Daddy's bear!

 While daddy was very sick in the hospital, I decided to take the kids to make a build a bear for him.  I thought this might make the kids and daddy feel a little better. 

First the kids all picked out a bear together.  It was not difficult for them to agree on a bear once they saw the Albert Pujols bear since daddy is such a HUGE cardinals fan.

Then the kids created their own sound for daddy.  They made a personalized one where each of the kids spoke into it telling daddy they hope he gets better soon.

Next came time to stuff the bear and each one of the kids picked out their own heart and put it into the bear.

 Next was bathtime where the kids all worked really well together bathing the new bear.

 And finally time to get the bear dressed.  Again it was another easy choice for the kids to agree on the outfit as they put it into a cardinals outfit :)

 And finally they delivered the bear to daddy at the hospital.  They were all so excited to give it to daddy and it put a smile on daddy's listening to all the kids excitedly talk about how they made it and listening to their voices recorded in the bear.

This bear later was placed into daddy's casket when he was buried so he can always hear the kids voices!

Fourth of July!

 This year for the Fourth of July we were very sad that daddy was unable to go with us because his pain was beginning to get to be more than he could bare. 

We headed down that morning to watch the annual St. Charles parade.  Unfortunately it was raining this year, but it didn't slow the kids down.  They loved running around playing in the rain.  Thankful it was more of a drizzle and wasn't bad.

 

We met up with the kids cousins.....Gabe, Mike, and Angeline.  The six of these kids together are so much fun!  I'm so happy they all get along so well!

After the parade, we went home to spend the day with daddy.  That night we returned to the riverfront with my sister, Kim, and Dan (who was working) and was able to watch the fireworks.  The kids were very excited and loved watching them.  I heard lots of ooooohhhhs and aaaahhhhs from them.  I really wish Chris would have been able to go with us, but I know he was with us in spirit!!!!