4th of July!

The 4th of July was especially exciting for me because I was getting out of the house!! Since we had decided to skip out on the big crowded and hot festival this year before my bedrest, we all stuck with the original plan and had a BBQ at Rhiannon and Ben's house and watched the fireworks from the field right by their house. It was perfect. I sat the whole time and hung out with my friends while the kids played outside in the water and the guys BBQed. I was a little apprehensive as to how I would feel since my blood pressure medicine makes me light headed if I sit for too long, but I felt GREAT! I think a little outing was just what I needed.

All ready to go . . . just not wanting to take a photo.

That's better!

Chip got pictures of them playing outside.

Watching the fireworks.

The gang was all there -- Matthew, Carys, Makayla and Emily!

It was a great night! I love the 4th since it is one of Lily's favorite nights of the year. It is beyond wonderful to watch her run around and have fun with her friends while watching the fireworks.

Our New Ride

We've been looking at new SUVs to buy since February or so once it became obvious that the Jeep wouldn't work that well with two kids and two car seats. The main issue is the fact that Chip is just too tall. At 6'3" he has to have his seat all the way back to drive. It was never an issue as Lily was always in the middle, but with two kids, they are each going to need to be on the side and whoever is behind Chip when he drives would be crushed -- not to mention that the passenger had to ride up on the airbags to allow for the kid behind them. While, the Jeep was a great car for the last 6 years, it just wasn't roomy enough. We looked at nearly every make and model of mid sized SUVs out there. Ford Explorers, the ugly Ford Flex which Chip LOVED, Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, Chevy Tahoes . . . . we had it narrowed down to the Toyota Highlander and the Tahoe. We loved the look of the Tahoe, but it was a lot more than we needed. So we settled on the Highlander since it had everything we wanted and more and made the most sense. At least I know we literally explored every possible option. . . . .

Way back in the Spring, Lily and I stopped at the Mercedes dealer. :) But there wasn't enough leg room in the back seat. :(

Lily in the Tahoe

Going back to look at the Tahoes -- we forgot a tape measure to measure the rear storage area since that is another concern. The Jeep barely held a suitcase and stroller. So we wanted to be prepared for two kids and future road trips. It was my bright idea to use Lily as a measuring stick. :)

Lily + a shoe is how roomy the back is. :)

The Jeep before we traded it in.

I know no one cares -- but if you know me, you know how I hate change and hate to see things go. So preserving it forever in my blog and future blog book makes it easier for me to deal with. :)

It is hard to tell in this picture (and the front seat is ways up) the lack of leg room.

And here is our new Highlander that we finally got this week! Too bad I can't drive it for awhile. :(

Look at all that room Lily has now! There is even a third row seat for more kids. Just Kidding!!

Our Week with Jeremy and Linda

As I mentioned in previous posts, Linda and Jeremy came out for a week while Scott was in Chile with a church group. It was wonderful, as always, to see them. Lily loves her aunt and cousin SO much -- it just makes her day to know that she gets to play with them. While their timing sucked since I was stuck at home on the couch most of the time (although, I did mix it up and move to Mom's couch too), it was really nice having them here to entertain Lily and keep her busy for a week. They didn't do too much other than hang out at home or grandma's house and play, but that was perfect and all Lily wanted to do. Even when Linda tried to take Lily out for fun outings, Lily was like "maybe later" she was totally content just playing and spending quality time together.

Puzzles at our house.

Jeremy liked to "eat" Lily's play cookies.

Grandpa came over one day too and they blew bubbles and played in the backyard. They even brought out the small pool which was a huge hit and became the go to activity for the rest of the week.
It is so cute to watch them play together. Each time Jeremy comes out he is a little older and more and more ready to play with Lily. It is so sweet.

At Grandma's in the new little pool they bought for the week.

While Jeremy was napping, Linda took Lily to Walgreens to get nail polish and candy so they could have a mini make-over. They painted their toes red and blue with sparkles for the 4th of July.

Making sure Jeremy stays hydrated.

On Tuesday night, I broke the rules and went out to eat. I figured if the Dr didn't think it was much of an issue to keep me waiting in the waiting room for over an hour, I could sit at a restaurant. Of course, this was a one time deal and I am not making a habit of it. Jeremy was entertained while we ate with his ipad. He is SO cute on that thing!Linda took this photo and it is hilarious -- Jeremy did not want Lily in his space or his photo taking. He was in the middle of his game!

Dance party at our house! They had fun dancing around to Taylor Swift.

Lily was way into it, of course.

Playing with Lily's cars -- Jeremy loves cars and trucks.

After pool time on Thursday, they took a bubble bath. . . .

. . . And watched Hanny Manny. They were glued to the screen. So sweet!

It was sad to see them leave. But they will be back next month around the time the baby is due!!