4th of July

We stayed close to home for the Fourth this year. N and I did our typical routine of going to the gym in the morning while Daddy and L stayed home and worked on a project. We ate lunch at home on 4th of July themed plates and napkins. I mention the themed plates and napkins because the boys were crazy about them. It's so funny what strikes them. You would have thought they'd never seen a decorative paper plate before. Anyway. L went down for a nap and D and I made our final decision on the plans for the day. We decided that it was going to be too hot outside to do our usual routine of attending fireworks at a nearby community. Our plan B was to stay home, play in the Kiddie Car Wash and have our neighbors (B, J and their four children) over to watch the fireworks on TV in the nice, cool basement. So, during nap time, I headed to the store to stock up on party stuff.

D and I had a blast running through the Kiddie Car Wash with the boys. We usually sit back and watch the boys play in the water, but it was much too hot not to jump in with them. D and I both ran through the car wash several times, had a water balloon toss and played water balloon chase with the boys. We had so much fun! After that we came inside to eat dinner. Then it was time for the neighbors to come over. We got out the basket of 4th of July goodies (snap caps, silly string and glow in the dark necklaces) and played with those outside. It wasn't long before everyone came in and took their turn making an ice cream Sunday. It didn't take long for the sugar to kick in, so everyone headed to the basement to play, run around and watch the fireworks on TV. The night went super fast, but we all had a great time. We might just make this a tradition!

                                              Silly String.

                                          Stepping on Snap Caps

                                   Create your own sunday!

Activities

I think it's safe to say we are working our way through our summer bucket list quite beautifully. N is participating in his first ever sports class (outside of swimming lessons). It's an indoor soccer class that teaches the kids basic soccer skills. L cheers at him from the side lines yelling, "Go, N go!" N usually replies with a , "Thanks L" from the floor. The boys are taking an art class. They have sponge painted, marble painted and made homemade play-doh. We are taking part in the library's summer reading program, we're playing at all the various parks around town, we made s'more bananas and we're eating our fair share of popsicles. During nap time N and are crafting (making super bouncy balls below), reading and playing Lincoln Logs or Legos. When it's not too hot out the boys are playing Power Wheels and diggin in the dirt with all our  neighbor kids. Life is good

Snow Day in June?

The past few days at our house have felt like snow days...except there's no s now. In fact, we've got the opposite of snow and by that I mean we're sitting through our first heat wave. We try not to become "shut in's" when it gets hot out, but I've been fighting off a tough little virus that has irritated by asthma. I asked D to stay at home with us on Thursday so I could get some rest and kick this thing. Having him home was wonderful. I was able to rest and the boys got to spend lots of time with Daddy. They sorted, organized and played Legos allllll day long in the basement. No joke, all day. They took breaks for meals, that's it.

Aunt J's visit

Aunt J and Baby E visited us last week. We had so much fun!The cousins are so cute together. L and N were super excited to see Baby E. They literally did a big song and dance for her when she arrived. Baby E was so cool to just go with the flow all week. J and I did our best to stay on the kids' nap schedules and I think that made a world of difference. While J and E were here we got out both jogging strollers and went for walks, we went swimming at the indoor pool and the outdoor pool, we ate ice cream (DQ specifically per J's request. Can't say that I blame her as they don't have DQ in The Netherlands) and J treated the boys and I to sweets from the local old fashioned candy store. J and I enrolled my babysitters (two sisters) to watch the kiddos one day so she and I could have girl time. Panera, Kohl's and Target are always on our "must do" list and we managed to hit all three of them that day! Boo-ya.While J was here we got to visit with both of Mom's sisters for a better portion of two separate days. Aunt J introduced me to a really cute kids' activity website. There she showed me the redneck water bed project, so we did that while she was here. Oh and the kids ran through our kiddie car wash a few times. We had a blast. Now J is off to a friend's wedding and will stay with our sister for several days before heading back to her home overseas. Love ya, Sis. Thanks for staying with us!!

                                                           

                                                                   







                                                              
Grammy made Japanese...err Dutch pancakes and the boys loved 'em.