I am always amazed by Isabelle's imagination. Sure she has imaginary friends, but so did I and so did my mom, so it's in the genes. She also loves to pretend all sorts of fun games, and she is constantly telling us "jokes." They are obviously hilarious because she can hardly get through them, she is laughing so hard. We understand very little of them but we laugh, mostly because it's just so cute.
She decided that she wanted to empty the basket that holds the baby toys so that she could play "basket-ball." I don't think we talk about that sport that much, no hoop or ball outside, but she decided to play her own game. However, by the time I had gone to get the camera, she had moved on to a new game: sitting in the basket with Parker. He didn't seem to mind and it kept him busy for about 5 minutes. Did I mention that he is a busy baby?!?! Into everything, and he is fast. I have a feeling we are gonna have some "fun" when he starts running/walking.
It's a poor action shot, but I was trying to catch Parker doing his new favorite thing...waving!
So February, like most months these days, flew by. During that month, the kids have grown some and we took a quick trip over to Jackson to visit one of the other Smith families. Here is a little sampling of what took place.......The kids get very excited when Philip gets home. I guess they are bored with me by that time and he is much more exciting. It works out well, he keeps 'em busy and I get dinner made.
So, we took a trip to Jackson to have a grown up double date for Valentine's. It was a great trip and the kids had fun playing with their cousins. Our van has built in car seats (I know, handy right?). However, up until this point, I have kept Isabelle in her regular seat just because I thought it might be a little more comfortable. But in preparation for Parker making the move, we upgraded her to a "big girl seat." She hadn't been sleeping on long trips, but on the trip over, she took her first car nap since we moved. So much for more comfortable. It seemed a bit pitiful the way her head just hung forward, but she woke up happy and refreshed, so I guess, whatever works.
Philip's brother has a dog named Triton. Isabelle's first experience with Triton was an eye to eye exchange, he is a BIG dog. Anyway, it was a little disconcerting for her and since then she has been standoffish, to say the least. In an effort to show her up, Parker decided to show Isabelle how much fun it is to actually tackle the dog. Did I mention he is maybe the sweetest dog I've ever met? Parker chased him around and showed Triton and Isabelle who is boss.
Parker also got his first hair trim from his aunt, who is a licensed cosmetologist. Just a few snips behind the ears to keep his flaps under control. Obviously Parker's first cut was a bit less traumatic and a lot straighter than Isabelle's. 
Thankfully, she straightened up Isabelle's too.
The kids had so much fun playing with their cousins.
Parker has started sporting a new face and several "Illmanisms" spring to mind:
1) Clothes your mouth kid or you'll catch a fly
2)Give me your most intelligent face
3) A face only a mother could love....
It keeps going, but I think it's adorable, and plenty of pictures to embarrass him with when he gets older!
The gym we go to sometimes recently built a large walking park with a new playground in the middle. We had lots of fun playing on the new equipment, but the swings were by far the favorite! I was pushing the kids, wishing I had a camera and remembered that I had one on my phone. Oh the things that modern technology has provided us with.
It was Parker's first time on a swing. Doesn't he look absolutely delighted. Believe it or not, he really did laugh most of the time. (Of course, I couldn't capture it on film.)
