What's Up

Here are some random pictures from the last few weeks. When I was in the city with my friends, Matt took the kids to BBQ and these are the photos that I received.

Miles and Brooke "sharing" a meal.

Miles has been into taking photos on my phone lately.

Brooke came up with a really elaborate play that she wanted to do with Kali. The theme was "best friends" and this was the costume (minus the "best friends" necklace). She wanted to do it in Kali's backyard and made invitations and everything for it. Sadly, it never transpired. Maybe another time.

Brooke packed her own bag of "essentials" for St. Louis. Some books, some stuffed animals...and a framed picture of her and Aunt Jamie. Pretty cute.

Ozzie and Paige are developing a bit of a mutual admiration. Or, he tolerates her chasing and climbing on him and he gets scraps from her at meals.

We've been enjoying playing outside, too. Miles' fire truck is a popular toy in the cul-de-sac.

This is trouble in about 12 years...

We took the training wheels off of Brooke's bike and it's not going as smoothly as we'd hoped. I think we've established that she needs a larger bike.

Life is good.

Water Days

It's finally been feeling like summer around here, although the mild spring and early summer has turned my kids into wimps, so we've been trying to find ways to be outside that involve water. We went to the splash pad with some friends a couple of weeks ago.

We also went to a nearby water park, Turtle Splash, with the Bordners last week. It was the perfect size for our kids and they all had a pretty good time.

Until Miles got water dumped on his head by the giant water bucket in the kiddie area (why do they have those in the little kid areas?!?); after that, he and Wes were happy to play out of the pool and ask when we were leaving.

Brooke and Miles also just finished up a couple of weeks of swimming lessons out at Medinah. Brooke did great and they encouraged her to join the swim team next year (we'll see...). She definitely loves to swim.

Miles, on the other hand, refused to get in the water. We weren't sure why he was so scared to join in on the lessons (several days he was the only kid) and tried everything - bribes, getting in with him, having Brooke get in with him, etc. - all to no avail. After the fourth day, I gave up. Maybe next year.

We know that he doesn't like water in his eyes, so the goggles are helpful when he's willing to wear them.

After lessons, we'd usually hang around the pool for a couple of hours. Miles would alternate which sister he played with.

This little lady has become significantly more work at the pool. She's all over the place and will just keep going until the water is covering her nose and mouth if I'd let her.

We've enjoyed the sunshine and water. Hopefully we get a few more weeks of it before summer's over!

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!)