Joyful July

July has been a lot of fun so far!  We started out the month by celebrating the 4th of July in Cedarburg with Gammy, Grandpa, and Aunt Mary. After the warm-up in Jackson last month, Miri was ready for all the dancing, cheering, and candy-collecting of the Independence Day parade!  

The week after the 4th of July, Jason and I took Miri to Kids' Night at the Zoo.  Miri thought it was super cool to be outside, at the zoo, after dark.  She also loved her frozen yogurt push-up pop, as you can see from these photos.

This past weekend, we journeyed to Minnesota for a visit with Adam, Rochelle, Kaden, and Charlotte (and LJ).  Our drive up was very unpleasant, to put things mildly.  Little Mr. Emmett, usually our happy little man, was not a big fan of being confined to a carseat for such a long time.  Poor little guy just SCREAMED whenever he was awake... which was most of the drive.  But we eventually made it there, and the weekend proved worth the drive.  In 2 short days, we took in a petting zoo, a 10-cent kiddie carnival, swimming in the Rymers' beautiful pool, a parade, and plenty of play time at "home."  Best of all, we got to spend time together.  It is especially fun to see the kids interacting and really starting to develop relationships.  Miri especially looks up to Kaden so much and thinks she is just the coolest thing since sliced bread.  Kaden is a wonderful big cousin and really looks out for her; it's so very sweet to see.  Emmett and Charlotte are quite interested in each other, and they will really watch what the other is doing.  It will be so neat to see them growing up together.  We had a really awesome time!  (And we made the excellent decision to drive home at nighttime, around Emmett's bedtime... the sound of silence has never been so sweet!)

  And just a few recent cute pics of the kids hanging out at home.  :)

Next up on tap:  Emmett's baptism and visits from Gramma, G-pa, Aunt Robin, Desmond, Maggie, and Aunt Mary this weekend!

Strawberries, parades, and parks

A recap of the last 2 weekends:

June 22-- We went to Strawberry Festival in Cedarburg.  This is always one of my favorite events of summer. The day we went, sadly, was pretty cool and cloudy.  Therefore, we didn't stay as long as I think we might have in nice weather, but we still ate some delicious food, drank the most wonderful strawberry slushes known to man, and enjoyed the general ambiance.

Miri shows off her unique strawberry slush drinking form. 

She did not leave a drop!

Emmett did not get a strawberry slush this year.  Sorry buddy!  Next year!

June 23-- We decided to take the kids to the "Action in Jackson" parade in Jackson, a nearby community. The UW Marching Band marched in the parade.  They also played a "5th Quarter" after the parade, but it was lunch/nap time, so we decided to be responsible parents and take the kids home.  I would have really loved to take Miri to it, but I am certain I will have opportunities in the future.  But the parade alone was SO MUCH FUN!  We were able to get prime seats right along the curb, in shade.  It was not super crowded like the Cedarburg 4th of July parade always is, and that meant lots of candy-collecting opportunities for Miriam!  Oh boy, did she get a haul!  Emmett got a tiny bit startled by the muskets being fired by the Revolutionary War Fife and Drum Corps, but he didn't even cry and was such a good baby throughout.

Yes, she collected ALL THAT CANDY! (Plus 3  flavor ice freeze pops)

June 29-- Emmett had his first "solid" food-- rice cereal.  He did great and seemed to really enjoy it!  He ate a full teaspoon that day and has finished 2 teaspoons the 2 nights since.  

Miri is such a good big sister!  She wants to be in on all of "her" baby's firsts.

June 30-- We spent the morning at Hart Park in Wauwatosa.  We had been there once last summer (with all the grandparents, when Gramma and G-pa were in town), but it was like a whole new experience.  Miri is just so much more skilled and brave with playgrounds this summer.  Erin and Madeline Kaiser met up with us too.  Later, after naps, we went over to my parents' house for dinner.  Aunt Mary is in town for the week, and Emmett finally got to meet his very special great-aunt.  Miriam had a blast playing with Aunt Mary too, and we look forward to seeing her again on July 4th.

Miri and the now-very-mobile Maddie!

Miti and Maddie watching the trains go by

Emmett meets Aunt Mary!

July 1-- Our little man is 6 months already!  Time is flying by so quickly.  Happy half-birthday, little man!  You have brought such immense joy into your parents' and big sister's life, and into the lives of all who know and love you.  You are such an incredible gift, Emmett, and we love you to pieces.  We so look forward into seeing you grow and develop more and more into your own little person.  XOXOXO