Despite a few patches of light rain, the we enjoyed perfect weather for the 4th. Or, perhaps I misspoke, the weather was a bit dreary; the temperature was perfect - in complete contrast to the previous weekend. Thus, we did not have a cranky baby on our hands, he enjoyed his entire first visit to the farm.
Turns out Brock LOVES fireworks (surprise surprise, he loves fart noises, trucks, and just about anything loud in general - such as blenders at Latteland). Anytime a set of ladyfingers went off he quickly turned in the direction of the commotion and smiled and/or laughed, not even the M-80's startled him. Unfortunately, he is on the fast track to taking after the Smith boy's (who, btw, are dead set on obtaining their pyrotechniques licenses' so they can "shoot off some real fireworks"). Perhaps we will not be joining them next year, seeing as I enjoy living.
Since finishing up with boards (oh yeah, I took my step 1 exam last week!!) Brock and his cousin Xander have been able to spend a lot of quality time together and are quickly becoming buddies. Xander was so kind as to give Brock a lift - twice.
And, let's not forget, it isn't just the little boys that like to drive around in miniature vehicles...Gramps and Dad do too.
No directly fireworks related injuries this year, but we did have an injury indirectly related to fireworks. Brennan was holding a Roman candle and Porter (being the intelligent bull dog he is, pictured in the background of above photo) decided he wanted to destroy it. Needless to say, he missed the firework and sunk a tooth into Brennan's hand. And by sunk, I mean I am pretty sure I could see a tendon. So, after nearly fainting, a little bit of bottled water, antibacterial cream and surgical tape, Brennan got back to his usual debauchery in no time at all.
We did not stay for the fireworks, but made it back to Kansas City just in time for the Leawood fireworks show. Shoot, you know what? I am a Smith too - I LOVE fireworks!
Aren't you proud of yourself?
As I surfed the internet, Matt took charge of baby duty. Brock was out and about, exploring the house, when Matt informed me that he was running upstairs and that the baby was in the hallway. After just a moment I peeked in the hallway to check on the little guy, only to find him 3 stairs up and climbing! Finally got the outlets covered...time to bring out the baby gates (or just refrain from being a neglectful parent.)
Stephanie Million's baby shower in early May, the twins have since arrived.
The O'Laughlin's had a family reunion-ish weekend here in KC, June 18-20th. I really just ate the great dinners from Jack Stack and Garozzo's while the rest of the family visited the old airport where Grandma Genny O's old flight attendent uniforms is on display.
Staci Schnieders & Robert Reintjes' engagement party, hosted by the Lillig's & Amey's on June 12th.
Despite a few patches of light rain, the we enjoyed perfect weather for the 4th. Or, perhaps I misspoke, the weather was a bit dreary; the temperature was perfect - in complete contrast to the previous weekend. Thus, we did not have a cranky baby on our hands, he enjoyed his entire first visit to the farm. 
Since finishing up with boards (oh yeah, I took my step 1 exam last week!!) Brock and his cousin Xander have been able to spend a lot of quality time together and are quickly becoming buddies. Xander was so kind as to give Brock a lift - twice.
And, let's not forget, it isn't just the little boys that like to drive around in miniature vehicles...Gramps and Dad do too.
No directly fireworks related injuries this year, but we did have an injury indirectly related to fireworks. Brennan was holding a Roman candle and Porter (being the intelligent bull dog he is, pictured in the background of above photo) decided he wanted to destroy it. Needless to say, he missed the firework and sunk a tooth into Brennan's hand. And by sunk, I mean I am pretty sure I could see a tendon. So, after nearly fainting, a little bit of bottled water, antibacterial cream and surgical tape, Brennan got back to his usual debauchery in no time at all.
You know what they say: fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Well, shame on me. Bunkerhill ended up being too hot, and too miserable again this year. Not nearly as bad as last Summer, but pretty close if you add in the cranky baby factor. No going back now, we have a AC spoiled baby.
I did thoroughly enjoy the quality family time. And the vacation time away from real life. And the awesome ad hoc white sangria that we created. And playing Catch Phrase with my mother because she is genuinely shocked every time the game piece gets back around to her - kind of amazing & hilarious. And the campfire. Overall, the good evens out with the bad, so it was a fine time. A fine time, indeed.