Happy Fourth of July!

Earlier this week I was in the basement looking for something and Zane was with me. We came across some of his old Halloween costumes. He saw his monkey costume and wanted to put it on. It was a little too small, but he played in it for awhile and then eventually laid down in my bed and fell asleep with it on! I'm sure it was extremely hot to sleep in!

Our little monkey...

Jason and Mary had a softball game on Wednesday, so we had their girls for a few hours. Madelyn and Zane had so much fun together! We all headed outside for most of the evening. The older kids rode around, played, and did some fireworks while the younger ones watched on...wishing they could join in!

Mason & Nora watching their siblings Zane taking Madelyn for a ride
Sparklers!

Thursday was Zane's last day of swimming lessons. He did so well this year! His report said that he was progressing well in all areas. We're so proud of him! After Matt got home from work Thursday we packed the van and went to the Parkville carnival before heading to Iowa. Zane had a blast! Then we headed to Iowa and did a few firecrackers on the farm before going to bed.

Jeep

Mason looking on...

Dumbo ride

Big slide

We woke up Friday to a rainy, dreary day. We spent the day at Matt's parents house. That night there was a tractor pull in town. Zane was really geared up for it and talked about it all day long! It looked like the weather was going to cooperate, but as soon as we got there, paid, and walked in, it let loose and poured on us! Zane was disappointed, but at least he was on the farm so he got over it!

Craig, Matt, and Zane watching the tractor pull

Saturday, the 4th, was even colder and more dreary than Friday! We were sort of hoping it would rain the races out so we could spend the 4th with our boys. We lucked out and they were canceled! So we got to go to the parade and carnival with them. It was very strange wearing sweatshirts to the 4th of July!

The boys in matching shirts

At the celebration we went to, there is always a pedal pull for the little kids. I wasn't sure if Zane would do it or not. It is the first year he was old enough. He went right up and signed up to do it! Pedal pulling is in his blood...I'll have you all know that I was really good at this as a kid! I was even in the local newspaper one year looking like I was trying so hard! Anyway, Zane tried it and I think he was surprised at how hard it actually was (he's not used to pedaling much, most of his toys are motorized). Matt said when he got off he said, "I could not do it." He tried though, so I was proud, and he even got a ribbon!

Pedal, Zane!

After riding a few rides, we went to Aunt Reeta's house and watched them let off some fireworks. Then it was time for the big fireworks show. They were awesome! I wasn't sure how Mason would do, but he sat right on my lap the whole time and just watched. Every time they would light up he would blink his eyes, it was cute! Eventually he fell asleep, I couldn't believe it!

We watched these beautiful fireworks

And Mason fell asleep!

Today we hung out on the farm and enjoyed the nice morning. Adam came out for dinner since he was alone for the weekend. He enjoyed seeing the boys and playing with them. Zane said to him, "Adam, do you want to be my best friend?" Little did Adam know that he would have to get on the lawnmower and follow Zane around on his tractor all over the place! Mason got to ride the 4-wheeler and lawnmower and had a huge smile on his face the whole time! He didn't want to get off!

Adam & Mason

Zane spent some time on the tractor with Papa today. When they got out once, Zane patted the tractor and said "I love tractors!"

Mason's really been working hard on crawling this week! He can now get back to sitting from a crawling position. He will do about two crawls and then lunges at whatever he's going for. He has been pulling himself up to chairs, tables, etc. I honestly think he'd rather stand up and walk versus crawling! He will push himself up onto his hands and feet and look like he's about to stand all the way up! He's growing up before our eyes!

One more week and then we're headed to vacation! We're very excited! Have a great week and thanks for checking in! Don't forget to check our Flickr site, there are more pictures on there!