Can't do this in AZ...At least I couldn't

Yes, that is the world's largest zucchini in that picture and yes, we grew it in the Oregon dirt right here in our own backyard! That's right...I couldn't keep a cactus alive in AZ, and now look at this thing....it is the same size as Reese!! And that is not the only one....it has friends!!! Anyone up for some zucchini bread?!?!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! Reese enjoyed her very first BBQ and fireworks show. This of course, came after she spent some quality time with Dad watching the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating National Championship (Todd's very favorite 4th of July tradition....personally, it turns my stomach). We had a friend of mine from work and her husband over for steaks on the grill and the Happy Valley fireworks extravaganza! I have to hand it to this little town...they know how to do the 4th of July! We live near a large park that we can easily walk to and they put on a great display of fireworks and all sorts of other "family fun." It felt what I would imagine the holiday would feel like in small-town USA. And the best part was that we didn't have to deal with the hazards of parking and gunning for a good viewing place like we usually do. Instead, we loaded Reese into her stroller, walked down the street, and plopped ourselves on the lawn with the fireworks overhead! Good stuff....good stuff!!!

Reese is continuing to do amazing new things every day. She is smiling in response to things (i.e. Mom or Dad walking into the room after being gone for a little while), starting to reach for her toys, sticking out her tongue, cooing, etc. At 8 weeks, she has become a little busy body and when on her changing table or tummy time mat, she kicks and smiles for as long as you leave her there! So, so cute!! She is up to about 11 pounds now and while I am not sure how long she is officially, her pants no longer have to be rolled up to keep her from "tripping", so she is growing by leaps and bounds!

We are off to San Diego this coming week, so hopefully her first plane ride is not too traumatic...for any of us! While Todd will in meetings for work a few of the days, I think we are all looking forward to some nice relaxing time in beautiful SD! We should have some great pictures from the trip next week!