Sprinklers

It is so HOT here! Luckily today the hose leading from the roof's back-up water tank sprung a leak. We had our own personal sprinkler! The kids loved running through the water and cooling off a bit.

Stickers with Luke

During Miriam's nap, Luke and I get to spend some quality one-on-one time together. He always finds new ways to entertain me. This week we were working on his sticker book and discovered that stickers are super cool on your face! Wouldn't you agree?

4th of July

"God Bless America, Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home. " - lyrics by Irving Berlin

I love the United States of America!

Even though Morgan still had class on the 4th, we celebrated our wonderful country's independence with a small party. Our friends in our apartment building came over for dinner and sparklers. The sparklers were actually a rare find. Fireworks are illegal here. However last semester a departing student was selling the sparklers. Somehow she was able to get them here in a box. Yeah for us! We all had fun playing right outside our apartment with them!

Mom and Miriam were a little hesitant at first. It was both of our first times holding one! Morgan was the sparkler pro and helped teach Luke how to light them.
Luke with his sparkler lightsaber! Luke liked the sparklers until...

they burned out and his fingers got too close. Daddy to the rescue! Daddy is great at making all the hurts go away with a kiss. Also in the picture are Jared and Aspen and their mom- Susan. They live right above us and we get to see them often! I am glad that my kids have other children so close by for them to play with!
Adrian helping Kairi experience her 1st sparkler too. Kairi later came around and enjoyed holding them. Adrian's wife Diana took all these great pictures for us. Thanks Diana!

We hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July. Just remember that no matter what problems the United States has, it is still the best place on earth! It truly is a promised land.

Sleigh Rides

While I was preparing dinner one evening last week, the kids were playing super well together. Luke had wriggled our laundry bag out and Miriam jumped on top of it. Luke then proceeded to pull her through the apartment. I just love the little games they create all by themselves. Enjoy the clip!

Smells

A conversation with Luke last week:
Mom: "Luke, you smell like Teddy Grahams."
Luke: "Mom, you smell like armpits."
Thanks son.

Corey's Capes

While home, Luke and Miriam got a package in the mail. Inside were the coolest capes ever! Our friend Corey had made these awesome double-sided capes. Luke's cape is Superman and then Batman while Miriam's is Supergirl and a Princess. Luke and his cousin Kaitlyn had fun playing with the capes while we were still at Maw Maw's house. Now that we are back in Dominica, Luke and Miriam like to run/fly through the apartment with their capes on. Thanks so much Corey for making these for our kids! You are the best!

Home Again

After spending 3 weeks away from home, it was time to return to our everyday life. When we got home, Morgan looked so handsome! He just beamed to see us! Miriam only wanted to be held by him and Luke was so excited to pull everything out of our suitcases to show Daddy all the cool stuff we brought back. I will admit that I was so sad to say good-bye to my parents. They mean more and more to me each year. After warming up to my parents, the kids just loved being around them so much. Luckily we will see them again at Christmas.
But for now we are back in Dominica and everything is getting back to normal. Morgan has a big test, Luke goes back to preschool and I am just feeling pretty content with life. It was a much needed vacation!