July thus far

July has flown by this year.  We've had a pretty fun one so far.  Mostly spent in preparation for this baby coming (any day now, baby girl, any day) and also managing construction in our house.  I have spent many days figuring out how to entertain boys without having to be in the heat.  

Jacob replaced one of the sprinkler heads and we finally turned our sprinklers on.  The boys ran through the sprinklers and thought it was awesome.

We celebrated the 4th of July.  We began by making a festive blue and red cake with white "firework" icing and sprinkles.  The boys helped and I'm pretty sure they thought it was a masterpiece.

We had star shaped french toast in the morning and listened to some patriotic MoTab.  We then headed to our small, and kind of perfect, Fort Collins parade.  It lasts about 1/2 an hour and we showed up maybe 45 minutes early and had a great spot.  I hope it stays kind of small for many more years to come.  The boys liked it.

I also made caramel popcorn to enjoy while we waited and watched.

Isaac had to periodically check and see if the parade was coming.

And then we had some lessons about showing respect for the flag by standing and putting your hand over your heart.  They might need a few more lessons.  :)

Later that afternoon I filled the little wading pool we have and let the boys play in water.  It was actually a little overcast and sprinkling rain.  It was awesome.  I've really been so lucky that this summer has been such a mild one.  Very few days in the 90s, way less than is normal.

After getting a little wet I brought out some more poppers.  I'm not sure Ben was terribly successful at getting them to pop but he sure liked trying.  And So did Isaac.  Fort Collins doesn't let you light off your own fireworks.  So poppers and those pull the string confetti ones are all we get.  It might be the biggest thing I dislike about Fort Collins.

To end the day we headed to City Park to listen to the symphony play and watch the big firework display.  It was a lovely evening and the fireworks were great!  The only downside was sitting in front of some drunk (and probably high) college kids.  Their language was foul and I'm grateful my boys didn't pick anything up from them.  

Glow sticks are a must, and were a hit of course.

I spent much of July getting larger.  (Really little girl, come on out any minute now.)  I was probably 37 week in this picture. I'm now approaching 40 weeks...and probably even larger.

This was a first for the boys and I.  We dressed like cows for Chick-fil-a's "cow appreciation" day and got free lunch.  It was so simple and worth the little amount of time spent on the costumes.  The line moved fast and we were in and out in about 10 minutes.  We opted to bring our food home to eat as there weren't many seats in the restaurant.  The boys were sad not to play in the playground, but were consoled by chocolate milk and french fries.  We'll certainly do it again next year.

Shannon's family stopped by last week on their way to Utah.  We made the most of the night by roasting marshmallows and making the Brunson traditional "dough boys."  They were a hit.  We can't wait to have more time with them when they come back this week to spend a week with us.  We are going to have some good cousin fun.  And hopefully we'll have a baby too.  The timing would be good.

Isaac and Ben couldn't get enough of playing with their older cousins.  Maybe the week they stay here they'll actually remember all the girls names.

I can't believe we only have one more week of July.  August will bring on a whole new adventure for this family.  A baby.  And a girly one at that.  Can't wait to meet her.  I'm excited to see how these cute boys of mine react to a baby.  I'm hopefully the transition will be smooth.  I'm also looking forward to time with Shannon and her family and for my parents arrival.  I'm also anxious for the finishing touches on our house to be completed and the construction to be completely done.  Bring it on August...we are ready for you.