Happy Fourth of July!

 We started our Fourth of July at Bidwell Park, listening to the Chico Community Band.  Uncle Ken played trombone and Uncle Dennis played percussion.  After the great music, Uncle Dennis let the kids try out the drums.

 Later, Ryan entered the pie eating contest for kids under 8.  Above is the before picture.  Uncle Steve and Travis gave Ryan some great pointers.  I was laughing so hard watching the men tell Ryan just how to eat a lot of food quickly. 

 Here are the kids all ready for the contest.  The kids were each given a big slice of pie and whoever ate their piece first, won!

 Ryan came in second place.  He was very excited and MAN did he have a large cheering section!!!

 Ryan was even interviewed on the news!!

 Ryan won a free pie!!

Later on in the day, we went to watch the fireworks.  This year we put a mattress in the back of the truck - that was a great idea.  Johnny and Saydee had a great time playing together!!  The fireworks were less than spectacular, but it was a very fun evening with great friends.

Uncle Steve!!

 Uncle Steve came for a visit, all the way from Texas.  The first thing everyone wanted to do was swim!  Steve was able to really fling Ryan into the air.  It was incredible!!  The kids had so much fun with Steve here.

John made these glasses at the Peanut Butter Palace.  He loved them!

Chandler

 I just really love this kid.

Callie & Garrett Turn 1!

 We met at the park to celebrate Callie and Garrett's birthday!  These two are super cute.  It was so great to see all of the love and support that they have from family and friends around town.  Dena can really throw a party!!  We had tons of food and beautiful little cupcakes. 

A Whale of Our Own!

We got a BIG surprise in the mail from Lulu!  She remembered Maddie's birthday and sent out this gigantic gift.  We love it!  Thank you Lulu!!

Piano with Roxanne

 I was able to sit and listen to the kids take lessons this week.  They did super.  They work so hard for Roxanne.  I sure love that lady.  She is terrific with my kids!

Gateway's Bear Exhibit

 The Gateway Science Museum kicked off its new exhibit by bringing in a baby bear from the Kirshner  Wildlife Foundation.  It was so neat.  They also had reptiles.  The kids were not as impressed as I was, but still a very unique opportunity here in Chico.

 Inside the kids loved the hands on room all about bears.  Chandler especially loved the bear rug.

The kids looked at different jaw bones and with the help of a volunteer figured out which jaws matched which pictures.

John loved the dress up section.  He pretended to be a bear.  

 The other room was a bit odd.  The kids could put on headsets and listen to information about how different toys worked.  Mac watched one on the Etch-A-Sketch.  John started to listen to one on a jack-in-the-box.  It did not hold his attention.  This display was a bit of a let down.

Overall, a very cool exhibit!!