The Fowler Family: Happy Birthday to the USA

The summer here in Washington is gorgeous. As gloomy and depressing as the winter is, the summer is GLORIOUS and we were fairly bummed that Tim had to spend most of it at work. So when Tim realized that he would not have to work the 4th of July, we made plans!

I made my "famous" chocolate chip peanut butter brownies, Tim made jello shots & we got ready to head over to a party with friends.

Grayson had a special outfit for Easter. We planned for it ahead of time because it was around his expected birthday. The fourth of July was Grayson's second holiday where I wanted him to wear a cute outfit... and then I kind of forgot about it! Luckily, He had a stinking cute red and blue plaid button up that looks so festive with his blue jean overalls.

Little dude getting dressed up

We had such a fun time at Jess's and Andy's party. They grilled out & had a bounce house for the kiddos. How cute will it be when Grayson is old enough to bounce in there??
Grayson wasn't big enough for that, but he did get to play with some other babies. And by play I mean that he sat in the floor and chewed on toys while other babies sat near him and chewed on toys.

This kind of event is where I really see how bad I am at socializing. I do well with my close friends, but I am AWKWARD with people I don't know. I don't know what to talk about - I don't have hobbies, I don't work outside of our home, I don't follow the news, I am pretty boring.
I was perfectly content to just sit there and people watch with Grayson while Tim socialized with his co-workers. Tim is a pretty social butterfly, something I really love and admire about him. Grayson does open up a few doors for me in conversation. I suddenly have avenues of conversation with other moms! Maybe it will be a start into being more extroverted.
Grayson is certainly a little ham! I'm sure he'll make friends everywhere he goes. Look at all these faces!!

cha cha cha! haha

hilarious

What are you looking at??

I made Tim join in the spirit and coordinate his outfit. We never get pictures together, and we are still trying to get Grayson to look at the camera. Whenever I am looking at the camera he isn't, then I look at him & make a face trying to get him to smile... and suddenly it's a great picture of him & I look crazy! We took all three of these shots and never got one where all three of us looked right, but I still think they look great.

Hey Grayson, look over here.

and I'm surprised

now Tim is the only one ready

The weekend after the fourth of July Tim had duty. The Family Readiness Group was hosting a picnic for all of the boat families so Grayson and I spent the day helping to host the event. It was another beautiful day. We had a BIG bounce house, games and sack races for the kids. The USO came and cooked hot dogs and hamburgers for us while we had all the families bring a potluck side.
The turnout wasn't what we expected, but everyone had a really nice time and Jess showed off her secret skill.... balloon creations!
Seriously, she just randomly starts twisting balloons into all kinds of neat stuff for the kiddos. Grayson got to try on a fabulous hat. As the pictures go on you can see how tickled he gets about it. SO FUNNY!!