Giving Loves.
C.J. and Chance; always ready to help!
Pretty Princesses.
The Guests
Avery's cakes.
Finding and collecting bugs around the playroom.
Matt and Nolan. He soon fell asleep after this picture...Nolan, not Matt!
Mixing up Avery's birthday cupcake cones. They learned about measuring and how to use a timer so the cake will be just right.
The birthday girl. (Yes, her birthday was in April and we are now in June, but better to post the pictures late, than never!)
PLEASE can we eat them!!!
Sprinkle time.
Singing "Happy Birthday" to Avery.
Earlier this Spring, once the weather started to become nice, C.J. and I decided to clean off some of the outdoor toys in preparation for play.
Paying attention to detail.
Working hard!
Final rinse.
"What are you looking at Mom?"
Nolan loves snuggling with blankets, but he usually ends up with them covering his face.
C.J., Chance and Avery have been doing a lot of creative play lately. They love to use their imaginations and go to the pool, fly in a hot air balloon, be a racecar driver (C.J.), a princess (Avery) and a soccer player (Chance). They have also been using their good manners with each other and enjoy engaging in good conversations. They are becoming too smart for their own good and make my heart smile. You can tell they come from loving families by watching the way they take care of each other, as well as, watching them "pester and bother" each other, but forget about it 5 seconds later. 
Yes, Nolan is growing up each and everyday and I'm not sure if I love it or want him to slow down. He's been rolling over for many weeks now, sits in his saucer, jumper and bumpo and is close to sitting on his own (he falls forward, but keeps pretty good balance). I like to think he says Mom too, but that's probably just wishful thinking. It's usually when he is crying, so maybe he really is?! He loves laughing at himself in the mirror. He's also close to holding his own bottle. We're going to work on potty training starting next week....just kidding (:
Chance keeps such a special place in his heart for Evan and Nolan...and soon he'll make room for Baby Girl Skiles! He can be a little stinker at times, but when it comes to the little ones, he is so sweet and gentle. They love him too. Especially Evan. He just lights up when Chance plays with him.
Why does C.J. always find the most odd places to sleep...and silly positions too! He'll be in the middle of playing with his friends, and all of a sudden he's out. I recently experienced my most funny moment at Ritter's Critters. I told C.J. to lay on the couch and take a nap. He climbs on the couch and lays on his belly with his feet toward the backrest and his head on the floor (kind of like doing a handstand or push ups angled downward from the couch). He draped his blanket over his head, so I thought he was just playing around. I went up stairs to put Evan down, and when I came back down, C.J. was in the same position. I became a little worried because who falls asleep like that?! Turns out he was just fine. Apparently very sleepy (which is why I suggested the nap in the first place!) Had I not been concerned I would have grabbed the camera and taken a picture, but as I tell the kids, "safety first".
Precious
C.J. had a piece of salami cut up and made a sailboat out of it. How clever.
Although it looks like Evan isn't happy with Chance right now, he was actually having a ball and laughing.
Nolan loves being on his tummy.
The Critters love books. Avery brought over two new books she got from her birthday. Betsy was sweet enough to read one before she left for work this morning. I forgot how fun it is to have someone read a story to you!
