"Elmo TV"

Just in the last few weeks Laine has learned to be still long enough to watch television for a few minutes.  She is a huge Elmo fan, so we checked out some "Elmo's World" DVDs from the library. 

   

Until now I haven't been too interested in having Laine watch TV, but I have to admit it's nice to have her sit still while I do a few things around the house.  I can already tell we're going to have to set some time limits on watching "Elmo TV" as Laine calls it!  

St. Louis Balloon Glow

Penny, Laine, and I made it out to the annual balloon glow in Forest Park last night.  We joined several other Gulf Drive families f0r a picnic dinner and then wove our way through the crowds to see the hot air balloons. 

  

Some of the balloons are hard to see, but the big balloon race is triggered by the Energizer Bunny. 

All the other balloons try to get across town first to reach the bunny.

Second Ultrasound

I went back to the doctor today for a regular check-up and a second ultrasound.  This time Mead cooperated better, and we were able to see everything needed.  Her brain, heart, and other organs all look good. 

 
The tech double checked for me, and Mead is still a girl!  She was sitting on her hand for a while being a little modest though.  We also got this fun picture of Mead trying to kick herself in the forhead - just chillin' with her legs crossed, comfortable as can be!

Swim Lessons

Laine started swim lessons at the YMCA last week.  Our first class was a bit of a disaster due to the fact that Laine slipped and fell on the concrete next to the pool just before class began.  So she wailed her way through the first half of the class.  

Today was a much better experience.  As you can tell from this picture from the summer, Laine loves the water.  Today in class she enjoyed herself as normal and picked up a few new swimming skills.  We're not working on swim strokes yet, but today Laine learned to lean back and keep her ears underwater.  She's also working on blowing bubbles in the water (without drinking the pool!)  

If nothing else, these classes are a great way to extend our summer pool times and keep Laine acclimated to the water.

New snow boots

Laine got new snow boots this week.  I know, it's the middle of summer, but I'm a planner.  So when I saw the boots for a good price I grabbed them.  Laine has been so excited about her boots that she's worn them all over the house.  Hopefully she'll have as much fun wearing them this winter when we go out in the snow to play!

Second car for the Pennylegions!

Well, I just spent the last hour of my life learning about and organizing our new mini-van.  Penny drove the car home from school today.  After looking for a while we ended up with a 2005 Honda Odyssey with 26,000 miles.  We are really excited about the car, the space, and the flexibility it will give us.  Though the color was not a deciding factor, I am really excited that it is navy (one of my favorite colors)!  It's the little details that make being a mini-van owner a little easier to swallow :-)

For anyone looking for a car who is involved in ministry, we highly recommend MATS International as the place to begin your search.  We called one of their staff (who happens to be a student at Covenant Seminary at the moment), and he did all the searching for us.  He had his people scour the country for something that fit our needs, and we ended up with a great deal.  In all we saved about 15-20% compared to what we found in town and online.  Thanks MATS!

Playing "out of the way"

The other morning I was cleaning the house and vacuuming Laine's room.  I put all her toys up off the carpet and went to get the vacuum.  While I was out of the room Laine decided she wanted to play with her dollhouse, even though it was no longer on the floor.  So she climbed right up the changing table and made herself at home (and out of the way of the vacuum) playing where she could!