day

The Halls had us and the Mohrs over for a lovely Father's Day meal. It rained all day, so we all relaxed inside.
Daddy's gifts included an awesome grill basket for fish (Mommy is so thankful!) from the Halls, a mug filled with candy and featuring pictures of what a great Daddy he is, and a watch and magnet from the kiddos. Mommy gave him preseason Vikings tickets, which he's also excited about.

Grandpa Denie shows off a picture frame from the kids that portrays what a great pair of shoulders he has for babies to sit on. Not to mention a nice head to drool on.

Grandpa Darrell got a new weather vane for his "barn" out back!

The Powell Reunion

We joined the Mohr g-rents for the annual Powell Reunion in Missouri Valley, and the Wells cousins also met us there. The train from my childhood, and my mom's childhood, has been revitalized! The old steam train wasn't out this time, but we all got plenty of rides on the new train and its new track. Ernie rode at least six times!

Here's Lenora, winner of the Youngest Powell award (a train ride ticket). Grandma Chris was the very first Youngest Powell at the very first reunion. And she's sitting here with the oldest Powell award winner.
And here's Denise holding her granddaughter Maisie, with Grandpa Darrell and Lenora. The girls love touching pretty babies. Who can help themselves?

Ernie and Cousin Kitt got on and off this pump wagon about a million times.

Here's one of the many rides with Ern and Kitt, Lisa and Maisie, Mom and Len, and some guy who couldn't fit in a seat so he decided to flop across a whole car. It took many generous friends to get him out of that position. Notice the little tunnel and the real train on the tracks in the background!

And Grandpa Chris riding with the boys!

We have some videos to upload, so check back for those later!

Toofies!

Lenora's bottom middle front teeth have now emerged! I remember when Ernie got his teeth it totally changed the landscape of his face. I'm going to miss my cheeky baby if it does the same thing to Len, but I know she'll retain all of her beauty.
She's also getting really good at her pincher grip, grabbing puffs and actually getting them to her mouth. The whole family applauds when Lenora is able to feed herself, so that's pretty powerful incentive!