Holtschneider Household: July 2009

On Saturday we took a little family hike at a local state park. The park has some really great trails and it was such a beautiful hike. Daniel started off with tons of energy and he was running down the trails, but by the end he was asking Scott to carry him every 30 seconds. We made him walk the entire way, he did all 2 miles on his own. He was really proud of himself at the end. I got some really great pictures with my new camera (I love it!).

Scott and his mini-me

One of my favorite pictures of Daniel.

Playing peek-a-boo at the playground after our hike.

Ryan loving the camel back water. He couldn't get enough.

Ryan "toggling" around. Daniel informs everyone that Ryan is no longer a baby but he is a "Togler".

Ryan playing peek a boo with Daniel.

We spent the fourth of July holiday with Jenny, Kevin and Charlie. It was a great weekend. Daniel is at such a fun age because he has all these great things to say. I'm not sure where he learned about the flag, it was either at preschool or the summer camp that he is enrolled in, but he proceeded to tell us about how the United States of a Miracle has a flag. Then he told me and Jenny about the golden Eagle at the top of the big flags. I asked him where he learned that one, he said that he just saw it, what an observant little guy. Daniel also sang us God Bless America (which he had to learn for his preschool end of year program). The only thing is, he doesn't sing God Bless America, but Bawd Bess America, and he does it with all of his heart, it is fantastic. And of course being around an elementary school teacher, Jenny takes everything and turns it into a teachable moment. In Virginia, it is important that all elementary students understand that July4th is America's Birthday. So what do you do when it is someones birthday, you bake a cake of course. I thought it would be a great idea to make a flag cupcake birthday cake. I made small cupcakes for the stars and used the larger ones to make red and white stripes. I didn't actually get a picture of it, but Jenny did (maybe she will post it). It turned out to be LOTS of cupcakes. We of course had to sing Happy Birthday to America. As we were doing a practice round Daniel looked at me when I said Happy Birthday to America, and said you mean Happy Birthday God Bless America, so that's how we had to sing it.

The boys wrestling. I'm not sure if Charlie approves.

Pictures at the neighborhood pool. It was a little chilly, hence the purple lips, but they loved it all the same.

Ryan has started pointing at everything. He was pointing at a car that he was playing with.

Ryan was definitely the loudest kid at the pool. We have tons of pictures of him with his mouth open. This is because he was yelling hello at everyone. He might be loud, but at least he is friendly.

Daniel is getting more comfortable in the water. He can do a front float and back float by himself. He still lacks confidence and won't jump in without a hand, but we are working on it. As fast as he is progressing, I'm sure he will be swimming by the end of the summer.

I just love this picture of Kevin and Charlie, it is one of my favorites.

Ryan is the drooliest kid ever! He still has to wear a bib everyday because of the amount of saliva that he produces. It is ridiculous!

Riding his decorated bike to the neighborhood parade.

Daniel was so excited about going to Fireworks. Jenny finally had to make him a sign so he could wait for the numbers to match up. He wanted to make sure that we did not miss the fireworks.