It has rained every day for the past two weeks... and I don't think I am exaggerating this statement! haha.... so we have tried to soak up any outside time we could get in between the rain showers and thunderstorms. Zander has been wanting to go on an "adventure" for a long time.... where he could wear his "adventure vest" and use his "goggles" which he finally is calling binoculars after our recent hiking adventures. So last Sunday we went for a small hike on a trail near our house and yesterday we went about 30 minutes away for a little longer hike that had some pretty amazing views of our surrounding area! Here are some pictures from our great outdoor adventures!
Since it has been raining a lot.... we have built a few forts in our living room using blankets and our bar stools from the kitchen! The kids love crawling through the fort or just sitting under it!
Maddox is growing up so fast! I went into the other room for a moment and he was up on the couch (by himself) just "talking" on my phone! We also found out he has his third ear infection of 2017 and some major wheezing this past weekend. His symptoms for ear infections are not typical for most kids but he does have the same symptoms each time which are characteristic of "Maddox Ear Infections" apparently. He starts to get pretty fussy and has some coughing/congestion. His energy level decreases and that is about it! No fever ever and he goes between waves of fussiness and being completely content and happy! This time brought on a new prescription for the ear and the dreaded nebulizer! Ever since Zander had RSV at 8 months old, I have HATED the nebulizer! Ironically, Zander has gotten to the point that he can almost enjoy the experience and as soon as he gets a cough, he will ask for his "firetruck" (which is the shape of the nebulizer we purchased!) Maddox was NOT a fan at the doctor's office yesterday but he has since calmed down and if you have two people and a large repertoire of songs... you can make it bearable!
We attended Josh's birthday pool party yesterday and while we kept Maddox out of the water due to his ear infection etc., he looked so cute in his puddle jumper (just to ensure that if he did take a swim, he would float pretty quickly!) He would walk with his arms out the whole time since it is a little big on him... it reminded me of the boy in "A Christmas Story" when he walking around in his snowsuit! haha
Zander had his Awana Awards Night tonight. He has absolutely LOVED being a "Jr. Cubbie" this year and learning all his bible verses. Each night he likes for us to pray to God about Jesus and thank him for dying on the cross for our sins. He is starting to ask many questions about heaven and how he can go there. He has even wanted Jesus in his heart. (However, two weeks before saying that he adamantly said he did
not want Jesus in his heart.... which made me almost cry too!) We have prayed prayers together and I look forward to seeing his love for Jesus and his understanding of the Bible increase as he gets older. It is humbling to watch him start to grasp the sacrifice Jesus made for us as sinners. I will be honest and say that I am watching to see if some of his comments are more to please mommy and his Awana teachers or a genuine heart for God at his young age. It is incredible to see the child-like faith that I wish we all had. He even asked the other night if he could go to heaven right now! Oh sweet boy, I cherish each of these conversations and look forward to watching you make a lifelong commitment to have a deepened relationship with our heavenly father.
We were also able to visit Great Grandpa and Great Grandma after the awards night since they live across the street! I love the visits we have with them! They have been sick this past week which meant the boys and I have missed spending time with them! In honor of Memorial Day Weekend... I had to get a picture with my favorite military man!
