Bringing in July

We got July off to a great start with some fun "feewd twips," as Gabe says. I love the excitement in Nate's face when he looks at the calendar in the mornings to see where we're going that day. I planned for a while trying to come up with these special outings for myself and the kids and the effort has paid off...we're making some really great memories!

We went on a tour of Good's Candy Shoppe and the kids got to see the MANY ice cream flavors and also how they make chocolate. We couldn't leave without trying some homemade ice cream, of course, and we also came home with some candy!

This was not her first taste of ice cream (thanks to Papaw John), but she sure enjoyed it anyway!

We celebrated the 4th of July by attending a parade. Adrianna, my mom, and I got to sit under a shady tree and watch the festivities. My dad, Matt, and the boys got to be in the parade! Nate really enjoyed throwing candy out to the spectators. Gabe sat in the wagon and ate all he could get his hands on!

My dad is running for County Counsel.

Gabe asked me where we were going on the morning of our water park trip. I told him that we were going to the Middletown Water Park. "I don't want to be in duh middle. I'n always in duh middle." "It's a city, Gabe," I said. "I'n not an itty bitty Gabe!" he argued. He listens well...don't ya think?

We spent a HOT afternoon at the Middletown Water Park and then enjoyed a picnic in the playground area. After about 4 hours in the hot sun (my car thermostat said it was 93 that afternoon), even though they were in the water, the boys both requested to go home and watch a movie in their "cold basement." I didn't argue with that!

Today was supposed to be a trip to the zoo, however, the weather seemed a little dreary today so we changed our plans and met some friends at the Children's Museum in Indy. Our niece, Kali, joined us. I always enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews but Kali was AMAZING today. She was my extra set of hands when each kid went in a different direction! Thanks Kali!

I think at this point, Gabe was ready for lunch!

If Nate disappeared, it was usually to build something or to find a computer!

Nate dressing up like Elvis was pretty funny while we were there, but I just watched a video of him dancing to "The Twist" and almost wet my pants. I'll post that video later!

There he is again!

She spent a lot of time today making this face! I think she was a bit overwhelmed at times, but stayed very cheerful until we were about 15 minutes from home. She cried the rest of the way. I take some blame for that, though. She was about 3 hours past her nap!

Next week's big trips are and afternoon of bowling (it's a midwest thing...or maybe a hillbilly thing) and the Wonderlab in Bloomington. I'm sure there will be a few trips to the park and library, too!

Happy summer, readers!