Some Red, White, and Blue

We spent the 4th of July with Hans' brother and sister-in-law.  It's nice to have some family close and to be able to share special days like this.  We shared some delicious food, read the Declaration of Independence, had a water balloon toss, twirled some sparklers in the air, and watched some good 'ol  fireworks.  The boys enjoyed the fireworks, with ear protection of course!  Our boys both are sensitive when it comes to loud noises (don't even think about using the hand dryer in the public restroom!), so Zeke plugged his ears and Sam used some ear plugs. 

Double the Fun

A few weeks ago we had twice as many little boys at our house.  My brother and his wife relocated to North Carolina and while the movers came and they unpacked we kept their two boys for a few days.  Sam and Zeke loved having their cousins here to play with. 

A Half More

Sam is not just 4 any more.  He will proudly tell you he is 4 AND 1/2 now.  At some point half birthdays won't be so exciting, but we are enjoying those special milestones now.  For his special half-day he chose to make cake pops as his celebration treat of choice.  They were very tasty, however visually they did not appear very appetizing (hint, the lack of a photo of the finished product).  We'll have to try another batch of cake pops with a few different techniques.  Sam requested a candle and a tune.  He was quite impressed with his dad's ability to sing Happy Birthday with some jazz and style. 

This boy is in love with the idea of growing up to be a fireman and is very much into all things related with emergency and rescue vocations. Nearly every day he talks about the "calls" he has to take that day and reminds me that he has a lot of work to do at his "station".  I love his imagination and his ability to immerse himself in own world.  We love this sweet, tender, serious, and sometimes sassy boy.