4th of July Funsies

Dear Nathan, 

This 4th of July was full of new experiences and fun. What was initially a very disappointing night of fireworks, became a late night of awesome fun. Here are a few pictures of your favorite part of this weekend. 

That evening we had planned to drive to the local mall to watch the fireworks downtown. We found a good spot, lit up a few glow sticks and sat ontop of our car and waited. When 9:30 rolled around, we were utterly disappointed at the fireworks. They were so far away that they seemed so small and not very impressive, so we jetted out early and came home. We saw our neighbors shooting off fireworks and decided to go watch them because what they were doing was far more exciting that what we had seen earlier that night.  They were nice enough to let you try a few sparklers and a few snappers. By 11:00 you were in bed, the latest you've ever stayed up. 

Earlier in the morning, we participated in our neighborhood parade. We were all on wheels as we weaved through the crowds, Daddy and I, constantly reminding you to look forward and making sure you didn't crash into anyone else.  

 After the parade, we went over to a friends house for a pool party. While we were getting everything ready, Hannah excitedly grabbed the floaty and started to run around the house yelling "swimming! swimming! splashy! splashy!

Hannah has really been into picking out outfits. You are constantly asking for "piao piao" which means pretty, which refers to a skirt, which I know you are specifically referring to the tutu bathing suit that you have. 

The pool party was fun. We all splashed around, had bbq and hung out with some new friends too. 

 Swim lessons are also going well. As of yesterday, Nathan, you are able to swim 3 strokes and then turn around on your back to breathe. Hannah, on the other hand is a mess. We found 2 new molars in your lower row of teeth this week and so I think you have equated coach rachael with the pain that you felt in your mouth because everytime she gets close to you, you squirm and cry. Hannah will be taking a break from classes for awhile, and Nathan will continue.

 While Nathan was able to swim last year, your skills were simply stuck in survival mode. This year, Coach rachel is able to help you refine your skills and become even more controlled and comfortable in the water.

 Hannah is pretty content just sitting by the side of the pool, watching everyone. Hopefully in a few weeks, we can try again.

Julyhas arrived and temps are just now reaching 100 in the afternoon. Nice cold watermelon is always a nice refreshing treat. I took these adorable pictures to capture both of your cuteness right now. Hannah, you are pretty much addicted to watermelon, as the first thing you ask for after you wake up is "yi-da" (xigua) which means watermelon. 

Dear Hannah, 

You've been quite difficult lately. Extra clingy, very volatile, and you still can't make up your mind. It almost seems like you are impulsive and will simply answer "No" for every question that I ask you and then you think about it afterwards. You are also very particular with doing things yourself and wanting all the "da" (big) things. I sure hope this is a phase and will pass soon, because I don't know how much of this I can take for much longer. 

Next week, I'll be in North Dakota for a teacher training so it'll be the first time that I leave you guys overnight and in this case, it'll be for a week! I'm nervous, mostly about missing you guys, but I'm sure you will have lots of fun with Daddy and Auntie Momo. Perhaps this will be just what you need to overcome this separation anxiety. 

Well, tomorrow, we get to meet curious george. We'll see how it goes. I'm pretty excited about it.

Until next week!
Love,
Mommy