Touch a Truck 2014

We will start this off with some pictures from Coco's birthday brunch. We were missing the big family group for many reasons (Holly and Mike in India, Jen home resting with her growing belly, Jesse at sea). So, it was Coco, Poppy, Ted, Ned, Penny, Elliott, Lucy, Uncle Esteban, and me. 

Uncle Esteban spent some time outside with Ned and Penny.

Penny needed some help on the pedal tractor.

After brunch and nap, Ted and I took the boys to Touch a Truck. They have grown quite a bit since their first visit there in 2012. Ned and the big wrecker.

Inside of some big vehicle (I don't remember what it was).

Holy cuteness. This was unprompted hand holding.

And then a cousin hug.

Elliott was a very serious fire truck driver.

Ned was less serious.

In the jump seat.

My failed attempt at a cute picture with Elliott. He's not much of a camera fan these days.

Ned was more photogenic.

Big mining dump truck like Grandpa Nick used to drive!

The dump truck drivers.

Elliott was in a better mood by then.

Both boys were really excited about the school bus. I guess they are still novel for these little guys.

There was a crazy passenger on our bus!

Getting ready to be a big boy.

How about that bus driver?!

Uncle Teddy! Look!

It's a big excavator!!

Elliott was thrilled to be at the controls.

Ted gave them a driving lesson.

And supervised.

Woah! Big bucket!

Then off to the mini excavator.

This one is more my size, Mama.

Utility truck from NYSEG, our local utility.

Ned was less than impressed with the ambulance.

Both boys were thrilled with the tractor.

Practicing for life with two boys!

We were there at the end of the day and got the place to ourselves for a while. Even better, we were able to watch all the trucks pack up and leave. The tow truck driver even let Ned push some of the buttons. It was the same tow truck driver from the police car crash in our driveway from January!

Back in Elma, the boys played with the pedal tractor.

I love the obvious effort Elliott is putting forth.

How else do you make sure you are properly installing the car seat?

Uncle Teddy helped with a tree tinkle.

Ned started riding on a two wheeler this year. He went from a strider bike to a two wheeler. Last week, he rode NINE miles with Mike!! That shirt he is wearing? That is the top from his Campus kit (aka his bike uniform from Campus Wheelworks, a local bike shop). He's half young cyclist and half mascot for their team.

Elliott is still working on the tricycle.

Inside, Lucy required an outfit change and Coco put her in a cute vintage dress. Penny wore this dress for Mother's Day brunch. That's how similar the girls are in size.

Penny was very proud of herself for moving the dumbbells around.