Mentos and Diet Coke

 We had a wonderful (but swiftly passing) weekend.  The girls' presence brightened the otherwise dreary weather, and we enjoyed just spending time together.  We mostly just hung out at home, with Ciala and Lauren volunteering to help as much needed safety monitors, tracking Aiden as he pulls himself up against ottomans and walls.  He loves seeing their beautiful, smiling faces, especially since they are so gracious to focus their attention on him (that little ham!).

I mustn't forget to mention the ole (or is it new?) mentos and diet coke experiment! In hindsight's clarity, I would have suggested that Clyde do the experiment with the girls before showing them the youtube experiment.  We tried it first using mentos gum, as that was all the grocery store had available.  The resulting "that's it?" prompted Clyde to go the the gas station in search of actual mentos.  The subsequent reaction was much better, but it does not quite compare to that in the youtube video (link posted below).  Still, we had a blast!

Lauren and Aiden.

Ciala and Aiden.

Aiden is fascinated by his big sis.

Ciala spots Aiden while he climbs up the chair.

Lauren and sleepy Aiden.

Experiment preparation.

Diet coke and mentos:

Diet coke and mentos (with a few more resources):

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vk4_2xboOE

Trouble, on the Go!

Climbing and crawling seems to occupy all our lives, as Aiden explores and Clyde and I attempt to keep pace.  Reaching, grabbing, hitting, and biting (with his one bottom tooth and surprisingly strong grip!) are also favorite pastimes.  I have not yet figured out how to teach this little guy to be gentle!

Caught red-handed...

Attempting to charm his way out of trouble...

Getting into trouble is exhausting!

Ciala and Lauren will be here Friday for the weekend, so we'll have new photos to share, next week!

September Celebrations

HAPPY HALF-BIRTHDAY, AIDEN! (September 4th)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MANDY! (September 9th)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TARA! (September 10th)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIKE! (September 12th)

We can hardly believe that Aiden is 6 months old!  He is moving more than ever, and had a wonderful time exploring his Grandma & Grandpap Lyons' house during our refuge from Hurricane Irene.  Thanks again, Mom & Dad!  He has quickly whittled down the time allotted for me to complete any singular task.  I enjoy the challenge, though this enjoyment simply does not compare to his!  As I suspect is the case with most mothers of 6-month-olds, I find every new achievement Aiden makes noteworthy, and find each of the way-too-many-photos we take adorable.  Please consider this your friendly warning...

Aiden climbs on my suitcase (I helped him in) as I organized to pack for Tampa.

Quality time with Clyde the night before we left.

Aiden sports one of Grandma's beautifully made fashions.

Aiden befriends Evers, one of the Lyons' kitties.  He couldn't understand why his smiles and charms didn't work on all of them... it works on all those humans!

Welcome home, Dad!  Aiden meets Clyde at the front door.

Happy Half-Birthday!  Clyde and Aiden jam out to their favorite tunes in celebration.