Indiana State Fair

The State Fair is always a good time.  We on a weekday morning (one of the perks of Chris's schedule) and the place was practically ours.  The kids were just giddy, running around, climbing on tractors, petting farm animals, and eating elephant ears.  What kid doesn't love the fair.  We had planned on taking them on some rides this time, but the carnival didn't open before we had to leave.  The kids were so disappointed, but the pony rides helped.

Beach day on Lake Michigan

I have been wanting beach trip up to the Dunes on Lake Michigan since we moved to Indiana.  We finally planned a day and the night before the forecast was for rain.  If we hadn't committed to our friends, we would have bailed, but we headed up anyway.  It rained the whole way and then cleared up just as we got to the beach.  It was perfect.  We had a great day with great friends and great weather.  The water was warm enough and Jane was so excited to swim around in it with her floaties on.

Chicago

We knew Chicago in the summer would be hot and sticky so we planned our activities accordingly, but in the end, it was probably the best weather we've ever had in Chicago.  You never know.  We started our day at the Museum of Science and Industry.  It was very impressive, especially the only captured U-Boat that they have sitting in the basement.  There was so much to see, but our kids ran out of steam and we needed some food.  We headed over to the Magnificent Mile, ate at Portillos, grabbed donuts from Do-Rite, and finished our day at Millenium Park.  Playing in the fountains was probably everyone's favorite parts (except Peter, who mostly complained that it was too cold).  Jane and Alice were so cute.  Alice loved splashing her feet in the water, and Jane would try to make her laugh and splash around her.  She really dotes on her baby sister.

Alice - 5 months old

Alice is 5 months old now, weighs 12 lbs 14 oz, and is 24.5 inches tall.  She learned to roll from back to front while we were in Reno and does it almost immediately when you put her down now.  Of course, if you put her down on her tummy, she’ll roll right on to her back too.  Needless to say, she doesn’t necessarily stay where we put her anymore.  

She’s very smiley and is happy to be held by others.  Her smile takes up half her face and her limbs swing excitedly as well.  She sleeps very well too (usually).  This week of adjusting back to Eastern time has been a pill, but normally she goes to bed around eight or nine, sleeps until three or four, nurses, and goes right back down until around seven.  It’s wonderful.  I hope it continues. 

She’s grabbing toys and bringing them to her mouth now.  One toy can keep her occupied for several minutes, like it would for Jane when she was a baby.  She could really lock in on any toy with tags on it.  Peter couldn’t seem to focus that long.  He’d hold a toy for a second and then lose interest.  Alice also finds her toes all the time (which is one of the cutest baby moves). I love it.  It’s always her right foot and it goes straight into her mouth. 

We’re obsessed with her she really is incredibly happy and easy going.   Often she’s just staring at me with this little half smile, waiting to catch my eye and when she does, she breaks into this huge full body smile.  She melts our hearts every day. 

Peter came in while I was taking pictures of Alice and asked if he could hold Alice for a picture.  You bet!  Peter rarely pays ANY attention to Alice at all, much less wants to hold her.  He was done in about 30 seconds.