So, on to it I guess. Chronologically...
Father's Day: We had a great day! Ross enjoyed his first father's day and we kind of just took it easy. We took a nice walk around the lake, had a nice lunch and did see my dad later in the day. Ross' dad was out of town so we had seen him the previous weekend.
My step-brother's brigade returned from Afghanistan on the 24th. He and his wife have a three month old daughter, Mia. We went to Colorado Springs to attend the Coming Home Ceremony. It was pretty cool. No matter what, I tear up at "Proud to Be an American". But when they're blasting the song and troops are coming home into an auditorium full of beautiful women and boat loads of children waiting for their daddy's, I couldn't help myself. I lost it! It was a cool ceremony and we were happy to be there!
*Jude and I sitting in front of Jeannie and baby Mia*
The next thing I can remember is the Fourth of July. We also had a great time! On that Sunday, we went to Lakewood on Parade (which was sans parade this year due to budget cuts). They didn't change the name because they probably didn't have enough money to buy new signs. But nonetheless it was fun! We didn't get there until 6 or so and had some yummy "fair" food and spent time with my mom, stepdad, sister, stepbrother and sister-in-law, and niece. We stayed until the fireworks and Jude was pretty tired. He was a trooper though. He wasn't phased at all by the fireworks. In fact, he nearly fell asleep just before the finale. We didn't get home until 11 and I was happy we had decided to see fireworks on the 3rd. On Monday we spent some time with Ross' parents and siblings at their annual party thing that they go to. We didn't stay too long though because we wanted to get Jude to bed at a reasonable time.
*Jude wrapped up in Daddy's shirt, ready to watch fireworks*
*Grandpa Ed showing Jude the Lake*
During the week, Jude and I attended his very first Chuck E. Cheese Party. That place is way less dark and sketchy than I remember it being when I was a kid. Jude was really interested in this big "stand-in-me-and-tons-of-tickets-will-blow-around-you" tube. He walked around and around it. As a party favor, he had a few tokens to play games. I put in him in a ride and thought he'd like it. NOPE! He absolutely freaked out and was attached to me after that. So, I played games for Jude. Future information, Jude should try to find a different ski-ball instructor because Mom will not teach you ski-ball skills. I won him a whopping 2 tickets. Yeah, I'm awesome.
*The ride started ok*
*I took over*
*He was at least intrigued*
*Learning from the Pro*
Last weekend we went camping. Well, I should call it "glamping." We had a cabin with beds, a gas fireplace, a stove and overhead lanterns. They provided a table, mattresses, outdoor picnic table and chairs for around the fire. We had like 3x more stuff than we needed. I tell you what, THAT is the way to camp! Never, ever, ever again will I tent camp if "glamping" is available. It was beautiful though and we saw some amazing elk. We took a hike to a homestead and it was pretty and very interesting.
*Beautiful Sunset*
*Enjoying the nice weather*
*The Brown Homestead 1918*
*Some of the elk*
Otherwise, we've been enjoying the summer (not the heat) and have been taking daily walks in the evening when Ross gets home from work. Jude is nearly walking and into everything! We pretty much have the living room gated off in all directions. He doesn't seem to notice his lack of exploratory abilities yet though so it works ok.
*Pool time!*
*Jude is slowly learning to fall asleep laying down. Here, he hasn't quite mastered it*
Jude's birthday is coming up soon and I just am amazed every day at how quickly he's growing up (and by growing up, I mean growing away from his mommy). I love to watch him discover! For example, today we were walking around and went up to a tree. Jude pointed and said, "Dat?" and I said, "Tree." He repeated, "tee". About an hour later we walked up to a different tree and I said, "what is that?" and he pointed and said, "tee." Cue: Mommy's heart melting and exploding with pride at the same time!!!
Until next time...
