No photos for a reason

The last week has three main highlights, two of which you don't want to see pictures of, and one of which we can't get a picture of by ourselves.

1) Our sweet little monkey made good on his likeness by flinging poo all over his "bedroom" at the lake while he was supposed to be napping. Yes, this is the moment other moms have warned me about. Todd came within 15 feet of his door and smelled the unwelcome and oh-so-identifiable odor of baby poop and we opened up the door to find a naked little guy who didn't like the feel of the poopy diaper he was wearing so he took matters into his own hands - in a most unpleasant way. Team Abplanalp went into action with Dad swiftly taking a poopy toddler to the bath tub to hose down every square inch of that cute little guy while I was on poop removal detail from the carpet, bedding, walls, door and frog boots. All that being said, it could have been much worse.

2) After 5 years of driving to and from the lake in deer county, we finally had a literal run-in with one. Not pleasant, but like the poop flinging, it could have been much worse. Fortunately we were able to remove part of the bumper and drive on home preventing our family (including a toddler and a dog) along with a car load of belongings from being stuck on the highway an hour from home at 9pm on a Sunday night.

3) The only thing that IS picture worthy is a Ryan-sandwich, but it involves the whole family so we haven't gotten a picture of it yet. It's just a basic big bear hug between Mom and Dad with Ryan in the middle but he can't get enough of them and we lovingly oblige with as many as he asks for. Tonight we had his 2 year photos taken and I think Mark may have gotten some visual evidence of the Ryan-sandwich so eventually we'll have pictures to share.

Lake & Wichita

We've had some great weekends at the lake this past month. Our friends the Seymours visited and Ryan got to enjoy some good playing with Harrison who just turned one. He's also been able to play with Jake and Cade Riggin pretty regularly at the lake, and we're excited they're moving to Lee's Summit so they'll be closer during the weeks.

While Todd had a guys' weekend at the lake, Ryan and I visited my aunt and uncle, cousins and their kiddos in Wichita. I always loved our play weekends together when we were kids and I'm glad that we're able to do the same with our children now. It was a nice low-key weekend and the kids had a great time playing together, especially when we went swimming.

Ryan continues to become more independent and has taken an interest in pottying like a big boy and he went poop twice in potty at school on Friday so we've officially begun the early stages of potty training. He's also staying up later these days and mimicking older kids. While at Aunt Sally's in Wichita, he hopped on the Bell's old bike with training wheels and cruised down the driveway, made the turn at the bottom then came to a rest in the yard. Considering that was his first time on a bike, I think we're going to get a balance bike so he can work on that part of riding. Also, last week cousin Katie babysat Ryan for the first time and did fantastic. She's a natural and Ryan loved his afternoon with her.

At Frankie and Louie's at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The ornery look on his face is classic Ryan.

Being silly with Daddy.

Playing bubbles with his second cousins in Wichita.

(Parker, Ryan, Bell and Tyler - Carter and Graham were out of range)

Riding Bell's bike at Aunt Sally's:

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