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

June's Sunshine

Oh my goodness I can't believe June has already come and gone. Our little sunshine continues to grow and develop and pretty much amaze us every day. So many things have happened this month, but I will try my best to give you an overview. :) We are trying to take advantage of different museums in the area. We visited the Museum of Life and Science in Durham several times this month. Grace love's their outdoor exhibits. 

 Grace's friend Natalee went with us on one of our adventures up there. :)

 A different time Mimi joined us for the fun!

Grace is a total water bug! We spent many, many days at the pool/lake. I could literally put hundreds of pictures on here of my daughter enjoying the sun, but I have limited myself :) She is so tan from all her time out in the sun, people are always commenting on it. Thank goodness she has her Daddy's skin and its ability to tan so easily.

We finished our season at the little gym. We have had so much fun watching this child learn how to walk, and run, and now even jump. The little gym has really helped with her ability to be so incredibly steady for such a young thing. The "show" was a lot of fun, and Daddy did a great job with her. I know they will be looking forward to September when it starts back up again!

We also celebrated Father's Day this month. This man that I picked at 18 has really turned into an incredible husband and father. We are so blessed to have him. Hopefully he felt spoiled on his special day. Especially the making pancakes in a winter hat pictures. :)

 

June has been a truly amazing month. It feels like it just flew by! We are feeling so blessed with this thing we called life.

Sweet Grace,
We love you, wow do we love you. There is something about the love you have for your child, that you just won't understand until you have your own someday. Toddlerhood testing can be in full swing, screaming because you don't get your way, laying on the floor, refusing to say thank you, and yet still we want to just scoop you up and kiss you from head to toe. We love you. There is nothing you can ever do that will change that because you are ours. And we love you. We love you when you ask to read a book, and go get one and come sit on our laps, wow we love that. We love you when you get your stool and bring it to the sink so you can wash your own hands. We love you when you ask over and over for "stay-ews" stairs, and take 30 minutes going down them to the car because you want to do it yourself. We love you when you use a crayon and write all over the wall.... in blue. We love you when you run up and wrap your arms around our legs. We love you when you sit still and we love you when you go "running, running running". We just love you.
always and forever my baby you'll be
xoxo
Mommy & Daddy