Independence Day

What is more wholesome, down-home, and just plain fun than a local parade and a neighborhood BBQ? The only thing that would have made my 4th of July just that much better would have been a homemade apple pie (nobody makes it like my mom). Otherwise, it was perfect!

Several years ago when we attended the Freedom Festival Parade in Provo Aaron camped out overnight to reserve our front-row seating. This year, we were lucky to have a great hook-up and got the VIP seating without the hassle of holding our spot. The boys loved the police officers on motorcycles, the fleet of army trucks and rescue vehicles, and the marching bands playing patriotic tunes.

After the parade, we had a quick lunch with Nana and Papa Grover at their house-in-progress and then took the boys to our neighborhood's annual carnival/BBQ.

With the fires raging throughout Utah the past few weeks and the ban on fireworks in our community, we didn't get to set off any of our own fireworks this year. But, the firework display from our back deck was still pretty impressive.

Heart-Breaker

He could wear a paper bag on his head (wait, he does like to do that) and still look cute, so its no surprise that this little boy just stole my heart all over when I finally mustered up the energy to get his haircut. Ben didn't enjoy the experience one bit, but boy does he look handsome!

On another note, this little boy is just learning so fast these day! He is picking up new signs everyday and loves to be able to communicate (he asks to eat and for milk constantly!) and is just developing the most fun little personality. Yesterday, Ben even said his first audible word! A week or two ago Ben mimicked the inflection of the words, "more please" and has since been able to say (in his own inside voice way) "thank-you," "excuse me," and "help me." What a well-manner little boy! But yesterday he said his first word that was actually enunciated in a way that was very understandable. The word? Da-da maybe? Ball? Milk? Nope. Ben's first real word was "nothing." Of all the millions of words, Ben says, "nuh-thin." Odd, but still exciting! We're so thrilled with all of Ben's constant progress.

#18 Tie-dye shirts

The boys and I got crafty (well, if not crafty at least messy) and made our own tie-dye T-shirts. Hank and Max were both pleased with how well the final product turned out.

#22 Camping

I fully support the annual father/son campout. It's a win-win for me, really. I mean, the boys get to spend some quality time in the great outdoors with their best bud Dad (win!), and I get to have my own little retreat at home with the little guys (win again!). I've already planned exactly what I will do next year during the father/son campout when Ben and Joey will be old enough to join: NOTHING! Wonderful, indulgent, quiet, and peaceful, NOTHING. Can't wait!

#38 Splash Pad

Best Mom Ever: I took the boys to the local splash park for the afternoon to play around in the water and beat the heat.

Worst Mom Ever: Even though I tried so hard to keep him out of the sun poor little Joey got his first little sunburn. Shame on me!

#5 Movie in the Park

Last week our town was showing "The Adventures of Tin-Tin," a family favorite, in the park. The movie didn't start until dusk (about 9:45pm) and the boys were super excited to stay up late...

...or not. Max didn't last much past dark and faded into a deep sleep soon after the movie began.

Half-way through the movie we were all a little chilly and decided to call it a night. Hank didn't make it out of the parking lot before he crashed. So much for staying up late-late!

Littlest Brother

I can say from first-hand experience that there are a few distinct advantages to being the youngest sibling. Joey is so lucky to have three older brothers who each love him, entertain him, and protect him. I love to see my boys develop sweet nurturing skills towards their baby brother--giving him his binky anytime he is fussy, pulling wacky faces to try and make him smile, and always happy to hold him for a moment while I finish a chore. While Hank and Max are tending to Joey so sweetly, Ben is also great at helping Ben. Ben is great at getting Joey toughened up with a few love swipes, friendly pinches, and brotherly head-butts:)