Love

Could there be anything better than your child spontaneously hugging and kissing you?  I think not.

(SS)

New Yard Sale Toys

We found this rocking horse at a yard sale down the street yesterday.  We bought some Childcraft books for a steal of a price but the real deal was Mercy getting two stuffed dogs, a doll, and the slightly broken rocking horse for free because the ladies all thought she was so cute. (I should rent her out for people wanting to make large purchases.) We went right to the hardware store and with 52 cents and a few turns of a screwdriver it was good to ride. 

Uh-po

This summer we've been enjoying Mercy's growing vocabulary.  Certain words are very clear, others are close approximations, and some are indistinct or made-up.  For example, when she hands something to you like "here you go," or "here, I don't want to hold this anymore," she says "meh."  Not sure where that came from.  Anyway, right now we are loving how she says open: "UH-po."  We were going into a store the other day and she pressed her hands and face against the glass door and said "uh-po, uh-po, uh-po."  We want to remember things like this since it goes by so fast.  

Fun with Box

What can I say?  I ran out of ideas and still had two hours until mommy was coming come.

Santa Barbara

Taking in the sights and cool weather in SB with Mercy.

Swimming

Mercy took a dip with me on Father's Day in my brother's Jacuzzi. I think she thought it was just a large bath with bigger toys and more people. She loved it.  I'm not surprised since she is a little daredevil with everything else. We just need to strap on a helmet and a life jacket and then she'll be set up for pretty much anything.

The Joy of Leaf Stomping

(from Sara)  I heard Mercy in hysterical belly laughter the other day and this is what I found.  I'm not sure if she got self-conscious when she looked at the camera, or if she was trying to tell me, "This is a private joke, Mommy."  Anyway, Mercy loves her Daddy and they have A LOT of fun together.  Happy Father's Day, Chris!