Buscando a Lincoln

So, we live in one of the many towns with a claim to President Lincoln. Since last August, when we began studying American History, JT has been interested in learning about President Lincoln. And then, while driving through downtown one day in September, he saw the sign that said, "Looking for Lincoln." I promised we would check it out when we got to that part of History. A couple of weeks ago, after our school year was already over, we finally had a free day with beautiful weather, and we went looking for Lincoln with some friends. We did the rubbings tour, which is free(!) and also seemed to be the best suited for a group of 7 children, ages 11 months-9 years, and 2 moms. :)

How many shots until everyone looks at the camera? Also, we dd this at the beginning, before we were all tired out. :)

One Year

It's hard to believe, but JL turned one year old! The first 6 months were so difficult, and they followed an extremely difficult pregnancy. The 2nd half of her 1st year was a story of continual improvement, her health, growth, sleep, personality. Now, here we are with a 1 year old, who sleeps at night (a feat accomplished the week before her birthday!), eats what the family eats, and s beginning to talk. She is also beginning to stand without holding on, though we haven't had any unsupported steps yet.

words: hola, mama, *her name*, papa, agua
teeth: bottom 2 with about 6 looking ready to poke through any day now
size: small, but are you surprised? :) 6-9 months in clothes

On her birthday, we celebrated as a family. JA even chose to stay home from camp in order to not miss her sister's 1st birthday! We had birthday pancakes, and presents, and then we had our family pictures taken, along with JL's birthday pictures. We had sorbet for a treat, noodles and ground turkey for dinner, wen swimming, and cupcakes for dessert. Also, in our family, we sing "Las mañanitas" in the morning before eating our birthday pancakes, and then we sing "Felix cumpleaños" before eating our birthday dessert. "Happy Birthday" is for when there are other people celebrating with us. :)

I'll do a separate post for her party, as that has even more pictures, and a couple of videos. :)

Memorial Day

We grilled out and enjoyed the park after church on Sunday, and then went to the parade and service Monday morning. We had fun, and also were able to talk with the kids (mostly JA and JT) about the reason behind the day.

She was out of breathe from running and riding her bike.

One of JT's favorite activities.

JMC recently discovered Frisbee golf, and he loves it

Walking to the parade

JL was less than thrilled with the hat.

The boys were so proud to hold the American flag from the moment they got out of the car, until after the parade and service were over and we were back in the car heading home.

JMC

JT

Camping - Sunday

Sunday morning, I woke up early, gathered the things we needed (dry clothes for JMC, dry shoes for everyone, etc.) and headed back out to the campsite. Everyone was eating roasted apples with cinnamon sugar when I got there, and Mr.S. had gone home and brought back some dry firewood. Then, we had breakfast, began to pack up a bit, and headed out hiking.

Papi and JMC looking at the crrek

Anyone know what kind of plant this is?

There were stops along the ril with a guided tour to read. The boys each took one turn, and then JA and Z took over. 

a millipede

The trail went through a portion of the woods, and also along a prairie restoration site.

JL slept for most of the hike

A and JT, impatient to get onto the bridge

And that's it. We headed back to the campsite, ate lunch, packed up, and came home. It was a great weekend, and we are all looking forward to going camping again soon.