"stay-cation"

S. was able to take off work the whole week of the 4th of July.  We had so much fun spending so much time together.  Instead of taking a big trip, we did some fun things close by and relaxed at home:)

1st--Sunnyfest
*N. enjoyed a bounce house, watching helicopters take off, fly, and land, a train ride, and a treat from the ice cream man followed by both the boys' first fireworks show.   At first, N. didn't like the noise, but then cried when it was over because he didn't want it to stop.  P. didn't like the noise either, but I think it was more due to him being up way past bedtime--once I gave him some goldfish snacks, he was fine.  It was a really good fireworks show, and we had a close-up spot with all our friends from church.  We laid on a blanket and watched the fireworks being shot up straight above us!

2nd--Rudys BBQ
*S. needed to do work on both of our cars at his dad's shop in Arlington, so we both headed over there.  While he worked on our cars, we played at Oma's.  Then we all went for BBQ at Rudys--his brother has been raving about it, so we had to check it out.  It was so yummy!

Taking some steps while pushing his toy (the shoe is there so he won't go too fast)...

 P. loved putting these little paper bowls on his head...

 3rd--Couch Shopping
*S. bought me a couch!  I have been wanting a new couch for who knows how long--we had looked when we first moved a year ago, but weren't quite ready to buy yet, so we looked around again this weekend, and after three trips to the store to check it out, we decided on one that we both like.  N. by the end told us he's sick of going to the mall--we bought it at Macys.  I'm super-excited--it comes in a few weeks and I'm anxious to give our house some of my style:)

4th--Fourth of July Parade
*We headed to Arlington for their annual 4th of July parade.  We picked up Shipley's donuts on our way, enjoyed time with Oma and Opa while watching the parade in the shade (we got awesome curbside spots in the shade because a family friend camps there overnight and saved us some).  N. really enjoyed it, and P. remarkably was happy rocking with Oma and watching the festivities.

 Donut eating--I think P. wants some:)

 Love his expression--he does this one all of time--I just haven't captured it yet...

5th--Caleb's Remission Party
*After going to the parade, we headed over to Canton to celebrate with my nephew, Caleb.  They had a celebration for him for being in remission from Hodgkins Lymphoma.  He is doing really well right now.  N. had an absolute blast playing on the inflatable water slide, and P. had fun crawling around in the bounce house.  We also built lego cars and raced them.  We had a great time hanging out with my brother and his family and enjoying some yummy food!  Hooray for Caleb!

6th--Dallas Zoo
*On Friday, we took the kids to the Dallas Zoo.  N. loved seeing all the animals--I think he liked the snakes the best, but he would tell you he loved them all if you ask him his favorite:)  We rode the monorail--which of course is a highlight to N., because it's a train!  P. honestly was a fussy mess (I think he's teething, b/c he's been so grouchy lately), until he finally took a nap in the stroller, but both the boys loved playing in the water at the kids area of the zoo.  To end our zoo adventure, we all got yummy drinks from McDonalds! 

7th--Out to dinner
*Saturday night, we decided to try a Mexican restaurant in Garland.  It was really good, and any night that I don't have to cook is a vacation to me:)

So throughout our "stay-cation", we have eaten way too much ice cream--S.'s work delivered six pints of Ben and Jerry's and Haagen Dazs ice cream, and we've pretty much eaten some every night:)  Oh well, it's vacation, right?  I've enjoyed having S. around, and the boys have loved playing with him--we're going to miss him as he goes back to work tomorrow.  We love you S., and are so glad we had a fun and relaxing week with you!