Catching up on Summer Slack

Things have been extremely busy lately, though when I try to identify the things keeping us occupied, it is difficult to pinpoint the source most responsible for our happy chaos! We thoroughly enjoyed the girls' lively, loving spirits in the house this summer, and miss them very much now that they're back in school in South Carolina. Aiden is low-crawling faster and more stealthily which seems to keep the accomplishment of my daily tasks at 20-second intervals. As Clyde says, he doesn’t yet understand gravity, but he heartily embraces grab-it-y.  Work keeps Clyde quite busy.  He is out at Onslow Beach now, so he has a nicer view during the workday, but must endure a much longer, more traffic-congested commute.  I am enjoying the challenges of keeping up with Aiden and grateful for the helping hands of Clyde, Ciala and Lauren. I look forward to picking up the slack on several unfinished projects.

Here are some pictures that I neglected to post in a timely manner…

Taken in late June, Aiden's unfortunate expression has only recently become easier to coax into a smile (if you're fast enough to capture it on camera).  Ciala and Lauren, of course, are pros!

Partners in crime.

Ciala's popcicle is color-coordinated with her outfit.

Popcicle lips.

Team Clyde surveys its cards, carefully contemplating their prediction in the Who-Dun-It mystery.

Middle children lounge together...

And book-end children do, too!

Aiden's ready to hit the road in his new wheels!

Back to School

Though summer heat continues to characterize our August days, Ciala and Lauren headed back to school Monday.  Ciala is in 6th grade and Lauren is in 3rd, in South Carolina.

Ciala and Lauren, first day of school.

Aiden also hits the books.

Like Father, Like Son

When Aiden was born, Clyde was sure that he looked like me.  I always insisted that Aiden looked like Clyde.  As each week passes, Aiden resembles Clyde more and more.  He still makes some crazy baby faces, though, that look exactly like Baby Meghan's!

Though Aiden smiles and laughs all the time, his ability to sense an approaching camera is sharp, and he immediately changes his expression.  Thus, the best image of him smiling was snapped while Clyde wiped Aiden's mouth (and Aiden was distracted).

Clyde and Aiden.

Exhibit A:

Clyde Tyler at 4 months (August 1978).

Exhibit B:

Clyde Aiden at 4 months (July 2011).