4th of July Fun

We had a very busy 4th of July weekend. We actually watched fireworks three times! Grace really loved them this year. On Friday evening we went to the music/fireworks show our church helps put on for the community. The girls enjoyed catching fireflies with friends from church when the program got a little long.

After a late night we were up early to head for a spot to watch the parade. Here in Hannibal National Tom Sawyer Days is a big deal & their are lots of visitors. (read-super crowded!) Nana arrived all prepared with flags & snacks for the girls. The parade was really long (over an hour) so we didn't quite make it to the end. Then we headed home for lunch. There are lots of other fun things to do, but with the heat and three small kiddos we weren't up for any more fun. Jake & Josie had also came for the festivities and they at least brought Jeremy a funnel cake.

In the afternoon we gave the girls the choice of going to the pool or the playing in the sprinkler and they surprised us by choosing the sprinkler. They had gotten their sprinkler last fall so we hadn't used it yet this year.

That evening we went to Grandma Holst's house for a treasure hunt, dinner, homemade ice cream, & our very own fireworks show. I always think about my grandpa this time of year because he loved buying fireworks for us grandkids. So I thought it was fitting the girls got to try sparklers for the first time at grandma's house.

Treasure hunting fun- Grace & Jo Jo were a team and Faith & I were a team. Everyone gave me a hard time because Faith and I were the only team that didn't find any of our clues! (But we gave it a good effort)

By the time Sunday rolled around we were feeling pretty tired. So we gave the girls the choice of visiting the carnival downtown or going to the fireworks show that night. They once again surprised us by choosing to see fireworks (again). But, since this was a free option we decided to go with it. Some of our friends recently moved to a new home on a bluff overlooking the river, so we went to watch the fireworks with them. We just barely made it through as the kids were overtired and cranky.

I am glad it took me awhile to get this post finished up because at the end of the weekend I was so exhausted I didn't really feel like we really had that great of a weekend. But, looking back I know we made lots of memories and had lots of fun moments. And we were reminded of a crucial lesson for parents of small children. Sometimes less is better. (especially when it comes to staying out past bed time!)

Titus- 5 Months

Well, Titus is officially 5 months old. I can't believe we are less than a month from starting cereal. We celebrated the 5 month mark by getting out the 12 month clothes! Although a few of his 6-9 month clothes he can still squeeze into the bigger ones definitely fit better. (that means he wore that size for a whole month if you are keeping track) We love his chubby cheeks and smiles. He is a very content and laid back baby. He loves to eat and sleep. His newest trick is rolling from his back to his tummy. Although once he does it he just gets mad because he hates being on his tummy. He has decided he is done with his pacifier. More often than not when I go to get him out of his bed he has his thumb stuck in his mouth. He can pretty much sit up without much assistance. Whenever he is on your lap his is always grabbing for something- the food on your plate, your hair, necklace, etc. His 5 mo. check up was today and we finally found the answer to the question we constantly get asked, "How much does he weigh?" And the answer is 21 lbs 3 oz. and he is 27 inches long (the 95% I think) Yep, he is a big boy.

Titus, your happy baby coos and smiles melt my heart. I love you so much and am really enjoying this first year. Everyone always comments on what a good baby you are. I feel so blessed God gave us you! - Your Mama

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.