Summer Fun

We've had a fun start to the summer. We've been really enjoying warm summer evenings and hanging out in the neighborhood.  Tia Veronika came for a visit this weekend and the boys were so excited to see her.  For 4th of July we went to the neighborhood parade, then went to the baseball game (and happened upon some amazing seats!), then on to a cookout and fireworks.  The parade lacked a lot in terms of costumes and floats, but they made up with it in candy!  it was like Halloween - crazy.  We tried to convince the kids to exchange their candy for a ticket to the Nationals - it was a tough sell, but definitely worth it because it was a great game.

This year was the first year we all got to see the fireworks and we loved it!  The park near our house has a great view without the crowds.  We ran into a bunch of Brent folks there and the kids all jumped in the fountain together.  It was a very summer sight - kids on a warm evening watching firework and playing in the fountain in their clothes (though I'm pretty sure it is the fountain that the dogs jump in so I was grimacing a bit rather than just enjoying the romanticized image of frolicking youth).

Over the weekend we went to see Lisa and Toby in Chestertown and the kids had SO much fun.  Toby took them out on his boat to check the crab traps and went fishing.  Sofie and I stayed shore-side because she couldn't fit into a life jacket.

 Sofie is still super sweet.  She smiles a lot and almost laughs. She still loves to be held, but tolerates sitting in the middle of the action.  The boys adore her, but Diego in particular worries me with how he fondles her.  Sometimes it almost seems like he is trying to hurt her and other times he doesn't realize what he is doing - like when he tried to lean on her stomach to help himself sit upright.  She is grabbing for things -- though not very precisely...Unlike the boys she can't stand the pacifier and loves to nurse.  I'm very happy about that as I want to keep her my little baby as long as possible.  She sleeps okay during the night, but mainly catnaps during the day.

It has been tough to balance attention for all three kids and I don't know when/if it'll get easier.  The boys fight a lot, but miss each other a lot when apart.  Diego in particular has been having a tough time and I assume it has to do with being almost three and being in the middle.  He has taken to sitting in Sofie's bouncey chair...I'm hoping school will help with this. I don't think any one is getting enough of my time - including me!