Happy Fourth and Beau's Birthday...and a week with my sisters

I would like to begin by assuring you that if you ever break your toes, the proper thing to do is just sit on a couch with your foot raised 18" above your head and eat bon bons all day. This will lead to a smooth, speedy recovery.
If you would like a more adventurous recovery, be sure to invite your sisters in to town. Last Sunday I went to bed crying, wondering how I would ever keep up with my kids, but more importantly, how would I keep up with my sisters and my mom on our Christmas in July week that we had been planning forever?! So my first item of business Monday morning was to get to an orthopedic doctor so I could get a little more help for my foot. Heavenly Father was really watching out for me (despite my tearful griping), and I was able to get an appointment that morning. (AMAZING!) So my mom drove me and the kids, and Amy and her kids followed behind, and we all filed into the elevator, and we all terrorized the waiting room, and we all rushed up to the window when they called my name. I could have kissed the doctor when he presented me with a snappy new boot - half velcro, half steel, that eliminated my need for crutches. (he confirmed two broken toes...I'm still kicking myself for not asking about torn ligaments, especially now that I find I can't bend my toes...does anyone else find that disturbing?).
After being mobilized like that we couldn't just go home, so we all drove over and stormed a free lunch at a park in Abq (they do them all summer at many of the parks in Abq and Los Lunas; the lady at this park had to know if we'd be back the next day since we "stole" lunch from her "regulars"); we went to Hobby Lobby; we crafted...and then throughout the rest of the week we went swimming, went the the balloon museum for their free story time (really fun), (Sarah came along, she's so brave and fun! Here she is with Amy's Sarah)(Luke, Preston, Joshua)went to a dollar movie, made a welcome sign, made a cute 2x4 4th of July flag (found here), made a wooden Christmas tree countdown sign, made dress up skirts for the girls, (Sarah, Madison, Bekah...how fun is it that we each have a girl!) made and enjoyed blueberry pie (my new favorite), made purses, went to Hobby Lobby again, enjoyed Chik-fil-a, fell in love with banana pancakes (a healthy version)...
We were busy and we had FUN! (and I am now recovering) My sisters and my mom are so amazing!
Jakey loved Amanda and would do just about anything for her.Amanda and Amy both had to get back home for the Fourth, so Rus and I got to have my parents all to ourselves. We invited Rus's parents down, too, and did our regular dinner-and-fireworks-in-the-cul-de-sac routine. Here is Bekah with my sorry version of Make-It-And-Love-It's Flag cake...I ran out of frosting and so the outside was naked. Rus announced at the beginning of the night that we'd know how much fun he had by how many fingers he burned. The only one he burned was Beau's, and I don't think that counts. But we did have a lot of fun. Beau was really fun to watch stomping on the poppers; Bekah loved the sparklers; Jacob saw his life flash before his eyes when a rogue firecracker headed his way and spent the rest of the night sitting very close to Grandma Payne. Rus and I played around with the camera and got some fun shots with the sparklers.And now to shift gears, today is Beau's birthday! My little man is TWO! We went to the aquarium and botanic gardens today to celebrate. Jacob was mad because he wanted to be in the middle. Bekah and Jacob were both so good to hold Beau's hand.My pretty girl, picture by Jacob.Here are some of my favorite things about Beau:
He calls Rus "Rus", and not daddy. We don't know why, but I love it.
He will run get anything that you ask him to get. Even if it is upstairs. This guy understands everything. If you tell him his shoes are upstairs in his room, he will go get them.
Beau loves his shoes. He puts them on first thing in the morning, and until recently, never took them off, even for naps. He still wears his magic shoes (brace) at nights; we think that has something to do with his obsession.
Beau is a great hugger/snuggler.
Beau can brighten any day. He is really a sunshine, just about bursting with fun and happiness, with just enough rascal in him to make things really interesting.
Beau talks alot. Not all of it is intelligible, but he knows what he's saying.
Beau cusses people out (generally Jacob or Bekah). It's just jibberish, but it's hilarious.
Beau is a bully. This is not something that I actually love about Beau, but it is a definite part of his personality, a trait that I hope will turn into something useful and admirable.
Beau runs with his arms way up by his chest. It is super cute. Come visit; just to see that it's worth it.
Beau thinks he's just as big as the other kids. He expects to be treated just like one, too.
He says "cheese" when it's time for a picture...and gives you this wonderful cheesy smile:Happy Birthday Beau! I love you!