when you skip nap time...

you fall asleep on the couch...

and, mom takes pictures.

b and w

I love hanging with my happy, handsome and hugiliscous boys.

B took this picture below with my phone.

seneca park zoo

We went to the zoo today with my cousin Sveta, Maksim, Megan, Dan and Grandpa Kevin.  We saw the snow leopards first.

Then we saw the rhino, right?

Maksim is very helpful and was pushing the stroller with W for us.

B and Sveta bonded over monkeys.

We met and learned about an albino hedgehog, Ice.  

Grandpa Kevin and B examined a hole in the ground dug up by an animal.

W enjoyed the zoo from the comfort of his stroller.

B was hugging this statue of the leopards.  It was super cute.

B refused to look at the camera.

We couldn't see the lions well but we could see this fake one well.

Nick and B climbed into the safari  bus.

The baboons were sleepy today.

Elephant looked very hot like we were.

We caved and got B ice cream.  That was his lunch.  I guess we are on vacation.

Maksim loves Nick and Nick loves Maksim.

On our way out we saw and learned about a snake, Queeney.  Maksim wants a snake.  Sveta does not want a snake.

We had fun catching up with everyone.  

vika's graduation

My cousin Sveta's daughter, Vika, graduated high school this year.  We drove to Rochester, NY to help them celebrate.

It was nice to see pictures of Vika from when she was an itty bitty.  I cannot believe how much she has grown.  The house was really nicely decorated for the occasion and the food delicious.

I had fun making the cake for her party.  It's chocolate raspberry with vanilla buttercream.  The cap is a small cake that Vika can have all to herself later.

It was a great day filled with lots of hugs, eating, laughter, running, swimming and reminiscing.  This family keeps growing and progressing. 

grandpa Sasha

Grandpa was a big help this weekend.  He spent a lot of time watching B and W.  

While he sat quietly with W, things got wild when he hung out with B.  They swam and climbed the garage roof.  

I was busy packing so I had no idea this was happening.  Daddy was busy taking pictures.

Daddy assured me that Grandpa was watching B very carefully and had the situation under control. 

shoe confusion

Can you tell Bennett put shoes on all by himself today?

chatting with W

W loves to talk.  He is all smiles when I sit in front of him and talk to him.  He is much more vocal than B was as a baby.

sun

Today Bennett made a sun using his hands, literally...

It certainly put a smile on my face.  I love the craft ideas I find on Pinterest.

such a happy W