"I go parade. Get sucker!?!"

It has been an exciting week with it all starting on Sunday with July 4th celebrations. We began the day by going to the Saint Peter parade. Lydia enjoyed eating piece after piece of candy and wasn't too happy when we tried to stop her. Her favorite was the suckers. She still wants one everyday! Elijah fell asleep in daddy's arms and slept through the whole parade. Maybe next year he will enjoy all the fun.

After the parade we milked cows in record time and Lydia took a nap. Eli decided not to sleep much so he joined us in the barn. It is interesting holding a baby in one arm and cleaning a cow's udder with the other, but us farm girls get it done :)

After taking care of the cows we continued our celebration at the Salfer's with lots of friends. They had great food, good conversation :), a few rounds of the card game pit, some fireworks, and at least a million mosquitoes. Abby is pictured above holding Eli while Lydia chowed done on watermelon. Abby is such a great God Sister to Eli!!

The best part of the evening was watching the fireworks in the cool air conditioned car. It was my most memorable part of the day because Lydia actually liked the fireworks. In years past she screamed at all the loud noise. Eli once again slept through the excitement, but not for long because then we headed to my aunt and uncles to celebrate Shawn's birthday. We had a great ice cream cake to celebrate. Happy Birthday!!

On Tuesday we joined my cousin and her family in Mankato for more patriotism. An area band had their 4th of July concert in the park. It was fun getting together and chatting. The two girls enjoy one another's company :)

Last night we went to the town pool for Eli's first dip! He wasn't too sure about it before we even got in the water. I think the light reflecting off the water was freaking him out, but with a little extra TLC from me and my friend Ann (pictured above) we got him in the water for a little cooling down. Lydia is a total fish!! She loves the water and it was great to just let her walk and swim around :)

Here Comes the Bride...

This weekend we enjoyed a fun filled celebration -my cousin Laura's wedding. The event was so well planned and simply beautiful, except mother natures added rain, wind, humidity, and tornadoes. But to be honest that is not the part to be remember the most! Lydia was an adorable flower girl and we danced the night away listening to the dueling pianos. The Happy Couple: Nick and Laura

Finally smiling now that we bribed her with everything possible.

Walking or running down the aisle with Liam.

Elijah got all dressed up for the event (thanks Thomas), but due to the hot conditions he was striped down to shirt and diaper before the ceremony started.

I am trying to get Elijah to realize that he can go to sleep without being shhh-ed, patted and swayed on my shoulder. He is not too convinced! Definately not happy about laying in his crib crying and it really isn't that easy on me either :(

We noticed this week that Eli is starting to get into the crawling position. It won't be long!!