It was a fun surprise to get a special visit with Elmo at the Children's Museum when we went this week for VPG. Quin was particularly excited as he's been enjoying the Sesame Street Body exhibit at the museum AND he's even seen some Elmo's World shows and even Sesame Street for the first time lately! 
H on the other hand clung to me like glue. She's not quite there yet with these sorts of ginormous stuffed animals that move and want to hug you.
And the wisdom to build a little fire while BBQing dinner in January.
Sitting by the cozy fire is a nice way to end the long weekend together, peacefully.
and thought it resembled one I took last year:
He still loves pushing her on the swing, and she's still loving it too (well for the most part).
It was fitting comment for her to state this week in particular as he has been mildly obsessed with asking, "How is that made?" about nearly everything around him. From the ketchup to the place mats, from the granola bars to the car's wheels, from the corn chips to the books we read. So much has been food I'm realizing we need to eat even more whole foods without so many ingredients! This line of questioning has really helped me think about how things are made and those processes I truly never contemplate. Though it can be weary to explain so much, I love that he is so fascinated with the way things work and is trying to figure them out. We have done some fun you tube searches for factory tours, and seen some fun ones on jelly beans, computers and such. I've been interested in taking the Theo Chocolate Factory tour for years, so now is definitely the time and I'm sure Quin will soak it all up, not just the chocolate that is. 
Then of course we had some tasty cake and treats (I say "we" cause I have no restraint when there is extra birthday cake around ;)).
These boys are two of Q's oldest pals, I love it:
Q, Alex and Gabe (about 4 months old)
Q and Alex (~ 6 months old)
Nan and Shellie sure know how to throw a party!