July was a hot and busy month.

We celebrated 4th of July in downtown Apex and the "old fashioned 4th of July celebration." It was HOT. Can I say that again? It was H.O.T. The kids fluctuated between being miserable and having a blast on the jumpy castles, huge slide, face painting, and seeing friends. Jonah decorated his bulldozer this year to be in the parade. However, he took a minimalist approach. In fact he ripped off the flag ribbons that we put along the sides and said: "This is trash, mommy. Get rid of it." Hmmmm… tell me how you really feel, Jonah! Andrew attached our favorite bubble machine to the back of Ella's decorated bike. During the parade, bubbles blew out the back. It was awesome. Everyone was yelling and pointing. "Hey! Bubble Bike!" Very cool. I predict more bubbles next year! Jonah did really well in the parade. He scooted along on his bulldozer until the people in front started throwing candy to the spectators. Jonah abandoned his bulldozer to retrieve a lollypop. I ended up carrying the bulldozer the rest of the parade! That night, Andrew, Ella, and Joe tried to see the fireworks in Cary. A HUGE storm blew in. We ended up watching the national fireworks at home on the tv. Oh, well.

We all went to MD to Leah and Justin's housewarming/anniversary party. It took us longer to get there than anticipated, but it was cool to see Leah's house and all the work that she has done. Plus we got to meet her chickens (yes, chickens!) and Ella and Jonah had a blast running around her yard and through the house. It was a good party. The next day, we had brunch in Alexandria and then Joe and Andrew headed back to NC. I stayed in VA with the kids for the week. We had a lot of good adventures:

Sunday: Helped Katie clean in preparation for her new baby! Jonah and Ella dusted and swept and scrubbed cabinets. Jonah kept saying: "Oh no, Aunt Kate, BIG mess!"
Monday: Nana and I took the kids into DC on the metro. Rode the merry-go-round, went to the sculpture garden, and went to the opening of a brand new exhibit of Jim Henson's muppets. We got to see Kermit the frog, Bert and Ernie, and lots of other muppets. Very cool exhibit. They even had a wall where the kids could make their own muppet faces and a muppet theater. Took the kids to Maury park before dinner. I got to see Andrew Young for dinner that night and truly enjoyed my time with him and having a break from the kids. Here are some pictures that Ella took during the visit to the museums: Ellas Pictures
Tuesday: Spent the day at Katie Rivers' house. Ella and Emily had a blast together. Jonah tormented them both, but all in all the kids did great. Went to Maury park with Dad before dinner. I got to have dinner with Katie Rivers that night which was really fun.
Wednesday: Met Aunt Leah in Baltimore and went to the Aquarium. Ella loved it and Jonah did too despite being a little naughty. Had lunch in the Inner Harbor and then headed home. Went to the Masonic Temple after dinner. Gorgeous night—not too hot. Watched planes and trains come in and out.
Thursday: Back to Aunt Kate's to help some more and hang out. Went to Lee Street Park and had a picnic dinner with the kids and Dad.
Friday: Back into DC with the kids. Went to the Smithsonian and back to the Jim Henson exhibit. Spent some time with Katie. Took the kids to the Bradley's pool. So strange to have MY children swimming in the Bradley's pool—a place where I spent so much time when I was growing up.
Saturday: Baby shower at Aunt Peggy's. Great to see so many Linden Street moms there. Then we traveled back home.

We also enjoyed some visitors this month. Andrew's cousin, Nicky, and her family came to stay with us. She and Clayton have three girls; Gabrielle (5), Emily (3), and Rebecca (1). We had a blast at an outdoor concert in Cary complete with dancers and hoopers (as in hula hoops). On Saturday, Matt and Catherine and their three kids, plus Wendy came for a COUSINS WEEKEND. It was a lot of fun to have everyone together. We ate and played and ate and played some more. It a hectic but fun weekend. We are glad that everyone was able to get together.

Katie Rivers and Emily came for a visit too. Andrew watched the kids one night so Katie and I could go out together. Then the girls got to play together before Katie headed home. They get along really well and it is fun to listen to them interact.

This is our last "summer" gallery for 2008. Although we will be having summer weather for some time, I return to school on the 18th and Ella starts 1st grade on the 25th. We are trying to stretch out and enjoy these last few days before our pace has to quicken and our routines get more rigorous and inflexible. Love to all! Sarah, Andrew, Ella, and Jonah