The 4th of July

What a great holiday weekend - beautiful weather, visits with lots of friends, a parade, a birthday party, and Ella's first fireworks! On Friday we drove out to the suburbs for our first family parade. Despite the very loud firetrucks, the kids loved watching the action, and, of course, all of the candy. We weren't planning to keep her up for fireworks that night, but Ella was so excited about them that we couldn't resist. Our rooftop provided a great view of various fireworks in the area, and Ella thought they were "beautiful."

Lately Ella has been dressing herself. This is the outfit she picked out for a 90 degree day.

Ella serenading Jack at breakfast.

4th of July parade.

Hanging out in a hammock with friends.

We got to have lunch with Aunt Kristin and Jace this past week!

Getting ready for the parade to start.

Ella has discovered the selfie. I had about 100 of these shots on my phone the other day.

Showers and Showers

Like she has every summer since leaving Iowa for Texas, Aunt Abby recently came 'home' to visit at our parent's house. The kids and I decided to surprise her, and arrived on Wednesday afternoon. It wasn't warm the last time we were back in May, and while the rain still changed a few plans, we were finally able to enjoy the fun of summer in Iowa - fishing, sprinklers, camping in a tent, and pony rides. It was great to spend time with Abby as well as the other family we were able to see, and we also attended her bridal shower during the visit. Now we're looking forward to celebrating in Texas in August!

Papa C. brought home a new sprinkler for the kids (he enjoyed it, too). 

Nothing like a mouthful of dirt.

She was so excited to pick the 'begetables.'

Jack wanted to try a cherry.

Ella was so excited to fish!

It wasn't the best weather for fishing, but we still had fun.

Papa got a kite for Ella but we had trouble finding enough wind. Once we did, she was really more interested in digging for rocks.

Aunt Abby with her grandmas, mom, best friend, and sister at her bridal shower.

She finally found a cat that would let her pet it.

Ella and her second cousins, Briella and Blake.

Cousin hug!

Ella and Brecklyn share a love of rocks.

Pony rides with Great Grandpa P!