Happy Summer!

What I'm thankful for this week (among many other things):

1) Nora as a puppeteer-in-traininig (Jerry and Kathy used to have a puppet ministry at their church in the 80s. They had some of the puppeteers visiting from FL so also invited some local ones. It was a nice opportunity to grill out, swim in the pond, and fly Nora's kite--too bad there wasn't enough wind. At Christmas-time, Nora had been afraid of puppets but it's amazing what 6 months can do--she now loves them. She even got to try her hand (lol!) at it herself. She will be the next generation of Sauder to be a puppeteer)

2) watching the first fireflies light up (Josh and I got to enjoy a nice time in our front yard with our new camping chairs. We had nice conversation and crossword puzzles and enjoyed laughing alot. Now if only I could get my guy home more evenings!)

3) baby robin looking for his home nest (he was just so cute! But then the next morning at breakfast, we heard this "cheep, cheep" coming from the garage. He had spent the night in there :/ Josh helped him find his way out and hopefully his mommy came to help him. Nora def. still remembers it and sometimes wonders if the bird is still in there!)

4) Nora and P.J. in the same size diaper (a size 3. I knew this was going to happen at some point with clothing but kinda hoped that Nora would be done with diapers by the time Penny caught up with her! We're getting closer with potty training but still have to use them at nap and bedtime for sure)

5) watering flowers nightly with Nora (she is just such a great helper, if Mommy can just find a job she can really do!)

6) baby really jumping in doorway (Penny is totally into the Johnny jump up (?) these days. She can jump more than Nora ever did in it. And it makes her so happy!)

7) squash (this was Penny's 2nd food that she started yesterday. So far she likes it and has quite the appetite!)

8) an expanding vocabulary (for Nora that is! She's really starting to say things but sometimes it takes mommy a few times to understand her :) For example, we told her we're going to the zoo tomorrow and she's been talking about it often but I can never understand her the first time she says it! Also, conversation is a little tricky because often Nora will just repeat the last word that you said to her.)

9) a healthy and growing baby (Penny had her 6 month check-up today with her new doctor--Josh's doctor growing up and he's located in Grabill. She is now 15 lbs 13 oz (50%) and 25.5 inches (50%). She had 3 shots which she did pretty good with and she is pretty close to sitting up by herself now!!)

10) Nora discovering her shadow (we were walking to the library Tuesday morning when Nora noticed her shadow behind her! She also noticed her shadow on her second nature walk with Great-Grandma the next day. It's so cute!)