Frank's Latest Accomplishments

Frank has been on a roll hitting milestones this summer. In just one week, Frank learned how to ride a bike with no training wheels (with the help of Sam), blow bubbles with gum, and jump off the diving board at the pool unassisted. 

Here he is doing a flip off the diving board.

Unfortunately the diving has been short lived. Kids are not allowed in the deep end of the pool without a life jacket unless they can pass the swim test (treading water for 1 full minute without any part of their head dipping below water), which he can't do yet. The only reason he got to go was because Seth was there and unaware of the rule. He got in the water for the first few jumps just in case Frank needed help, and I guess the life guard on duty decided to let it slide and allowed Frank to continue jump6the rest of the afternoon. 

Needless to say he was pretty disappointed the next day when he headed for the diving board and was told he couldn't go. And he's so determined to do something once he sets his mind on it, that no substitute will do...so he absolutely refuses to use a life jacket even though he would be allowed to jump with one.

Who, me? (And other recent conversations)

Frankie: Mom, I made you a salad! You need to try it, and then if you like it, you will say thank you and then give me a hug, ok? 

I did like it and he did get his hug.

Charlie: Mom, you know those chairs that have 4 legs to stand on.

Me: So...basically all chairs? Yes, I am familiar with those.

Charlie: Well, we just passed a house that had a chair with only two legs. I think they must be musicians.....no, wait.....I mean, magicians. 

Frankie: (after hiccuping once) Hmmmm...I had the hiccups last night, and I just got one hiccup left this morning.

Charlie: Mom, can I have mushroom soup for supper?

Me: Check in the cupboard and see if we have some.

Charlie: (a few minutes later) We're out of mushroom soup, but if I can't have that, I really want to try sardines.

Me: Really? Do you like sardines?

Charlie: I don't know. I've never tried them and I want to.

Me: Well the store is closed now. I'll have to get some tomorrow.

Charlie: (Starting to get super sad) But I really want sardines!!!

Me: Why do you suddenly want sardines? Did someone tell you they were good recently?

Charlie: No, it's just that I saw some tuna when I was looking for the mushroom soup and it reminded me that I've never tried sardines before so I really want to try them!!!!!!

We found some mushroom soup and he was happy. I haven't bought the sardines yet. I'll keep you posted. 

**Update** He does not like sardines. 

Lastly, Olivia has developed a habit that could get her into trouble someday. Anytime anyone asks a question starting with the word, "Who?" she immediately responds with "Me." It doesn't matter what comes after the word, "Who?"

Who left the milk out? Me!

Who made this made Mac and Cheese and left everything out on the counter? Me!

Who took the last beer? Me!

Apparently she hasn't caught on that the go-to response of her siblings is always, "Not me!" In fact, she usually says "Me" after a 4-person chorus of "Not me." 

The other day she wrote on the wall (she loves to "color"). When asked, "Did you write on the wall?" she immediately said, "No." But to the follow up question, "Who wrote on the wall?" the answer was, of course, "Me!"