Howe Two: Summer Fun--Week 4

Another week packed with adventures of all varieties. We started out with our first fracture for one of our kids. Bummer! Adrienne was squirreling around on the side of the couch, when she lost her balance and fell directly onto her shoulder on the hardwood floor. She screamed like you wouldn't believe, which caused Matt to stop his piano lesson (this was at almost 8 p.m.). We were mid-crazy thunderstorm, so we tried to get her some ice and to get comfortable, but it wasn't working. He finally loaded her up and took her to the ER around 9:30. I offered to go since he had to work the next morning, but he insisted as he wanted to personally see the x-ray and wouldn't be able to if he wasn't present. Thankfully, this fracture is the best case scenario--a green stick fracture of the mid-clavicle, incomplete. She's in a sling (just for comfort as needed during the day) for 2 weeks and can do activities as tolerated. I am so grateful that she is also just such a trooper. No complaining or belly-aching about missing out on her usual swimming and park climbing activities. She's a rock star for sure.

On Thursday morning, the girls and I hit the road for Des Moines after early morning dentist appts for them. We decided that since Matt was working we would meet Aunt Meggie and the boys in Des Moines so that the kids could see each other and spend time together. We beat them there by a couple hours, and as the time grew close for their arrival, the girls couldn't take it any longer and had to sit on the front steps.

The kids immediately hit the water and enjoyed the big pool Grandad set up on the deck. I wouldn't let poor Adrienne in it with the other kids, however, because they were so wild and excited. I quickly realized I would need to get her a smaller pool of her own, but in the meantime she did her best to "swim" in a plastic bin. Bless her heart.

Jack and Jillian enjoying Grammy's ice cream sandwiches

Bedtime stories with Jillian. And Adrienne in a dress up hat, of course.

We hit a big local park Friday morning. Adrienne had to do some bubbles when the other kids were enjoying monkey bars. Still no complaints from this sweet one.

Cousin pow wow under the play structure.

Jillian mothering Bryce

Finally, Adrienne enjoyed relaxing in her private pool.

More ice cream. There's always lots of it at G and G's!

Coloring and playdoh-ing to prolong the bedtime dance.

Show snuggles between B and A.

On Saturday morning, we decided to hit the zoo. It was almost impossible to get a decent picture of all 4 kids at the entrance, or really at anytime, for that matter.

Camel rides were a hit.

So was the train ride

Checking out the sea lions

Snack break. "Normal" pictures still impossible.

Trying out some tribal drums

I stood next to A on the carousel to help protect her arm.

Adrienne was so funny in the bird area--"Mom! I've never been this close to a bird before"

And then I asked J to stand with her and this is what I got. Teenage angst, anyone??

Happy shoppers after selecting their souvenirs.

A pretty decent pic with G and G.

We stopped at Chick-Fil-A for lunch on the way home, and then when we arrived, Aunt Mal and baby James were there for some fun. Aunt Mal ordered Grammy a pretty fun and appropriate shirt.