Summer-time fun

First off, I'd like to share a picture as an extra "Thank You" to Ted and Jan for Madeline's birthday present. Madeline got a beanbag chair (actually in the shape of an arm chair) from Grammie and Grandpa for her birthday.

 

And she's such a good sister, she even shares it from time to time.

We found one of Caleb's old cameras that used real film, and decided to give it to Madeline to be "her" camera. It's hilarious to see her take a picture, because she raises it high so she can see you. Never mind the viewfinder....

(I love Olivia's photo bomb, too!)

Madeline still loves to color, draw, paint, or do just about anything remotely creative. Given the fact that Caleb and I both enjoy these things, too, it would probably be more surprising if she didn't like those things.

She told me that it's the doctor. (We had just gone for the kids' checkups)

I gave her a page with her name written with each of the letters outlined. She painted each letter, and is getting better at remembering how to spell her name (a good skill for preschool!).

 

And don't forget the Home Depot kids workshop each month! In August they made a truck, which she diligently painted in varying colors.

 

At the beginning of August each year our neighborhood has held a block party for National Night Out. We realized that this was our fifth, since we've gone every year we've been in this house (confused on the math? The first one was a few weeks after we moved in). It's been a great way to meet the neighbors, and it was essential when meeting other moms when Madeline was a newborn. That's how we learned she was one of six other kiddos born within a two-month timespan! So glad she'll have her friends nearby.

 

Anyway, this year the local firefighters came for a visit again, and Madeline was brave enough to sit inside!

We tried to take her picture with the firetruck behind her, but she's going through a phase right now where she rarely is willing to smile for pictures:

 

A few weeks ago we spent an evening at one of the many lakes in the area. It turned out to be a great place to play! Their playground was a little advanced for someone so... er, short, but Madeline enjoyed it anyway.

 

Then we sat by the lake and watched the ducks. Another kid was even nice enough to share a little popcorn to feed them!

If you tickle her, she looks like she's smiling for the picture!

Or sometimes just surprise her with the camera and take what you can get.

Olivia was soooo good for us! Super content just to watch what everyone else was doing.

 

We finished the evening with a ride on the trolly! This particular one was made in 1908 and was used until the 50s. It's been restored and volunteers will take you up and down a short part of the track (for a small fee - well worth it). Everyone thought it was really cool. We'll definitely have to ride it again sometime!

Waiting for other "passengers" to get on.