We went to the Wine & Balloon Festival with some friends and kids one evening. Jeff changed the course of parking by taking the initiative to drive over a curb in the truck and park in a different grass lot. We parked, then everyone started doing the same, it was a parking revolution, as the parking system they had set up was a disaster and we'd have been sitting in the vehicle for WAY too long with the kiddos. We knew Samara would love to see the hot air balloons take off and especially the balloon glow! It was warm and crowded, but the kids enjoyed the balloons, bounce house, some strawberry-lemonade and being outside. We saw the beginning of the glow then headed home before the kids got too restless, and were able to get out quickly, thanks to Jeff's parking job. :)
We also went to the NE State Fair at the end of the month with the Pennell's, Kalum just kind of took it all in from the stroller and Samara loved seeing all the animals. She watched "Wreck It Ralph" movie in the car on the way there (Kalum knocked the cords out of his screen with his feet in like 2 minutes, so he babbled then fell asleep). Samara was basically running from one thing to the next the whole time we were there. Samara passed out in the stroller just before Courtney and Nick were buying their fried cookie-dough, when at the fair..., right?! We stayed to see the Llama Contest Show (and Samara woke long enough to see them, Kalum fell asleep on way to the bus) then headed for some ice cream at Wendy's to cool off before heading home.
Late Night Think Time: One night, late night, while cuddling Kalum in his rocking chair, I had this realization. When your kids are sick, they want to cuddle and rest with you, even if that's not their normal demeanor. You feel bad they are sick, but secretly enjoy the cuddles and feeling them just breathe against your chest. It hit me that this is the same thing that God feels. Sometimes things don't go your way and God feels bad for you, but knows that it may be the only way you slow down and lean in to Him. He wants you to take time and love Him back. I know I need to take time for God each day, even if it can just start with slowing for a few minutes to be still and know He is God.
Samara's Moments for the Month:
- First time sewing! - with Gemma, by hand on a little stuffed heart
- When I told her I made macaroni for lunch, she told me I didn't make the macaroni, GOD did. Also, if you ask her the reason why something happened or why something is the way it is, she says "it's just the way God made it"... obviously with the new Sunday School year they are learning about creation right now!
- Aug 10th - First time off the diving board! She went once, then the 2nd time was shaking like a leaf up there because she was cold from the breeze (the water was also very chilly). Second time she ended up walking back off the board and jumping off the side of the pool.
- If I ask her if she should get her hair cut, she says "Yes, all the way to my booty!" So, I guess we'll keep the long hair for a while.
- Phrases/words she uses all the time- literally, definitely, that's the deal, that's the law. Hilarious to watch and listen to her talk on the phone, whether to a person on the other end, or her play phone to a made-up listener.
- At Sunday School they are learning how God made everyone special, the storyteller is going around with a hand-held mirror to each child. She holds the mirror up by their face and says, "What do you see in the mirror?" Eight children in a row respond "Me!" and to each she says, "Yes, and God made you special". Samara's turn is last and she says, "I see myself!" God definitely made you special too Samara. :)
- With the start of a new Sunday School year, Samara has moved up to the 3 year old room instead of the 2 year old room. You'd think a yellow instead of red room wouldn't make that much of a difference, but apparently kids don't like change any more than we do. She has had a screaming melt-down as soon as we go to drop her off at her Sunday School room! I know it only lasts a couple minutes, but I feel bad for the teachers, because she's not usually like that. Hoping she'll realize it's still the same fun that she's used to some week soon.
- In light of the Sunday School meltdowns we've been prepping her for the fun she's going to have at Little Lamb Preschool starting in September. She will be in the Tues & Thurs (Blue) morning class with Mrs. DeVries. She got to decorate her school tote-bag with Gemma this month, first day of school pics to come next month!
Kalum's Milestones for the Month:
- Kalum has this look on his face often, like he's just going to get into trouble. Boys, it starts early!
- Went for ice cream after swim lessons one Tuesday. Kalum and Daddy had an ice cream battle. If the spoon didn't go into his mouth, Kalum was not a happy camper! He probably ended up eating a third of Jeff's treat. :)
- Early this month we started introducing the sippy cup to Kalum at lunch - so far, not a fan - give me the bottle I can guzzle, Mom!
- Mid-August - starting to babble more and more - dadada, mamama (not related to his parents yet), wow, oooooh. One day he sounded like he said "Whoa" when he was walking. Often sounds like a little person walking around speaking a foreign language. He also points at things, makes noises and smiles. Starting to be more aware of the world around him for sure.
- Will eat some baby food now, mostly fruit and some meat/veggie combos, but Vegetable Beef - a definite NO! He is a protein-lover though, especially chicken! He can eat as much chicken as Samara in half the time (of course he is focused on eating, and she is taking time for lots of conversation). Jeff can barely get a bite of his own dinner in and Kalum is demanding more pieces on his tray!
- Aug 19 - 6th tooth is in!
- Late August - can put arms up for "So Big" and can go from laying on stomach to sitting up (does it best in the tub of all places) and if he is walking and goes forward on his hands, he can push back up and keep going.
- He started signing "more", "milk" and can kind of do "ball" and "all done". In one day, he seemed to figure them all out!
- They moved him up to the crawler room for Sunday School, since he can walk, but is not super steady yet. They didn't want the seasoned-walkers to knock him over. He has no separation anxiety as-of-yet when dropped off, so we're hoping that trend sticks around for a bit. At home he knows when Mommy walks out of the room or upstairs and often complains.
- August 29th - First word - "Baw!" for Ball. Just in time for Husker Football - he's all boy it seems.
