July 2011

We started the month off by visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo near Colorado Springs. It was an awfully hot day to visit a zoo, but the kids had lots of fun. The zoo is known for their giraffe exhibit. You can walk right up to several and pet/feed them. Kyla thought that was a lot of fun. She was also impressed by the size of their tongue. Not quite the same as yours and mine.

We were there during feeding time, so that was pretty cool. We were able to see a wolf come and get his large chunk of meat. A large brown bear was also feasting on meat and bones while wading in a pool. Some animals were hiding or not out because of the heat, but it was fun seeing what we could see - giraffe, monkeys, an elephant, a wolf, bears, penguins, frogs, snakes, lizards, hippos, peacocks, etcetera.

We did not go and see any fireworks this year. Kyla was getting tired and just wanted to do some of Dad's in the street. She had a lot of fun picking out which ones to light. She even did a sparkler with Mom. Only one though, as she was concerned for her "fire" safety. Of course, Easton went to bed at his normal time, so he missed them all. Maybe next year he

will stay up to see some fireworks?

We are fortunate enough to have a good view of several cities from our roof and upstairs bedroom windows. After we were done lighting our own fireworks, we went and watched the endings to a few shows from Kyla's window. She didn't want the fun to end.

Uncle Shawn and his girlfriend, Kristen, drove west for a vacation right after the Fourth. Thankfully they made a pit stop in Denver and we were able to spend two days with them. Kyla was in seventh heaven. Uncle Shawn helped her with her scooter, her bike and wagon rides. Not to mention the countless horsey rides on his legs. He even put our new bike trailer together! He really should visit more often.

After Uncle Shawn left, Kyla helped her friend, Ace, celebrate his fourth birthday. The kids did water balloon tosses and took turns swinging at a pinata. Apparently, it's not a good party if there's not a pinata to break open. Words to the wise.

Easton went for his 18 month check-up this month. He's a chart topper! That's for sure. He is 32 1/2" tall, which puts him around the 50th percentile. He weighs a very heavy 20 pounds and 2 ounces. He's at least on the chart with a whopping 1%. His head circumference is 45 1/2" putting him around the 5th percentile for that. As you can see, he is leading the curve.

The doctor was happy with him though. He is staying on his curve, as tiny as it is. She would like to hear him say more than Mama and Dada, but wouldn't we all??

Kyla and Daddy did Kinder Baseball for four weeks. She's getting very good at batting. Her throwing and catching need a little work yet, but she'll show them next time how much she's improved. She claims she will practice every weekend, unless it's too hot!

Kyla attended a second VBS with a few of her friends at their pre-school. The theme was a Big Jungle Adventure. She could not have had more fun. She loved the music, the kids and most of all, her leader, Amanda. She cannot wait to go back next year. It was also "extra fun" because Grace was there and in her group.

Speaking of Grace, she celebrated her fourth birthday on the 22nd. We met up with her for some frozen yogurt at Red Mango. Her birthday party was the following weekend at My Gym. Her theme was pirates and Disney princesses. Gotta love a girl who knows how to make the best of both those worlds. :D Kyla and Easton had mega fun at the party. In fact, Kyla asks to go back at least once a day. Easton had so much fun, we may have to take him back for open play and let him have at it once again.

Not much new to report with the adults of the family. Maybe August will prove to be more noteworthy. Maybe?