Walking in Daddy's footsteps

I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid. What is it about your parent's shoes that is so alluring? Whatever it is, it makes for an adorable picture.

Oh, what do we do in the summertime?

On this scorching day in the middle of July, we (I) decided to stay inside instead of braving the summer heat (I'm not a wuss...heat index has been around 110 lately...unless that's wussy for you, in which case, yes, I'm a wuss). That means a nice blog catch-up for you, my faithful reader.

We were privileged to have a visit from my sister. It was wonderful to see her. My boys loved all the attention she gave them, and I loved all the help she gave me! Love this girl.

We said goodbye to our good friends, the Abarcas, who have graduated from law school and are now off to bigger and better things (read: a paycheck). Our kids became great little friends, and we were very sad to see them go. I know, Eli, I feel the same way.

We've also spent lots of time at the local Splash Pad. A free playground full of water. And when your dad has a two week break from school, it's even more fun!

And of course, while Jake and Joseph spend their time playing around in the water, Eli makes sure to catch some zzz's. It's a hard life for this baby.

There are tons of other things we've been up to, such as the local pool, refinishing our table and chairs, visiting relatives in Nauvoo, summertime bbq's, and even a quick trip to Chicago, but since I don't have pictures of those, the only mention that they get is this sentence.

Joseph had his last first day of school today. It was orientation, then we leave for CO on Friday for his externship. Let the summer fun keep on rollin'!

God Bless the USA

I love my country. Period. This Fourth of July I had a renewed appreciation for what it means to be an American. And I am proud to be an American.

America is the place where I can dress my kids up to attend whichever religious service we please (it's also the place where they are given adorable American flag pinwheels in nursery!):

America is the place where we hold parades down Main Street (or 5th Street) to honor our country and those who have fought for it.It is at these self-same parades that the kids are given gobs of free candy and delight in seeing (and hearing!) true americana such as bright red fire engines and blaring tow trucks.

America is the place where I can let my 3-year-old enjoy his very first sparkler.And where my 6-month-old is free to drool all over his mother.

America is the place where my children can grow to be whatever they want to be. Maybe a pilot?

A train engineer?

Or maybe even a dentist?

Whatever it is, I hope they grow up with an appreciation for the wonderful country that they were privileged to be born in.

I hope you all enjoyed your Fourth of July as much as we did. God Bless the USA!