July So Far

On the third of July, Matt took off work. I wasn't feeling great so we laid low and decided to take a walk around Herrick Lake. Brooke is really into riding her bike this summer and is pushing hard to take off her training wheels before summer's over.

Miles gave up riding his Big Wheel about 20 feet into the walk.

We had a play date at the park with a bunch of friends on July 2. Amy and her kids were actually in town and stayed with us for two days and I didn't get a single picture. In my defense, I was battling strep throat at the time. I did get this picture of Paige and Bri. Maybe someday Paige will start smiling for pictures? Or maybe the somber, skeptical look will be her "thing"? Either way, her cousins are putting her to shame.

Miles decided to do some work around the house the other day.

I don't remember what this picture was about. He had probably done something wrong. Now all I can think about is how cute he is, though.

It's summer so we've gone out to ice cream and/or frozen yogurt multiple times.

Which brings me to Miles' first dentist appointment. I took these pictures before she looked at his teeth...

...and told me that he had four cavities. I quit. I refuse to believe that we eat and brush badly enough for our kids to deserve this. They have officially lost the dental genetic lottery.

I've actually been able to get away a couple of times this month. First for Jamie's bachelorette party. It was so fun and her friends were so nice to me, despite my geriatric status in the group.

And then my Jefferson friends and I did a little staycation in the city, complete with dinner at Girl and the Goat. Possibly the best meal I've ever had. With great company, of course.

Sometimes low key nights are the best, though.

Grandma Audie's birthday was last week and we were able to get over there a few days before to celebrate with her.

Paige had what I think was her first bubble bath. Either way, I got pictures of it.

We've gone to a few playgrounds, per usual.

And a couple of birthday parties.

And Brooke got a special day with Aunt Jamie. They went to see "Inside Out," which Brooke had been dying to see.

We've also had lots of days at the pool. Getting some pictures of that is on my "to do" list for this week. It's been a great start to July and we're looking forward to finishing it strong!

Fourth of July

I'll be honest, this year's fourth of July stunk. I'd been feeling crummy for a few days since we'd been back from St. Louis and finally couldn't take it anymore, so I spent a few hours at urgent care, where I was diagnosed with strep throat. Matt already had the kids at Medinah for swimming and the carnival, though, so I met him out there. I wanted a picture of Paige and my matching suits, despite not feeling great.

We did a little photo op after the pool and before the carnival.

The carnival was less than impressive this year. Most of the activities were geared toward older kids. Our kids did the zipline and Brooke tried the rock wall. Snow cones and cotton candy were also on the menu.

There was a mini-carousel that Paige couldn't even go on because there were no seat belts.

We still had fun, though!

By the time we left the carnival, Matt wasn't feeling great, either. so we had a low-key dinner at home. Matt rallied and took the older kids back out for fireworks.

After some initial fear, I'm told Miles enjoyed the fireworks from the safety of Matt's lap.

I'll be honest, Matt and I have had better July 4th's, but as I was putting Brooke to bed that night, I asked if she'd had a good day and she said, "It was GREAT!" so I guess the day was a success. (And no one else got strep - hallelujah!)

St. Louis Visit (Sorry for the Delay!)

This post is about three weeks late, and for that I apologize. I'm going to blame a combination of summer busy-ness, illness and laziness, in no particular order. At the end of June/beginning of July, we went down to St. Louis for our Big Summer Visit. We were down there for five days and it was really nice to be able to get in some concentrated visiting with family and friends, as well as enjoying some St. Louis activities. Paige had fun poking at playing with Grace.

It'll be fun to see her and her cousins grow up together since Bri and Grace are both so close in age to her. Lucky girl!

Amy and her kids were also in town for part of the time that we were so we had a play date at Gigi and Grandpa Charlie's.

It took most of the morning, but Paige finally warmed up to Gigi and had fun being silly with her.

On Saturday afternoon, Matt and I took the non-nappers to watch Joel and Jen in their sand volleyball tournament. I'm not sure what the context was, but while we were waiting to play, Lex busted out a few (pretty good looking!) push ups.

Brooke tried to follow suit. Bless her heart.

I'm not going to say we were good luck charms, but they went from barely making the playoff cut to winning the whole tournament after we got there.

My parents watched all four of the big kids (thank you!) while the parents and Joel and Jen went out on Saturday night. The next day, we went to Six Flags.

We had a great time, despite the kids being a little tired. I will say that Disney World is such a well-oiled machine that we've been spoiled for any other amusement park.

We spent some quality time hanging out at Tim and Krissi's. Lexi led a "gymnastics class." The girl is a drill sergeant.

And I took my kids to see my high school best friends, Amie and Renne. The eight kids had fun playing together, despite hardly knowing one another (and poor Miles being the only boy). It was so great to see them and makes me wish we lived closer.

Monday night we met my parents and grandparents for their traditional Monday dinner (at 4:30) at Applebee's.

The kids loved swimming in my parents' pool.

And Paige had fun scooting around, trying to find the cats.

On Tuesday, we took the kids and met a couple of Krissi's cousins' kids at City Garden.

This is a classic "older brother" picture.

All the kids.

They had fun on the "stage" feature.

I'll spare you the gross picture, but Tuesday was also the day that I had to take Paige to the doctor for a strange bit on her knee. I still have no idea where it came from, but it cleared up within a few days and I didn't have to give her antibiotics for long. Also, Tuesday night Matt and I went to the Cards/Sox game while my parents watched the kids (thank you again!). Once again, no pictures of that. So here's one more of the kids.

This girl is too sweet!

Miles and Uncle Joel got some quality time in on the way home.

 

 

On Wednesday, it was supposed to rain, so we went to breakfast instead of the zoo like we'd planned. But the rain cleared while we were eating, so we made a quick trip down there. I think the rain had scared everyone else away, too, because we were able to do quite a bit in a short time, including seeing the new polar bear, Kali (I have a video, but it's too long to post).

We also got to pet the stingrays.

And the kids were spoiled by getting to pick gifts out at the gift shop.

It was a really great visit and since I've waited so long to post, we'll be back there in a couple of weeks!