July 09' Independence and Fun!

We all had such big plans for the Fourth of July this year. Although we were disappointed to miss the big extravaganza in Las Cruces, we were creating memories of our own in our new home. Being in the same metropolitan area, Jessica and David were able to join in the festivities and Shawn's sister, Crystal and her family along with Shawn's parents all drove up to celebrate. When the big day arrived, thoughts of water balloon fights, trips to the park and pool and an outdoor picnic faded away as the clouds rolled in. It sprinkled, then drizzled, then flat out poured ALL day long... We had to make-do and enjoy recreation from an in-door perspective.

Jessica showing her hula-hoop skills on the Wii

David attacking Caleb and Jaedyn for some indoor WWF fun!

Shawn and Papa testing out the new gril in our garage...yummy burgers!

Indoor picnic on the floor style

Fun with veggies (special credit to Disney.com)

Corn on the cob, twice stuffed potatoes, burgers, hot dogs and of course, tamales!

And the meal would not be complete without chocolate-covered, red white and blue sprinkled strawberries, star spangled cupcakes and firecracker pretzel sticks

Jessica and I got creative with jimica and cut out star shaped veggies for our Independence Day inspired menu

To make the weekend even more special, we all decided to go to the Red's vs Cardinals game... and what a game it was!! Red's were ahead until the 7th inning until Pujol stepped up to bat...

Jaedyn is obviously not a Cardinals fan

A view of downtown Cincinnati from the Red's stadium

Beautiful weather for the ball game

Brylee and Shawn enjoying the sunshine, peanuts and popcorn

It was Colter's first MLB game! He was sad the Red's lost but happy to be there

The whole group

Cousin love

So Caleb and I had to leave our beautiful home and Shawn to return back to Kansas City. Even as I write this blog, Caleb is begging for our "Tucky Tucky house...PLEEEASE". We have been occupying ourselves with school, of course and lots and lots of baking when mommy gets home. Our latest hobby is chocolate-making...

Caleb perfects his ganache

Making sure all the ingredients are smooth and even

Caleb and I have also tried to explore Kansas City a little more. We discovered Longview Lake with our neighbors and Caleb LOVES the water. He thinks he's an olympic swimmer and likes to venture out into the deep water until mommy pulls him back toward the shore.

Because of all of his swimming, Caleb now has Olympic size biceps of the bright blue variety. He added Nemo tattoos to show off his true swimmer spirit.