One Busy Summer

We have had one busy summer! It is hard to believe that this is my last week before I have to return to work. Justin has had a lot of fun doing different things. We visited the park several times and even played in Sycamore Creek during one of those trips. Justin thought that was really fun. We also made more and more trips to Nelsonville than ever. With being so close now, it is a lot easier to go home. Justin really likes playing with all of his cousins and riding the four-wheeler, playing with the "big trucks" on the BIG track and just running around outside with so much to do!

We went to several parties over the summer. Our neighborhood had a 4th of July party that went well until the started letting off fireworks. Then the party was pretty much over for us, Justin was terrified of the fireworks. It was fun up to that point. Hannah and Colton also had their birthday parties (one of our trips to Nelsonville). Justin loved this too - see the picture with the big balloon hat!

We spent one day at Easton playing in the water fountain and doing a little bit of shopping. Justin thought the fountain was neat, but didn't want to get in it. He played around it and with the other kids, put never actually got in the fountain. This was a long, hot day for Justin and he became very cranky. Justin also made his own bear at "Build-a-Bear," but he really wasn't too interested in this....but he does really like his bear today.

We did spend time at home playing in the pool, playing on the track and learning how to mow. Over the summer Justin's fear of the pool changed a lot. In June he wouldn't even go into the water now in August, he really likes it (I am still trying to get my pool in the backyard!). This summer he also has learned to do a flip. He was trying for a few days to do it then one day, he flipped over and now he just thinks that is the greatest thing he can do.

Justin also learned to get in and out of his bed and does so all on his own. When he is ready to get out of bed, he does so all by himself. He can also open doors which is a good and a bad thing. Good that he can let himself out of his room when he is done with his nap etc, bad because now we have to toddler-proof all the "unsafe" doors. Luckily, he hasn't been to interested in going outside on his own yet.

He also is talking in much longer sentences and questions more and more. Justin wants to know where everyone is at. "Where mommy?, Where daddy?" He will repeat anything - so what out! His memory is getting better too. He is able to tell me about things that we did awhile ago. At night, he will tell stories about things we did. Justin will also "read" to us. Each night I read to him books about the movie "Cars" (yes, we have finally gotten away from reading Little Einsteins! - yeah) and Justin will "read" what is on the page. He does really well remembering what happens on each page, because sometimes what he says isn't just because of the picture on the page.

He still loves his "big trucks" (monster trucks). He usually takes 3 or 4 to bed with him each night. We have had a few even break and he will still play with them, even if they are missing a wheel or two or even missing their tops! Justin will ramp and race them everyday.

It has been a fun summer, although it seems short now looking back. We have a trip to the zoo planned for this weekend, our last "event" for the summer. So, keep looking for pictures of that adventure!