July 2016

We were so excited to plan an Independence Day Celebration amidst our busy schedules, but alas the weather didn't cooperate. We waited to see if the percentage of rain would change, but it was only increasing. It was especially difficult to know to cancel or not as the day before was perfect, sunny weather! Not wanting to risk the above 80% chance rain, we canceled. We heard there was a celebration the historic town of St. Charles was hosting, so with a few other friends we dressed up in our 18th century attire and walked the town.

Emma's dress came out so lovely!

Looks like they stepped back in time! It was such a fun way to share history with people when they would come up and ask why we were dressed up. It's rather sad when some people don't even know what or why they celebrate the 4th of July.

"Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature."
Benjamin Franklin

Off to Niednagel land!

Setting off some fireworks on the actual 4th

"I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not." John Adams

Set and ready for baby N to arrive!

Welcome Jonas Archer Niednagel!

He's their biggest baby yet weighing just over 10 pounds!

Making his rounds to those present at his arrival.

He's their most relaxed, quiet baby yet!

The way he fell asleep with his legs crossed reminded me of this picture when William was a baby

The other children often ask if they can hold him

Deja vu to a similiar pose from Philip. You can tell Jonas was about 2.5 pounds bigger than Philip was when born by how full his face is.

He sleeps in so many different positions that at times look posed and others you wonder how he got into such a contortion.

Meet Gru. Taralyn found a tomato with a nose in Melissa's garden and built it a little chapeau and peppercorn eyes.

The uncles come to meet Jonas

Marian LOVES dancing. One of her favorite songs to play is "Better when I'm Dancing" and as long as there's someone to dance with she keeps playing it over!

Picnic breakfast out on a "sand"/rock bar at the creek. Totally normal.

Philip loves frogs... a lot! So much so that even when it was raining he sat by the van cause he saw a bigger frog that was just out of reach.

His patience was rewarded! The frogs seem to love him too. Some days he would have a frog sit on his hand for long periods of time while he'd play different games.

I loved being able to spend a month helping out. Times like this were definitely a highlight and what I call fun work... cuddle time with Jonas so Melissa could sleep while also getting to read!

*Side note: I would highly recommend the book I'm reading here: Everyday Grace by Jessica Thompson. I was talking about relationships with Melissa once (or rather one time in particular, I should say, since it's a common topic :-P) and she said I might find this book helpful. It was excellent and is already back on my list of books to read again!

Not only does Philip love frogs but all sort of insects. He found this beautiful butterfly that wasn't flying, brought it in, gave it some sugar water and after sitting on his hand for a while, crawling and slowly opening and closing it's wings he freed it when it started flying. He caught a number of butterflies that day, that wold sit on his hand for awhile letting us enjoy their beauty.