July 4th weekend

We went down to Waco for the 4th to spend the holiday weekend with family. We went to my sister-in-law's parents for the 4th. Ethan had a chance to spend time with his cousins, go swimming, and see fireworks for the first time. Last year he was only a few months old and spent the entire time inside. This year he enjoyed the fireworks but was so tired that we left before the fireworks were over. Ethan got to spend the weekend with Pa-paw and Da-doo and had fun playing in the water hose and playing with their dog Marty.

Yeah...I am about to go swimming!!

Swimming with his cousins

Watching fireworks with Daddy

Playing with the waterhose

Part of the reason we went down to Waco for the weekend was that my sister-in-law and cousin hosted a baby shower for me on Sunday. Jamie and Shane came down on Saturday for the shower, so we got to spend time with them as well. I was not expecting a shower, since this is my second pregnancy, so I felt special and loved. I realized once again this past weekend how thankful I am for my family. Their generosity towards me and Josh blows me away! My sister-in-law, Lindsey, who is one of the most generous and loving people I know made Eliana an absolutely beautiful diaper bag, a diaper cake, and gave Eliana a special engraved cake knife that will be used for birthdays and one day to cut her wedding cake!! My other sister-in-law, Jamie, was so sweet and brought Ethan some clothes so he would not be left out, plus a huge box of diapers and wipes! She has also agreed to come stay with Ethan while I am at the hospital, which is such an incredible blessing! She too has blessed me with her kind heart and generous nature. My mother-in-law also blesses me. My husband and sister-in-law got their generous hearts from her. She has already given Eliana so many clothes not to mention all the clothes she has gotten for Ethan over the past 15 months. She went in with Jamie for the diapers and wipes and sent some cute little clothes and a book for the shower. I know she misses being a part of Ethan and Abigael's (Jamie's daughter) life but she continues to shower them with love despite the miles. I could go on and on..my cousin Katy who helped plan the shower and has such an encouraging heart, my Aunt Elaine who gives the cutest gifts and always wants to give more. I love my family and am so grateful that I have a family who would do anything for Josh, Ethan, and I (and Eliana).

Diaper bag Lindsey made for Eliana

Katy and Lindsey (the hosts)

How big is that belly??