The 4th and such

We had a fun Fourth of July shopping at the outlets and then napping, then having dinner and watching fireworks with the Hoffmans and others. It was so nice, and the fireworks in the town (just set off by random residents) almost beat out any professional fireworks show I've ever seen. Evan loved it, but Ben was not interested. In fact, he was downright grumpy about all the noise.

Even before the fireworks show, E was having a blast sword fighting with our dear 80-year-old friend, Marge. We do love her so.

We got a book in a box of Cheerios called Peeney Butter Fudge. At the back of the book is a recipe for the fudge, and E insisted that he and Daddy were going to make it. So they did. (Unfortunately, the book was far better than the fudge.)

This is where B spends most of his time lately. The kid loves food.

This little man (below) has been a handful lately. But I love him to pieces. His favorite game is Name that Tune, or "the Tune Game." Though he sometimes gets upset if I sing a tune that he determines to be one of "his" songs. He's awesome at it. He can play Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star and half of I am a Child of God on his little piano, and he loves to pick out other familiar songs like Old MacDonald and Happy Family. It's SO FUN seeing his musical talent come out. I can't wait till we get a real piano for him to play. He says the funniest things, too. One night at dinner last month E and I were talking: E: Someday I'm going to be a mommy. Me: You're a boy; you can't be a mommy, but you can be a daddy! You can be a SUPER daddy! E: Or, I can be Condorman!! And because it's so cute, here's one more: During scripture study one night Evan was repeating the words to Jacob 3:8 after John. It ends, "...before the throne of God." Evan repeated it, then turned to me and said, "No, Mommy, we don't want to throw things at God. Daddy, do a different one." (LOVE IT.) I could write a whole bunch more (I have them all written in my journal.), but I'll spare you. Just know that this boy is awesome.

And here he is playing good big brother, reading a book to his little buddy.

This cuteness turned 8 months old yesterday. His skills include opening and shutting drawers, doing the Worm to get where he wants to go, removing all pieces from puzzles, and eating books. And being adorable. My, how those blue eyes sparkle!