Heat Wave and Storms

Lately if it hasn't been hotter than Hades outside, we've had big storms (like all the rain from Tropical Storm Erin). But we've been busy working on projects inside and getting ready for the baby - four weeks to go! Two weeks ago we went to a neighborhood "party" for National Night Out. They had chalk and ice cream for the kids, and we all enjoyed it. Last week/weekend we had our patio installed in the backyard. Of course right after they finished, it was too hot to go out much, then we had a ton of rain, so we didn't actually use it until this weekend. While the backyard was torn up and it was hot out, Dad painted in the baby's room and Mom, Natalie, and Owen ran errands and played inside. We have to get ready for Owen's birthday and the new baby. This past weekend, Mom and Natalie went to the open house for Natalie's ballet school. She starts up again this coming weekend and she's very excited. This weekend we also enjoyed tax-free weekend and we all got some new stuff. Natalie also tried out her roller skates - it's going to take some practice and some bumps and scrapes before she can do it without Mom or Dad holding on - but she had fun. Owen rode around on his bike while Natalie "skated," and we made sure he had his helmet on after his crash into the (parked) car.