July Fireworks!

Wow, what a month July was! I can't believe it has literally flown by before our eyes. As I was looking back through all our July pictures I was amazed that some of the events happened this month (they seem like they happened forever ago) and at the same time I couldn't believe a month had already passed. It is amazing how the older we get, the faster time seems to fly.

To start off there were fourth of July celebrations this month! We still went down to Bond Park for our annual decorating and parade. This year Grace decorated her own stroller. She was so cute walking down the street pushing her baby.

We also attended the evening concert put on by the town of Cary band! Daddy used to be in the band, but when Grace came along he decided it was more important to spend the time with her.... but we still like to go and support them.

 We drew with chalk and walked through the woods.

 Happy 4th of July from the Macaluso's. :)

 We also had a great visit from Papa Joe and Magna (or Grandma backwards as Grace calls her.) We went to so many places in the four days they were here! First stop, pullen park, for boat rides, train rides, carousel rides, wow I couldn't even fit all the pictures in. We even stopped at locopops for a cold treat on our way home.

 We also made sure to get some great pictures of the three of them at this stage!

 We went to both the Life and Science museum as well as Marbles. We just love this area and all the great things there are to do with tots!

Another HUGE exciting event this month has been SOCCER Saturday's with Grace! She loves the concept of running around getting the ball. We still need to work on kicking and not picking up... hehe. Maybe she will be a goalie? Her favorite parts of soccer without a doubt are stretching, water break and the huddle up cheer at the end. :) It was cute to see her first Soccer experience!

Tot School has started in full swing. I am very committed now to "home schooling" Grace through pre-school. We have already started! Each week Grace is introduced to new learning centers. The centers stay out throughout the week for her to explore. Daddy and I both sit down and focus on them when we have a spare second, but its amazing how often she goes over and gets these all by herself! We call it Tot school and its been a hit. The first week was "Red, White and Blue" The other three weeks focused on A, B and then C.

In July we also participated in Dance class. Grace loves holding her hands above her head and spinning. She also loves walking on her tip toes and tapping her toe. It is so cute to watch her really observe the teacher and try to do what she sees. I just love this tiny dancer.

So we also did lots of regular things this month. We continued to go to different pools and lakes, there was a camping trip with Boppy and Mimi (We never spent the night but we did go up a lot) We are just enjoying living and this phase of life. In August we are looking forward to our week at Myrtle Beach, potty training (starts tomorrow) and loving on one another. We also plan to continue our quest for healthier, cleaner eating. We have learned toddlers can be very patient even when they are hungry if they are involved in the cooking process, and what do you know, She is really great at using a whisk. :)

Sweet Grace,
We are so thrilled we get to call you ours! Terrible twos is in full swing and honestly I wouldn't change a second.... ok lie maybe just one or two seconds. :) Taking you out to restaurants has become a real treat. Sometimes you scream out for no reason and you have very strong feelings about sitting in a high chair now. I am working on patience, techniques to distract you, and learning how to train your heart. Being a parent is hard! We talk about being kind with your words and the way you say things. (You are seriously talking all the time now, the other day something happened and you responded with "Oh my gosh") We also talk about being gentle and saying sorry when someone gets hurt, their bodies or their feelings. Sometimes you get frustrated at me and I have to tell you to talk to me nicely. You always stroke my cheek and say "sorry Mama, I sorry" It melts my heart. BUT it's still not acceptable to talk rudely to your mama. :) As we go through this time just remember I am trying my best and I love you with all my heart, every second. Even during the few I would change :)
xoxo
Mommy & Daddy