4th of July Weekend

It was great having the 4th of July being on a Friday so we didn't have to worry about the "morning after fireworks". We were able to get our usual spot for viewing. The night was clear, cool, and ideal. We were joined by family and friends to make the evening more special. I just love making these memories with my kids.

Pre-Show sparklers

Jacob's giant sparkler

Then we had the rest of the weekend to play. It was rainy on Saturday but the clouds cleared on Sunday and we made our first trip to our favorite splash pad. Jenna remembered that she doesn't like splash pads. She doesn't like the shock-factor or getting sprayed in the face. She prefers a pool. So she spent time on my lap and then made her way to the nearby playground.

She needed my glasses to keep the spray out of her eyes

Then I had to get HER glasses

Tippy toes

I end on a random picture. There is something charming about my kids slipping into my shoes. It reminds me of how fast they will grow up and have the same weight on their shoulders as I do but that right now the world is their playground! What made me even more proud was when Jenna slipped on my running shoes and proclaimed "See you later, Mom, I gotta go for my run now." And I think Josie was planning to go with her.

County Fair

I took the morning off to take the kids to the County Fair. The weather was perfect. The kids were well-behaved. We had so much fun. There was a petting zoo, kiddie train rides, bouncy house, friends (lots of friends) and MASCOTS (lots of mascots). Jenna is terrified of mascots. Every time we turned around, another one was trying to approach her. She cries, trembles, and clings to me. Visibly scared and they don't seem to get the hint. I asked her on the way home if she liked the fair. Her response was "Yes, but I didn't like the costumes."

We did have a unique opportunity to get a "private" sheep and beef barn tour from one of Jacob's friends who was showing both. It was great for the kids to get up close with the calves and lambs (of course I didn't think to get pictures).

Here are some shots that can't possibly capture all of the fun that we had, but better than nothing:

Miniature horse and miniature baby

Up close with a baby goat

Everyone hugs the donkey, right? No, just Jacob??

Pot-bellied momma and three little piglets

Jacob loved the bunnies

And the bunnies loved Jacob

Bounce house with friends - Great timing to run into each other

Pit stop for popcorn. Best seat in the place.

Great-Grandpa Kelley is smiling down

I don't know what the face was about...but I think it's funny.

Kitchen Time

I LOVE getting help in the kitchen! Seriously though, I love that they are interested in "helping" me and learning.

Best part of making cookies

Best part of making no-bake cookies!!

If it's broke...

or even if it's not...Fix it!!

Last Day of School

While this particular event happened almost a month ago, I am just now getting the pictures off of the camera. Here is what was captured on Jacob's first and last days of preschool. Where did the year go?

 

 

 

 

Jacob's New Bed/Hideout

Below are pictures of Jacob's Special-Order, Grandpa-Crafted headboard/hideout. There is plenty of room for "treasure".