The Fourth

We didn't do anything really picture worthy on the Fourth of July. We hit the outlet mall, went swimming, ate hamburgers and hot dogs, and the boys nearly killed themselves lighting off fireworks. We made smores before bed and Neil made this fabulous berry pie. I think it had blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and strawberries by the time he got the pie full.

Visiting folks

Our first full day in Indiana was a Sunday. We went to church and then headed out to my grandparents' farm. I always love going there to visit. Life is just simple there.

Great-grandma Shoaf and Charlotte. Charlotte is a big mama's girl and doesn't take to strangers holding her but she let Grandma hold her for a LONG time. What a good girl!

Trey and Grandpa. Grandpa was really funny that day and told lots of good stories. The best one was about a stone scraper made by Native Americans that he had. His house is full of arrow heads and the like that he has found in his fields over the years. Well an elderly gentleman offered him $1000 for this particular scraper but Grandpa wouldn't sell it. His explanation was: "I would have gone and spent the thousand dollars and then he would have my rock and I would have had nothin'!" How awesome is that?!

After a delicious pork chop dinner we took some to my dad and visited him at the fire station. We always have to stop at the fire station as Madoc demands it. Trey and Charlotte are hanging out (above) and Madoc sits in the engine (below).

The Commons

While we were at my parents' we made a stop at the Commons. It used to be an old mall and now it's being made over with office, retail, event space, etc. I grew up going to play on the Commons playground. It was recently renovated and my family hadn't seen the new one yet. Neil was very sad that they took out the old because it had such cool (ie dangerous) play equipment but he said the new one was cool too. Neil and the kids ran around for awhile and then played hide and seek. Charlotte and I just hung out on the side.

 This was a concave little dish in the toddler area. Charlotte thought it was fun to sit in and try to crawl out.

 There is a huge climbing structure now. If you've been to the Magic House in St. Louis, it's very similar to the beanstalk only much  bigger. The picture is horrible but I was too far away and couldn't get closer because I had Charlotte beside me and there was a lot of light behind them. But they're up at the top.

We did a lot of swimming while at Grandma's house. It was so nice to have the pool right out the back door. No packing swim bags or worrying about who hasn't gone to the bathroom. One night Neil and I even went swimming after the kids were in bed!

The kids became much braver in the water on this trip. Sadie started swimming even longer distances, learned how to breathe without stopping, and perfected her technique for diving for sticks. Madoc no longer needs a grown-up holding on to him the whole time. And Charlotte just loves the water. The pool was 88 to 90 degrees the whole time which is MUCH warmer than our pool here and it made the whole experience so pleasant.

 Could she be wearing any more floaties?

And a random pic of my dad and Trey.

County Fair

More birthday pictuers...

After our birthday festivities we went to the fair and ate yummy food and after much begging the kids got to go on some of the rides.

And he's four!!!!

We just got back from visiting my family in Indiana. While we were there my boy had a birthday and he turned four! I think he had a pretty good day. We spent the morning swimming in Grandma's pool then Grandpa took us flying. Madoc thought that was very cool. We got back just in time for cake and presents. Madoc really liked his presents. He's been wearing his Cars tool belt all around the house; the bike already has a flat tire; and I have a bloody ankle from the Razor scooter. He also got a ton of clothes and books. And we got him a Richard Scarry Eye Spy game that is so fun. We've played it everyday since we've opened it.