Evie's First Night in Her Big Girl Room

First off, she didn't get out of her bed once!! We were thrilled! Also, she's sleeping on her back---something she hasn't done since she was about a week or so old (we quickly discovered we could all sleep through the night if she was on her stomach). She was happy with her bed and instantly layed back with her head on the pillow. Too sweet!

Snyder Visit - Last Day, Tuesday

We headed to the zoo for the third & final time this morning. Afterward, we picked Scott up and took him to lunch at Panera (yum). After Evie's nap, the kids and I drove James & Charity to the airport. I was sad, to say the least! Jared was sad, too, and kept telling me he missed them as we were driving home.

Snyder Visit - Day Eight, Monday

Jared had summer camp again today. While he was there, we did a little shopping. Afterward, we went to lunch at my favorite Chinese bistro and headed home for nap time. We had City BBQ for dinner---James wanted one more fix before heading back to Texas.

Snyder Visit - Day Seven, Sunday

The day's line-up included church, painting pottery (just me and Charity) and playing in the backyard. While the girls were painting, the boys got brave and let the kids paint!

Above & below are two of the day's best pictures!

James taught Jared a nifty trick!

Look, ma---I don't need your help to climb this ladder.

Yes, she really was caught off guard by the wet slide. She's used to it being dry!

Evie liked the sprinkler---as long as it wasn't on! :)

Such a classic looking picture! James is a great photographer, don't you think?

Typical family water fight! Charity stayed out of the way by holding Evie (who doesn't like sprinklers of any kind) and James stayed clear by taking pictures. WHY didn't I think to take pictures???

Snyder Visit - Day Six, Saturday

We made our second trip to the zoo today. We didn't stay long....it was pretty hot! Jared enjoyed the misters and spent most of the time looking like he'd just gotten out of the shower. We collectively ate two lemon chills, one strawberry chill and one watermelon chill (come to think of it, we ate the ENTIRE time they were here!).

Three Little Monkeys

What I like about this picture is the fact that I can say, "Charity almost missed the boat!" :)

Snyder Visit - Day Five, Friday

We spent the better part of the day visiting the Longaberger basket factory. After a little play time :) James & Charity got to make their own basket. We fed the kids and then went to watch--we got there just in time for Jared to get to use a hammer!

While I was fixing supper, Charity painted with the kids. This was Evie's first time to paint. She rather enjoyed herself, as you can see from the pics.

Snyder Visit - Day Four, Thursday

While Jared was at summer camp today, Scott & James managed to sand a few cabinet doors. Meanwhile, Charity and I switched furniture in Evie's and Madison's rooms. Evie now has a big girl room---it's currently my favorite room in the house. We still have a few things to hang and some work to do, but it's mostly done. Yay!!

Almost forgot to mention the afternoon's activity---a trip to the Graeter's Ice Cream Store where they make the incredible ice cream. I feel guilty admitting this, but between the four of us, we purchased 15 pints of ice cream during the Snyder's visit. NO, I didn't say we ate it all....the Browns were left with 7 half-eaten pints in the freezer. :)

Snyder Visit - Day Three, Wednesday

No pictures for today.....We all went to see Ratatouille (cute, but not as funny as the critics think!). Before heading to the movies, we had lunch at City BBQ. I like to eat at City BBQ, but it makes me miss Rudy's like crazy.

Snyder Visit - Day Two, Tuesday

To say we were busy on July 3rd would be the understatement of the year! We dropped Jared off at summer camp and we spent the time shopping. After camp, we all (minus Scott) went to the Conservatory and saw the butterflies. The kids had a great time. We came home for dinner w/Scott and then headed to Build-a-Bear so Evie could make Madison a bunny. The night came to an end with us watching fireworks downtown (yes, here they do it on the 3rd).

The world's cutest butterfly!

The second we walked in to Build-a-Bear, Evie was itching to get out of the stroller. There were too many choices to pick from. We "encouraged" her to make a bunny.

Evie did not want to step on the pedal.