It's Been Awhile...

The Bathing Beauty Striking a Pose

There is so much to report since the last post! First and foremost, Libby went on her second Salt Fork vacation. This year's trip was obviously much more exciting for her, as she was able to see and do so much more. The highlights of the trip included swimming almost every day, playing in the top bunk of the bunk beds, seeing all kinds of animals, feeding the fish and going for ice cream with Mom and Dad!

Enjoying an Ice Cream Cone and Ruining an Outfit

Libby also got to spend a lot of time with family, which is always a good thing! Grandma and Grandpa Yandek were there the whole week, and there was also plenty of quality time with Grandma and Grandpa Hanna, Aunt Reen, Uncle Tony, and Aunt Holly. There were lots of walks, toys, and "Quack Quacks" for everyone to enjoy!

Hillbilly Libby Playing in the Sprinkler

Libby has discovered some new things, as well. Her current all-time favorite food is blueberries. She would eat them all day, every day, if she could. However, as Dad recently found out, combining two of Libby's favorite foods--blueberries and pancakes--does not always make for a new favorite food. Libby's new favorite pasttime is playing in the sprinkler. She does kind of look like a hillbilly running around the front yard in her underwear, but what the heck, you're only 16 months old once, right?

Playing in the New Tub

Oh, and something else exciting in Libby's life? She finally got to take a bath in a REAL BATHTUB! Finally, Mom and Dad got on the ball and had the bathroom totally redone. And, while it isn't quite done yet, the bathtub, like the Death Star, is fully operational. Libby thinks it is her own personal swimming pool, and she throws one crazy tantrum when informed it is time to get out, but it has been a much needed change that everyone appreciates. Finally, Libby has really started to develop her verbal skills. She has started using new words: "no", "uh oh", "moo", "hi guys", "bye". And, what's more, she's using them correctly. Or, at least, she's trying her best. Last week, on a trip to the zoo with Mom, she barked at the dinosaurs. Oh well, at least she knows that ducks "quack" and cows "moo"...

Let Her Eat (Cup)Cake!

Fun Summer Night

Libby and Dad were on their own tonight, as Mom finally got to go for a much-needed night out with her friends. So, what started out as a simple walk around the neighborhood turned in to a fun summer night for Libby and Dad. After a nice long walk, Dad bought Libby an old fashioned ice cream sandwich--nothing fancy, just vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie. After finding a quiet spot on a bench in the park, Libby got her first taste of summer. Let's just say the ice cream sandwich didn't stand a chance! After a first tentative bite, Libby made quick work of the sandwich. It was so good, Libby managed to keep herself relatively clean.

After heading back home, Libby had bath time. She is obviously aware that Salt Fork is looming on the horizon, as she spent the time working on her swimming and splashing technique. She was so good, Dad won't need to shower for a week--he's still not dried off.

Bath time was followed by a nice cup of milk and Libby's favorite books. After two readings of Hippos Go Beserk and two readings of Not the Hippopatamus, Libby and Dad sang "Itsy Bitsy Spider" like ten times. Libby's got the hand motions down, now she just needs to work on the words. In all, it was a great night. The only thing that would have made it better is Mommy. But it was definitely a great start to the summer!

Sixteen Months Old!

The Best Laid Plans...

Trouble-maker!

It's safe to say that summer is officially here! With the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend and the warm weather (and the end of Dad's school year), the summer fun lies straight ahead! Of course, it just would not be right if Libby take the opportunity of a long, warm, sunny holiday weekend to come down with (another) double ear infection and pink eye. So, while there were no fun holiday parties or picnics, Libby did get to spend plenty of time with Mom and Dad.

Sun's out, guns out!

Friday was supposed to be Daddy-Libby Memorial Day Weekend Kick-Off Fun Day. Libby was going to get some new Crocs at Aurora Farms (mission accomplished) and then she was going to visit Aunt Reen and Aunt Holly at their respective places of business. Before heading home, Dad and Libby were going to hit up DQ for a summer treat. Well, Libby decided to get sick on the way to Aurora, so it turned out to be a short and not-so-fun trip.

Sick, but still patriotic. And adorable!

Libby spent Saturday at the doctor's office and then at home trying to sleep off her fever. It was a most uneventful day for everyone. On Sunday, Libby had to miss her friend Will's fifth birthday party. She was much better, but still too sick to be out and about. Monday, however, wasn't a complete loss, as Libby got to swing at the park and see her buddy Dolly. Speaking of Dolly, every time Libby hear's her name, or even sees a dog riding in the car, she immediately starts her soft, almost whisper, barking. It's very cute. Libby's gonna have to get a puppy at some point!

Be vewy, vewy qwiet, I'm hunting wabbits!

With the new week, Libby was much better and back at daycare. Dad is on summer hours now, so that means early morning walks to the park while Mom gets ready for work. It's fun for Libby and Dad to hang out in the morning before work--good way to start the day! And, although it's been said before, it bears repeating. Libby LOVES animals. She was quite enthralled with the rabbits running around the backyard.