I remember....

*After family devotion one night, Will asked the kids what they wanted to talk to God about. With no hesitation, Jack answered, "I'm going to ask Him for another baby....a brother this time."

*At dinner Josie looked around the table and announced, "I'm Josephine, you are Jackphine, and you are Katephine." This was funny in itself but even funnier to my Kennedy family since one of our famous stories is of a certain 4-year old signing her name "Caraton" since her brothers were Clayton and Clifton.

*...Kate learning to clap, play peekaboo and get stuck in strange places. Her most recent jam was in the bottom of Doc and Mam's hat/coat rack at the farm. Other places she is obsessed with are the potty, cabinets, the fridge, and the dishwasher. She continues to keep me on my toes!

*...having a great summer vacation in San Antonio with cousin Connor! He took us to his pools, his gymnastics class, and Sea World. After spending time with him, I am certain that Jack will be begging for a little brother.

Daddy + Jack + Josie + water park = super summer fun!

a nursery rhyme

This little helper went to Farmer's Market.
This little princess stayed home with mom.
This big brother played lots of baseball,

While his littlest sister played his drum.
These best friends were overheard saying, "I missed you while you were gone."

Another word to describe our ten month old is inTENse.

Josie: Mommy, but where is God?
Mommy: God lives in Heaven.
Josie: But I can't see Him.
Mommy: We can't see Him but we believe He is there, and we will live there with Him someday.
Josie: Maybe we can go and visit Him sometime.

Wake up for America!

We have been hyping up the 4th of July to our kids for a while now. Patriotism is something I desperately desire for each of them. My parents taught and modeled to my brothers and I the love of God, family and country. I, in turn, want to share this with my kids. So we have been reading books and singing songs about America a lot lately. They have been practicing the pledge of allegiance and singing God Bless America in preparation for the 4th. Jack and Josie were so excited when they woke up yesterday, and Jack exclaimed, "It's America's birthday!"

Our friends the Starrs invited us to the Arlington parade.

On our way, Jack couldn't understand why all the neighbors weren't joining us....and began shouting, "Wake up for America!" It also disturbed him that we were the only house on the street with our grand ol' flag flying. This is a boy after his Mam's heart.
The parade was hot but the kids are still talking about all the fun floats, marching bands and music. Kate was a trooper in the heat and only got into a little trouble with her buddy Rachel.

We ate lunch at a fun 50's diner, took naps (sort of) and then finished the day with a few hours at the water park with the Starrs. I hope they will always be so excited about this special day.

Ready....

Set...

Swim!


Jack, we are so proud of you. You completed two weeks of swim lessons at the YMCA this week. You looked forward to going every morning! Much to our surprise you were a little bit of a class clown, but with a little re-direction, you learned the basics and feel so comfortable in the water. Your favorite things to do in the pool are: go underwater to fetch rings, jump off the side, and swim underwater. You aren't able to swim on top of the water yet, but I think by the end of the summer, you'll be there. You were so brave and we loved seeing that twinkle in your eyes every morning! Keep it up, buddy.