Grandma's Visit

We got to start this month off with a visit from Grandma. It was her first time meeting Wylie, and as she looked over her grandson, she noted how similar he was to Forest when he was a baby.

We got a few group pictures in on Sunday:

. . . and on Monday we celebrated the Fourth of July. Grandma got matching shirts for the girls and a festive onesie for Wylie.

Ramona and Mika participated in the neighborhood parade that morning, with their bikes decorated to fit the occasion.

Forest walked alongside Mika while Ramona zipped ahead on the parade route.

Grandma, Paula, Wylie, and I watched and cheered from the street corner.

Immediately after the parade, we all headed to the neighborhood pool, which was the most crowded I have ever seen.

Wylie and I stayed out of the water this time, and just watched. Since I didn't have anything better to do, I put some sunglasses on his sleeping face and laughed at how adorably funny they looked.

In the evening, part of our crew went to see the first ever Timnath fireworks show.

Paula stayed home with me and Wylie this year--Little Miss is not a fan of loud noises. Maybe next year she will get to see the fireworks.

The next day, all of us ventured down to the Denver Aquarium. The baby did surprisingly well in the car. Once we got there, we played in the bubbles . . . 

. . . looked at little fish . . .

. . . observed some snakes . . .

. . . looked at big fish . . .

. . . watched eels . . .

. . . walked through the tunnel . . .

. . . and even got to see a mermaid show.

I think Ramona was only three years old the last time we came to the aquarium, and Mika was still a baby. Our family has really grown since then!

Needless to say, for Ramona and Mika the most memorable part of this visit was seeing the mermaids. Grandma got the girls a portrait with one of the mermaids on our way out of the aquarium.

Since it was such a special day, we got to eat ice cream before lunch at Little Man Ice Cream.

We all tried each other's flavors, but Mika especially enjoyed dipping her spoon into everyone else's bowls. She liked my "Purple Cow" ice cream the best.

We loved spending time with you, Grandma--thanks for coming!

Three Mama Hens

Paula has always enjoyed playing with baby dolls. I often catch her rocking, feeding, and singing to a plastic bundle of joy, pretending to be a miniature mama. During the weeks before baby Wylie was born, all three sisters joined in the baby doll game, asking me to help them wrap their babies and playing "house." 

As various baby gear made their appearances around the house (infant car seat, baby bouncer, bassinet), I found baby dolls and stuffed animals placed inside as part of a game the girls were playing. Around this time, Paula seemed especially interested in practicing for her upcoming role as big sister.

Once their baby brother arrived, Ramona and Mika were perpetually fighting for a turn to hold him and cuddle him.

 

One day, Ramona read a book to Paula at the same time she was holding Wylie. That earned her some bonus big sister points, for sure!

 

 

 

Initially, Paula shyfully declined opportunities to hold her baby brother. But after three weeks, she finally agreed to try. She seemed so pleased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These girls have really taken Wylie under their wings and are always so eager to give him attention and care for him. Let me just say--I had no idea three little girls could love their baby brother so much!