July

This 4th of July was the best one I can remember. It was so special because the kids experienced many firsts which will become wonderful memories for all of us.  New traditions are beginning.  The Tacoma waterfront has a Freedom Fair. We walked down and people watched, ate food, viewed the air show and Parker went in his first bounce house.  Parker loved the airplanes and people. He was nervous about the bounce house, but was starting to get the hang of it at the end.  Hadley, being just a few weeks old, slept the majority of the time.  That evening, we barbequed and then started a bonfire to roast marshmallows. Parker loved the s'mores! We also go Pop Its, a small, safe firework that you throw on the ground and it makes a pop sound. Parker thought this was really cool! We put Parker down to sleep for about 40 minutes before we woke up him and drove him to watch fireworks. Of course, he had no idea what fireworks were so I told him we were going to see "special lights".  We sat on a big hill with the kids in our laps to watch the show.  When it started, Parker kept saying in his little voice "special liiiiiights! special liiiiiiights!" He continued all the way home.

Parker has been a big helper with his sister. He likes to get diapers for her, bring me blankets and help with buckling Hadley in her car seat.  I think Hadley enjoys having him around too.  She seems to be watching him while he plays around her. He is constantly screaming and playing by her when she sleeps. She sleeps right through it. She's going to be very adaptable when she grows up!

Hadley has gotten on more of a routine. She eats every 3 hours, then is awake for another 30 minutes or so before falling back to sleep.  She is more alert and focuses on people or toys.  She started smiling at 6 weeks. Let me tell you, she has the cutest smile! Unlike her brother, she smiles easily and often.  She smiles with her whole face; her eyes light up and her dimple will melt your heart.   When Hadley gets upset, however, she has the saddest cry and a face that says, "why are you doing this to me!!" She's a dramatic girl already.

We went on our annual trip to Sunriver for our Alexander Family reunion.  It was great seeing so many relatives and introducing them to Hadley.  We did what we always do: eat, relax, go on walks and play on the river.  Parker loved playing with my cousins, Josh and Jonathan as well as my cousin, Scott's daughter, Kara.  Hadley had her 6 week growth spurt which meant she wanted to nurse every couple hours. I was on the couch a lot, but there were lots of people to visit with.  I love my family!
After a few nights in Sunriver, Justin, the kids and I rented a house in Bend. It was nice having a few days in one of our favorite cities. We swam everyday, per Parker's request. He's so comfortable in the water now that he finished a couple sessions of swim lessons. He jumps right in and isn't afraid to get his face under water.   Justin took Parker on a float down the river.  It was great making memories with family this summer! We can't wait to return next year!