Play Group

One of the fun things we have been doing this summer is going to a play group that our church has. It is on Thursdays and we have already done lots of fun things. The first week we played water games in a backyard. Grace got to try out a slip n' slide for the first time.

Then we went for a tour of a local firestation. The girls were very excited about this one, although once we got there they were pretty shy.

Checking out the fire truck.
Grace shows Faith where the hoses hook on to the truck.
Most of our Play Group (minus Grace who was feeling shy)
Listening while the fireman explained how he gets on his gear, making a fire escape plan, and what to do if your house is on fire. He would say, "Hannibal Fire Department, Is anyone in here?" and the kids would respond, "I'm here!" It was a great learning opportunity. I loved that the fireman tried to help assure the kids not to be afraid and let them see what he would look like if he came to get them in a fire.

Last week we flew kites at the park. Even though it wasn't very windy the girls had fun trying their hand at kite flying for the very first time. Even though this was a simple idea it was great to actually get the kite they got in their Easter basket out and finally try using it.

This week we are headed to Grant's farm in St. Louis so that should be lots of fun too.

Happy Daddy's Day

Last year we decided for Father's day each year we would make Jeremy an original piece of artwork. This year the girls each did a drawing and then we added three dimensional touches like cotton on the clouds, buttons on the flowers, and a rainbow made from broken crayons. I was really pleased with the finished product. I think it will be a great challenge as we get more opinionated artists each year to see them collaborate and come up with something great!

We have the best dad in the whole world because...

...he is not only an amazing dad, but an awesome husband. Jeremy works hard to provide for our family. He is super supportive and encouraging to me in my job as a mama. There is nobody else I 'd rather be on this journey with. (Jenn)

...he makes us breakfast! We love him so much and he is a part of our family. (Grace)

...he makes me giggle and gives me piggy back rides. (Faith)

... he lets me go to sleep whenever I am tired, and then tells mom he is keeping me awake. (Titus)

Happy Father's day to the best daddy in the whole world!

Fun with Friends

Grace has on her "ear pins" in this one. She puts them on whenever things get too loud. (Like when I run the blender) It doesn't look crazy in this pic, does it?

We were so excited to host the Gorsch's & Downing's (minus the daddies) in our home. It was lots of fun and a little crazy too. When you get 7 kids under the age of 4 together you are definitely guaranteed some of both.

Kristina and her kiddos arrived on Sunday evening. We made smoothies & popcorn. We made a "big bed" on the floor for the girls and let them watch a movie. We were hoping they would fall asleep, but no such luck. They still got a sleepover bedtime, as it was after ten before we finally got everyone asleep for the night.

The next day the kids enjoyed playing outside and we had a special tea party for the girls while the little ones were napping. They really enjoyed this! Stephanie & Hannah arrived in time for lunch and then we all went to the pool. It was a little crazy at the pool, but I think the kids had fun. After dinner the Gorsch's headed for home.

The Downing's were able to stay until Wednesday morning. Tuesday we spent the day at home and then went to the public pool in the late afternoon with just the girls. It was a much busier pool with water slides and sprinklers to run through. I was really glad we didn't opt to do this pool when we had our whole crew. We also walked to the local school playground on Wednesday.

I LOVE that my kids are making friendships with my girlfriend's kids. It is such fun! While I love making special memories together I am looking forward to getting together in August without the kids as it is much harder to visit with so many kids to take care for.