Summertime Fun

(sorry about the text starting down here - suddenly I can't figure out how to type it above the pictures).

Summer started with a new addition at our house - a 7 week old kitten named Rogue. To answer your questions, Joe named her after both a superhero and a beer. Joe is in charge of cleaning the litter boxes, so he determined that he wins naming rights.

In early June we ventured to our first Cardinals game of the season. We always walk through this park to see the "running man fountain" and get the famous St Louis picture of the fountain, old courthouse, and Arch.

The kids enjoying the game from the bleachers. These seats are right next to the Cards' bullpen, and Olivia was thrown a ball from one of the pitching coaches. That was exciting - even if we had to hear Ethan complain for the rest of the game that he didn't catch a ball. We had a great time at this game, even if it was the game that Pujols was injured at.

This is how we found Ethan sleeping one night. We don't understand it either.

Enjoying a HOT afternoon at the splash park in Southwinds Park with friends.

We had an extremely busy Fourth of July weekend. On Saturday we ventured to Grant's Farm with family. Here is Ethan feeding a goat some milk. He was fine with a goat one on one, but when they surrounded him he definitely became a bit unsure.

Olivia tried her hardest to let each goat get some milk, but that just meant that she formed a mob around herself.

This is one thing I don't understand - the free beer at Grant's Farm. I understand that it is the Busch family farm and affiliated with Busch beer. However, it just seems a bit strange to get free beer at what is a child's park.

The kids and I looking at the carriage house.

Camels have always been Ethan's favorite animal. So being able to feed them was the highlight for him. Thank goodness I brought along many many quarters!

Three bottoms! The Clydedales were all facing this way to take advantage of their window air conditioners. The kids found it hilarious.

Ahh, the pool. Both kids have really stepped up their swimming this year with jumps off the diving board and swimming in the deep end with no problem.

Olivia perfecting her pencil jump.

Happy Birthday to my dad! The kids helping him blow out candles on his "mile high chocolate cake" prepared by Rachel.

What would the Fourth of July be without sparklers??

Experimenting with the camera.

On our way to yet another Cardinals baseball game on the Fourth of July.

The kids relaxing in City Park.

Even though it did not rain on Busch Stadium, there was a gorgeous rainbow (even a double rainbow in the beginning).

Ethan in Lincoln Park in Springfield. Their new lagoon is very pretty.

Olivia swimming in Lake Springfield. She found this to be the best thing ever!

Ethan showing off his fantastic face paint from our church's carnival.

Olivia with her kitty face paint and very fancy flower balloon from the carnival.

Olivia's Final (?) Ballet Recital

Olivia had her ballet recital in late May, and it appears that this may be her last. She has informed us that after 3 years, she is going to retire from ballet. Maybe it is time to switch her to hip hop.... I was thrilled that her "final" year was a full costume recital, and I think that the outfit was absolutely beautiful! As you can see in the following pictures, it was a full make up recital as well. While I have very mixed feelings about that, Olivia is quite the stunner!

Showing off her dance moves.

Olivia with some of her dance class prior to the recital.

Olivia and friends getting excited about their stage performance.

The big moment! Olivia is in front in this picture. She did a great job remembering the dance, which was considerably more complicated than last year's.

Ta Da!

Joe and I with Olivia post recital. We remembered to bring her flowers this year to congratulate her for her wonderful performance (we forgot last year and that was a big mistake!).

Olivia with her Grammy and Grandpa Brett.

Olivia with Grandpa and Grandma.