Just kidding... there's no gloom around here! We live in the valley now and it was in the upper 90's last week and sunny. I know I'm crazy, but that's my kind of weather! :) We're enjoying the start of summer around here and trying to get out and do some fun things. We're planning on lots of little day trips and a couple of overnight excursions and lots and lots of fun. The boys are doing really well and growing and talking and becoming little boys. It's amazing to see what a huge difference these little transition make.
First stop: Micke Grove Park. Our original plan was to go to the Stockton Children's Museum but when we arrived the gate was shut and it's apparently closed Monday/Tuesday. Whoops! At least we learned to check before we go. We did a quick recalculation and headed to Lodi to Micke Grove for a picnic lunch and a trip to the zoo. It was a fun trip with the cousins and Levi is always so happy to spend time with Ash and Jat (Ashley and Jack) and I'm so glad for the company and help of my cousins too.
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| Jack & Levi found a bench that was "just my size!" |
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| I told Levi to stay with Jack as they were walking. Next thing we know they're holding hands and walking through the zoo. It was precious. I'm so glad for them to get to grow up together as cousins and friends just like I got to do with Jack's Mommy. |
Dave's been playing a lot of baseball and softball and we're enjoying the perks of exploring new stadiums and parks along the way. (And, of course, getting watch Dave tear up the field with his impressive skills!) One more perk: the after game Lockridge family celebration for McDonalds ice cream cones.
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| Turns out both our boys like ice cream-- not that we're surprised! |
We're sneaking in a little downtime along the way too. The boys are interacting more and more and we can't wait until Levi gets a little more playtime with his brother. In the meantime, Caleb loves watching Levi and Levi is turning in to a good sharer of his toys and his affection.
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| Head butts = love |
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| His brother is so funny! |
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| And lots of backyard time playing baseball. |
We managed to head back to Stockton for a quick trip to the Children's museum. $5 for adults to get in and hours of entertainment for the kids makes for a pretty fun day. Levi especially loves that he can climb in (and press every button on) a full sized police car, fire truck, helicopter, motorcycle, ambulance and bus. It is so fun to watch him run from one thing to the next with huge, excited eyes.
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| Hanging out with Daddy in the firetruck. |
On Saturday we celebrated Father's Day with the Lockridges. We went down early for breakfast and stayed all day. Levi even took a nap in the big spare bed (we were shocked) and woke up happy and rested so we took a quick tour of the Merced County Fair. Super hot but super fun!
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| Levi loved the animals but preferred to look at them from the arms of somebody tall. |
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| He doesn't get how these things work quite yet but he did want to sit on all of them. |
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| Making silly faces with Mommy while waiting for the pig races to begin. |
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| Grandma & Grandpa always have better snacks! |
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| Both boys liked the petting zoo from the arms of Daddy. Goats are kind of aggressive and scary! |
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| Levi loves anything to do with transportation-- trucks, trains, planes, helicopters, cars, boats and tractors. The fair is a great place to see tractors! |
And lastly we got to spend Sunday with the Hardens. We spent the entire day in the pool so there aren't any pictures but we ate well and played hard. Levi is getting better and better in the pool and loves jumping in to us a thousand times in a row. We were also excited to see the newlyweds who were back from their honeymoon! They were so sweet to think of us on their trip and brought back some sweet shirts and even sweeter treats from Hawaii and- the winner of all- a Mickey Mouse from Disneyland. Levi's in love!
Bubba (Uncle Bryan) is back and my boys couldn't be happier!
Happy Father's Day to both our Dads! We so blessed to have amazing examples in our lives of what a Godly man should be and what being a father means. We've always appreciated you in our lives, but getting to watch you in the lives of your grandchildren is even more special. We love you!
And it wouldn't be a complete Father's Day without a shout out to the amazing Dad that lives in my house: Dave is such a hands on, helpful, and fun dad. I couldn't have asked for a better role model for my boys and partner in parenting for me. I'm so thankful for him and his selfless devotion to our family. Love you babe! :)
