Feeling Patriotic

Lots of summer fun been going on. Munga wanted us to go to her neighborhood's bike parade back on the Fourth, and so we did. Croz got to decorate his bike and afterwards a neighbor had homemade yogurt-type popsicles for everyone. They were amazing... raspberry, kind of creamy. Sabita fed one to Lennox and kept giving him red and blue fringe decorations to "eat," so his face was a sticky metallic mess. Crosby remembers what he wore that day because every morning when he's looking for what clothes to wear, he wants to wear "Munga's bike parade shorts and shirt."

We are missing Cam! He is in Rhode Island training with the Navy and I can't believe it. I can't believe Cam, Auds, and kids are going to be gone soon. It is hard to stomach some days :( With them living at my parents' though, we are happy to spend as much time with them as we can before the dreaded day comes; try to not think about it too hard yet. I think Cam is going to be awesome in this new turn his life/career has taken. And San Diego... TEN HOURS!



Summer's all about...

Talking on your cell phone on the porch



Concerts outdoors (D & I finally got to see Blues Traveler LIVE! Harmonica virtuosos rock.)



Wrestling sandwiches on the lawn



Making long shadows in the sun



Homemade raspberry ice cream. By Beth, no less... who's going to continue this tradition?! I need to learn.



It's the time of the season for... s'moring



We all met up at a park and had those enormous marshmallows... Auds ended up with a genuine pig snout s'more!



Sporting their patriotic tattoos



These guys were doing snap-its on the sidewalk when a poor innocent little caterpillar decided to creep past and immediately became a victim



Grant was loving the photoshoots this night, I was in shock! We found this cool den and he wanted to pose everyone like army guys. Except he handed Croz a plastic knife and a stick and told him to make a fire



Jared & Jigga



We tracked a moose mama and baby for a while



D & I tried so hard to resist the pull this year. But there we went, ended up at Sugarhouse again this year with the whole gang. I can't believe how Sabita hauls her tail down and back like she does! Davis was covered up throughout the whole fireworks show and Croz was loving every bit. Licorice, Catch Phrase, and Lorna Doones.



Need an example of true love? Here you go! We were gushing over this sweet couple in front of us at the fireworks. The kind, quiet things you do for each other when "no one's watching."



I love how Lennox crosses his baby ankles. It's the coziest little move. Croz did this too; oh how I love my sweet boys. Trying to flash to the future when they're older, realizing I have to remember how important these young years are. How tender these moments will be in my heart down the road.



The Ute sweatshirt almost escaped a Lennox photoshoot!



It was busting at the seams in the arms



Love my Mo' Jig!

The Jig Turns Nine Months!

Lennox, it is unbelievable that I find myself writing up your little 9 month review. Days fly by and no matter what we do, Dad & I still can't get enough of you!



Your two bottom teeth are all situated but your top ones are still coming in... we can barely stand it when you smile. It is EXTREMELY cute. You smile and then we smile 80 watts brighter! Part of it is because it can sometimes take a while for your smile to spread across your face. You'll keep a straight face for a little bit like you're playing a trick. Then you break. You do a good job trying to act serious.

You chew on anything that surrounds you! Sometimes you'll be in this mood where you want to be snuggled while you chew, kind of like right here with Nan. I love how it squishes your eyes and you're just chewing away as I kiss and smoosh your cheeks.



You really love baths. You don't even notice I'm washing you because you're usually too fascinated with the water! I love nothing more than to bathe you, wrap you in your cozy towel, smooth that baby-smelling lotion on your fat legs, arms, and cheeks, and comb your hair to the side. You are so handsome, Jigga!





Which one of these is you?! Munga loves to wheel you around her house in this stroller, just how she did with Croz. She wanted a picture of you in her stroller to match Crosby's. Hint: you are our baby koala.



It took a while for you to get anywhere near liking the jumper. I would set you in it and you would hang there like "Why would you put me in this thing?" But just the other day I put you in it once again thinking you'd hate it again. I was washing dishes, heard a noise, saw the spring bouncing, and voila! You figured out how to jump :) Now you love jumping.



You are such a trooper. I feel daily washes of guilt because I feel like too many days go by where you get neglected. Seems like there is always a LOT to do around here, not to mention Crosby's needs too! But you are incredibly patient. Sometimes you play by yourself for the longest time without making a peep. You love to examine objects so I've tried to make sure I rotate new "toys" in your baskets to keep that intelligent mind guessing! Thanks for being so patient with me. I do like to think that I make up for you being neglected here and there. When Crosby goes down for his nap or is occupied in another room I EAT up every second I have with you alone!! We sometimes dance together, lie on the floor and look at your toys, or I just hug you really tight and kiss those cheeks right off. You are just my Boogaloo.



When you are tired you seem to amp things up a bit. You'll get a wild shot of energy, sometimes twirling your hands and feet at mach speed! Dad & I get a real kick out of your punchy times. Your laugh is hilarious.



Speaking of Dad, as hard as it is to admit this, I do believe that you two are the best of friends. He comes home and you smile brighter than I've seen all day long. I can run around like a crazy woman trying to make you laugh or smile and then Dad comes around and makes one silly noise and there you go busting a gut!



It is fun to see your relationship with your dad; the two of you can always be found in some kind of relaxation mode or position. No joke! Chill + Chill = EXXXTRAA chilled out! And yes you still suck those fingers when you're ready for sleep.



All of our love to you, sweet Lennox. Can't wait for what this next month holds in store for you!

Love,

Mom & Dad