4th of July

4th of July started early. We had gone to the drive-in movies the night before and didn't get home until after midnight. We had a great time though.

We had a flag raising ceremony and church then breakfast afterward.

After breakfast we headed to the children's parade downtown.

Graham was excited to pet the greyhound in the parade.

The only horse in the parade. Gretchen was more than a little bummed about that.

Graham so excited to get some candy.

In the evening we had a BBQ in the cul de sac with our neighbors. After we ate we did some fun fireworks.

Love the look on his face.

It's so fun when they finally enjoy the fireworks.

She is such a cutie.

After fireworks we headed to Central Park. That is where we had watched the fireworks about 5 years ago. We had our neighbors, the Dezzanis come with us. We got to the park and saw other people there and thought, more people have heard about this prime spot to watch the fireworks. When we got closer we realized that they were homeless people. We continued to walk by and one of guys came walking after us and said, " What are you scared of me little kids." Luckily one of the other homeless guys got in his face and told him those are little kids and some other stuff. We headed straight out of the park and to the parking lot just east of the park. The parents had all decided we would see if we could see the fireworks from there. A couple of fireworks were shot off and the courthouse was right in front of them. Our final decision, we headed to the courthouse to sit on the front lawn. What a perfect place. There were lots of other people there, but not to many. It was an eventful day and very memorable.

Gymnastics

This summer Gretchen has been doing gymnastics. She is loving it. During the school year, Gretchen was able to go with her friend Tianna to gymnastics and has wanted to do it.

She has it during Hunter's baseball. Aaron was able to go watch her last week.

The balance beam is her favorite exercise.

Gretchen keeps asking when we are going to get her a leotard.

*Writing that reminded me of something Gretchen said to Aaron before they left for gymnastics. Aaron and I had asked who she wanted to go with her. She had been asking me, but that day she wanted Aaron. Then she thought for a second and said, "I hope you won't be embarrassed because you'll be the only dad there." Aaron replied, "I hope you won't be embarrassed when I wear my leotard." She got a kick out of that mental picture. I think she was glad Aaron doesn't own one.

Ouch!

Yesterday I was putting Graham's flip flops on and noticed that his big toe was swollen and red. I quickly called his pediatrician. We got in before quittin' time.

The doctor had to squeeze out so of the gunk that was at the tip of his toe. Of course he didn't appreciate that. The doctor noticed that on the sole of his foot it looked like Graham had stepped on some thing. That is what got infected. He slept so much better last night. And the redness is going away. I felt horrible for not catching it sooner.

I could tell that something was wrong because for a couple of days he has been clinging and would cry and little things. I kept asking if his tummy hurt. No. I checked his teeth. Nothing. I asked if he had any owies. Graham would point at little scratches that he had. Never once did he point at his toe or foot. We are all just glad that his is feeling better.

No More Cast

Last Thursday Harrison got his cast off. He was so excited and had been asking everyday how many more days until he got it off. That morning he ran to everyone to let them know he was getting it off. Harrison still has to wear a splint when he is not in the house. Yes, he can take a bath and go swimming again. Yahoo!!

Can you tell which one was broken?

This doesn't make it looks so bad. After the first break his elbow just didn't look the same as the other. It may be like that forever or could get a little better. We'll see.

Sporting the splint. They use the bottom half of his cast to make the splint. We are used to this because they did this with the first break.

Even when he doesn't have his hand wrapped up in something, Harrison likes to put his hands on his hips. Pretty cute.

Hopefully this is one of the last broken arms we have to deal with. Knock on wood.

Baseball

Baseball is in full swing. Hunter is feeling more comfortable batting now. He actually got a hit today. He got out at first baseball, but he hit it.! I wish I could have gotten a picture of his face. One of the biggest smile I've seen for awhile.

Waiting to bat.
Up to bat.

Gavin play infield.

Throwing to second base. The second basemen was really paying attention.

Getting a ground ball.

After the game is over the team to a relay race called Pony Express. Gavin loves this. If they win this then he thinks that they win the game.

Gavin come in after his leg of the race. His team had gotten lapped. He almost got the lap back in just his turn.

Fun With Out of Town Friends

We were so lucky last week to have the Tomans stay with us for several days. A couple of times we headed to the pool. Only one time did I remember the camera. Such is life, right.

Graham loving the freedom of not being in the stroller.

Harrison did not want the bags on his arm. He said he was just going to stay at the side of the pool.

Aaron and some of the kids having a good time.

Mr. Gavin.

That doesn't look like sitting by the side to me.

"I just want to splash my feet a little."

Graham is ready to be thrown. Do like how Hunter is showing were to throw him to?

The dads and their kids who can't swim in the big pool.

Aaron was tag with the kids. The kids were allowed to get out of the pool for 5 seconds. Then they had to get back in. It was really funny to watch Gretchen get out of the water then jump in mid stride. I'm glad that I got a picture of it.

One of Hunter's entries.

I forgot to mention that we had both of the pools to our selves. It was a rare treat. We missed the Toman's the second they left. But are so grateful for the time we had with them.