The summer is marching on too quickly! We still have lots to do before Sarah returns to teaching and Ella starts KINDERGARTEN!

July was a busy and fun month. Ken and Val came from Texas to visit over the 4th of July. We had a great time with them and the new NC residents, the Heinrichs (Martie and LT AND Gerritt and Laura!). Ella loved being in the bike parade again this year with her buddy from next door, Lily. We did not do the big fireworks, but instead opted for sparklers in the front yard with neighbors. Ella had been inspired by the jugglers at the Apex 4th of July celebration and was able to have two sparklers and hula hoop at the same time!

Ella went to Medieval Camp at her old school and had a total blast. It was a good “dress rehearsal” for Kindergarten since it was an all day camp. She was exhausted each afternoon when she returned home! Most nights we would get some dinner in her and she would go right to bed.

Sarah, Ella, and Jonah took a road trip to Alexandria for Katie’s family bridal shower. We spent 6 days in Alexandria with Nana and Papa. Sarah and the kids had a great day hanging out with Katie Rivers and Emily. It is so cool to see our kids get along and know each other. Katie Rivers and Sarah also enjoyed not one but two “grown up” meals thanks to very accommodating grandmothers. Felt just like college… Spent one day with Aunt Kate hiking the trails near her house. We had beautiful weather and we went for lots of long walks into Old Town Alexandria. Nana even took the kids into The Mall to go on the merry-go-round by the museums. Katie’s shower was a lovely event. It was really fun to be at Aunt Peggy’s and eat and visit. We even played a silly bridal shower game of dressing up Katie and Ella as brides using only toilet paper and tape. Absolutely hysterical results! The kids did pretty well in the car—even though it was a long trip. We did have moments when Jonah would scream “help!” and “truck” and “ELMO!” over and over. However, we survived and were so glad we went. Andrew and Farley managed to get along without us for the week. Andrew enjoyed lots of golf, some skate boarding time, and a quick visit and fishing trip with his dad and brother.

As Ella ramps up for Kindergarten, we have been visiting her new school’s library each week. She has met the head media specialist (used to be called librarian!) and her assistant. It has made her feel confident and excited about school. She starts on August 30, so the next installment of pictures and update information will be about Ella (I mean ELEANOR—she says that is her “grown up Kindergarten name”) starting a new school.

Jonah got a “summer haircut” from Andrew. He used the clippers and gave him a short haircut all over. He looks very cute, but I miss his sweet blond bangs. Jonah did great during the cut (we have given him a few haircuts so that the back was short and so he didn’t look like a girl). However, when he saw the new very short haircut in the mirror, he got really upset. For awhile, he would just rub his head and whimper. It was pathetic. I think he has gotten used to it now! Jonah is talking more. My favorite (or least favorite, depending on the situation) is : “MAMA HOLD YOU” which means he wants me to pick him up and hold him. He says lots of “words” and some that other people can understand. He likes “no no no” a lot and “truck” and “train” are also favorites. He is thrilled to hear the train and imitates with a nasal “choo choo.” He also likes to make siren noises for police, ambulance, and fire vehicles. He is still signing but he is now also talking with the signs all the time. Still not a big fan of the pool—too cool for him, he likes to be warm at all times. He is getting into and exploring everything and learning so quickly.

The pictures from this month come from a number of different sources and so they are not in any logical order. This makes me crazy—I like chronological order! But instead of fighting the code, we are just including this disclaimer here. ?

Happy summer and we are off to the beach…
Sarah, Andrew, Ella, and Jonah