Fourth of July

I love that my kids have cousins! We all get together about once a month and they have a blast. We had dinner at my brother's house and then went to the fireworks in their town. The kids hadn't ever really been to see fireworks and they loved it! It was also nice that one of my sister-in-law's family had some glow necklaces. (The pictures were taken with the cell phone because our poor phone has been sent to be repaired)

Good vacation and Joseph update

Timothy remembers and loves many things about his trips to North Carolina, but I think his favorite thing is taking a ride in the "hummer." We ended our trip with a bang on Wednesday morning as he drove his sister around the yard (she got her turn in the driver's seat too).


Little Joseph turned nine months old two weeks ago and he had his check-up a few days later. His current stats: 18 pounds (10th percentile), 28 1/2 inches (50th percentile) and 45 cm head. He had a fever the few days before his appointment with roseola, so I think he was a little under his usual weight, but he is definitely a little lighter than my first two. We're also fairly certain he has a peanut allergy. He snagged a teeny-tiny bit of his brother's peanut butter and ended up with swollen lips and hives on his hands and face. I won't post those unpretty pictures here. He's really a pretty healthy kid and still so super-sweet. Joseph crawls all over, pulls himself up on everything (especially me) and he climbed up one stair today. The little guy answers to Joe, Joey, Joah, and "you're so dang cute."

In the pool

After the beach and naps, we had fun in Ben's aunt's pool.

Fun at the beach

We are down in North Carolina visiting with some of Ben's extended family. This morning we went to the beach and really had a great time. The weather was exactly perfect, the water was calm and it was simply gorgeous.

Wedding, part 2

We really had a lot of fun!

(yes, he is attempting raw broccoli)
(and, one of Mary's "colors" was camouflage)

Mary's wedding

My baby sister Mary was married on Saturday. The first picture is Carolina and her cousin Sophia. Then Timmy, the ring bearer. Carolina was excited to be dressed up as a princess and Timmy was a bit on the nervous-side. He has never worn a suit and wasn't exactly comfortable, but he didn't fuss and did a great job! I was so proud of both of them.

Fun reception

More catch up: 

So we went to a fancy schmancy wedding reception on a week ago Saturday. Our friend (the bride)'s dad must really love her! Seriously, it was really cool and our kids were invited too. They served up slurpees on request and the kids enjoyed those (duh!). The newly acquired yard sale dinosaurs helped entertain the kids too.

Tim was kind of bashful when it came to dancing, but Carolina really got into it.

First time swinging!

Here's little Joseph, first time swinging. And yes, he now has matching short-pants.

Father/son campout

Timmy had a blast with his dad at the father/son campout. It's so fun to see him growing so big.