Fourth of July

We were really looking forward to impressing Max with some of the goodies from the fireworks shop.  We purchased a few things we were sure would produce lots of laughter and big smiles.  After waiting out the rain all day we moved the crew outside, camera in hand, ready to see his little face light up with excitement.

First we started off with mom's all time favorite, the smoke bombs.  He was only mildly entertained.  Even after mom and dad demonstrated how to run through the smoke he was still satisfied watching from a distance.

 Next we tried to kick it up a notch with some ground blooms.  

 Yes Max, that's not another smoke bomb!  This one took him by surprise.  Don't worry, no tears were shed.

Take three: parachutes.  Maybe he'll have more fun with something interactive.  He'll enjoy chasing them as they fall, right?  

Turns out dad had the most fun with this one.

 Max finally did find something entertaining...

...the rain gauge.

Audrey - One Month Old

 It's already been one month!  The time has gone by so quickly.  I would say we have made the transition to a family of four pretty well.  Audrey has made it easy considering she sleeps most of the time.  I was hoping to get photos of her awake, but if she wants to sleep I'm not going to argue with her.

Happy little dreams.

Good Morning, Little Sister

It used to be that Max would be excited to see mom in the morning but now when mom gets up in the morning with Audrey, mom no longer exists.  Every morning he gets down on her level, gives her kisses, chats, pats her tummy, and spends five minutes removing and adjusting her blanket until it is just right.  As always Ricky is right there to get some love, too.

Father's Day

These three kids (and their mother) can be a handful but this dad always has everything under control.  We are so lucky to spend so much time with Ross this month while he's home on paternity leave.  Thanks for taking care of us all!

Getting Acquainted

First Outing as a Family of Four

I should say family of five.  We can't forget about Ricky.

Our first outing together was a trip to the park where we took the double stroller for it's inaugural ride.  After loading the crew into the car then unloading everyone at the park we realized we forgot part of the stroller at home.  So...everyone back in the car for a quick ride home, grab the missing piece, back to the park, unload again, 15 minutes of fumbling with straps and buckles, and we're off!

Take #2 setting up the stroller.  Max clearly lost all patience with us at this point.

It was a rough start but it was smooth sailing once we started moving.

 After a stroll it was time for the swings!

Audrey relaxed in the shade while big brother played.

Ricky kept watch over all of us.

Max, Meet Audrey

Max came to the hospital the day after Audrey was born.  We didn't know how he would react when he met her but we didn't think he would be such a shy guy.  Since being home he has had fleeting moments of interest that pass by the time I get my camera.  I'll capture sibling love soon enough!