We spent today in Malibu at the beach. Kent and Maddie built a sand castle, and we spashed around in the water. Getting there was easy enough, but getting everything and everyone back to the car afterwards was a workout. Maddie was tired and hot and didn't want to walk. She couldn't keep up with Kent and I who were going as quickly as possible since our arms were breaking. Poor Kent had to carry Maddie along with all of our other beach necessities. 
Keeping a crawling 9 month old on a blanket is no easy task, but at least the binky kept Sophie from eating sand.
We got to spend a couple of evenings with Ralph this week and enjoy some nice meals together. I actually cooked on Wednesday, pesto pasta with shrimp. Thursday, Ralph and Kent took Maddie to her first movie in the theater, the one with the rat. She thought it was too loud for her liking, but Kent managed to bribe her with candy and popcorn until it was over. The postman brought some new toys for the girls which they love. Sophie got the train she is investigating in the picture below. Thanks Grandpa Ralph and Grandma Shirley!
I took this picture of Sophie on her 9 month birthday. Since then, she has made a lot of progress with her crawling. She can go forward now, instead of backwards, and she can move at a pretty quick rate. . . I can't quite remember, is this supposed to be a good thing?
Maddie started back to preschool this morning. She was really excited and couldn't wait to go. Her eyes teared up a little when we got there, but it was a smooth transition overall. Ms. Lisa, her old teacher, let her play in her classroom for a bit, and Maddie felt more comfortable. Here she is showing off her new Tinkerbell backpack (thanks Grandma Mel and Aunt Jessie!)
Happy 4th of July everyone! We celebrated with good friends and good food. Carrie, Lyman, Milo, and Murphy, as well as Carrie and Ryan joined us for a barbeque Everyone brought something: ribs, chicken, burgers, potato salad, baked beans, two different cheese dips, corn, and apple pie. We didn't even get to the watermelon; we were way too full! It was so hot that we spent most of the day indoors enjoying the air conditioning. After everyone left, Maddie and I sat in the backyard and watched some of the fireworks. She didn't like the noise, but was really impressed with the lights.
I am spending a lot of time with my cuties and loving every minute of it. It is really too hot to do anything outside, so we are trying to make the best of the great indoors. I have a week until summer schools starts, and I am actually looking forward to a few hours out of the house. Many times today I have wondered how my mom kept the three of us entertained for years and years and years . . . Those stay-at-homes-moms, whew, what a job!
