Over Labor Day weekend, Aaron and Helena were introduced to their newest cousin, Margaret Rose. They had a great deal of fun playing with all of their cousins who try to sit so nicely for a group photo. (left to right: Maddie, Aaron, Helena, Tyson, Hayden, and Anna) 
Aunt Cathy and the newest addition to our family, Maggie, who is now three months old
Proud Papa with Maggie
Aaron and Maddie sit and chat
Aaron and Helena are now seventeen months old. They are growing and developing so fast, they say or do something different almost everyday. Aaron's most favorite thing at this time is throwing balls. He thinks that almost anything he comes across is a ball, including food. You can imagine the fun we have at meal times! Helena loves to climb and help out with chores around the house. She is so observant and likes to try just about anything she sees Mommy or Daddy doing. Both Aaron and Helena love books and will sit and enjoy several of them at a time. They are both developing more words such as car, truck, more, and please. 
Helena helps mommy sweep the kitchen floor
Aaron gets his first hair cut, he did so well!
One of the best things about watching Aaron and Helena grow is watching them play and communicate with one another. At times, they are so gentle and kind to one another and at other times they take toys and push one another. Most of the time, they love to play and make each other laugh, which is a joy to watch!
Helena flips through a catalog while lounging in her rocking chair
Last weekend we celebrated Lexi's fourth birthday with a pool party on Grandma and Grandpa's new deck. We all had fun swimming and celebrating with pizza, watermelon and cake. 
Helena also happened to be teething. As you can see, she found a refreshing solution for her sore gums and her belly.
Auntie Jill takes Helena for a ride in the pool.
Even though Aaron and Helena are on a pretty consistent schedule, sometimes even sleep can overcome them at the strangest times. Previous to my taking this photo, Aaron had been sitting on the floor with one of his toys. As I came back around the corner, this is what I saw! Precious!
Aaron and Helena went to the doctor for their fifteen month visit (it was a bit late). Aaron now weighs 27 lbs and is 33 inches tall. Helena now weighs 23 lbs. and is 32 inches tall. They have hit all of the appropriate milestones and then some! They are both into climbing on everything now. They are curious about how they fit into the world around them, as you can tell by the photo above. Aaron loves to try and sit or climb into all sorts of spaces. He gets very frustrated when he is too small. Helena enjoys trying on Mommy and Daddy's shoes and is very content to help out with some of the chores at home too!
Helena enjoys reading her family picture book
Helena's intense look
Aaron and Daddy relaxing by Grandma and Grandpa's pool
Aaron's favorite thing to do with this raft is stand on it, but it is hard to get a photo because Mommy and Daddy both need to hold the raft and Aaron. Here it is a bit easier to keep him safe and take his photo.
Aaron and Helena are sixteen months old now! They are starting to say several words now and are able to communicate very well. They understand many more words than they can say and they are very proud of all that they can do. New favorite activities include reading books with Mommy and Daddy, playing with their Little People farm, playing in the tupperware cabinet and climbing the stairs. They are completely on the go and we love every minute with them!
Taking a break
Aaron visits with Farmor
Playing at the sprinkler park
Helena collects rocks
Helena takes a break for a snack
Aaron plays on the beach as the sun begins to set
Daddy makes some time to play with Lexi and Julian
Daddy and Aaron take in the beach
Helena and Daddy play together in the sand
Auntie Jill with Lexi and Helena
Aaron helps his cousin Julian dig a hole in the sand
Helena enjoys the ride
Daddy shares some of his ice cream with Aaron
Aaron loves playing in the ocean
