July

July was full of many fun activities.  We celebrated the Fourth of July back in Cascade with cousins, starting with a parade, 

 

 

 

getting way too much candy, and 

waving at Grandpa Bill who drove his tractor in the parade.  God bless small town parades where the tractors outnumber the floats.

We had a little bit of time back at Nana and Papa's house before we went to check out the festivities in town.  Lucy was a little dazed after being woken up from her nap but a little sugar helped her rally.

Not to be outdone, Charlie wanted to show off his spiky hair and star t-shirt!

Somewhere in mid-July, Lucy started to do the "Charlie" smile where the eyes are squeezed shut and the grin is big and open.  Just when he started to take some normal pictures, she decides that this is her favorite pose.  It's awesome.

Proof that he is starting to smile normally :).

We (the kids, not BJ or I) had fun running around in a shorts/diapers only attire. 

We headed to Kansas City for a weekend -we have great memories there so it is always nice to get back and visit.  This was a very kid-friendly trip with a stay at Crown Center, a visit to LegoLand, swimming and lots of snacks.

A rare moment of brother/sister affection during our meal at The Crayola Café (see comment above about a kid-friendly trip).

 

 We were so happy to get to see our friends Gavin, Nick, Catherine and Nick and Catherine's little girl Bryn.  It had been too long and despite Lucy's forlorn look in the picture, we had a great time. We showed up at their house hungry and tired so we weren't the best versions of ourselves, but it was great to see them and Bryn was incredibly sweet.  And we can't wait to see them in September and meet their new daughter Claire.

Obligatory pictures in front of Fritz's.

Following our KC trip, Charlie was rewarded for some good behavior and got to go see a movie.  He didn't eat his lunch that afternoon so I told him no popcorn.  An hour later, BJ texted me the picture below.  Such an enabler.

We had another fun sleepover with cousins.

And another sleepover with my friend Katie and her family.  So good to see them - it had been way too long and Katie's family is a mini version of her family growing up - too funny!

July - you came, we saw and conquered.  It was a great month!