July 4th Parade

Our town has an annual Independence Day parade.

Jack posing with Rob and Charlie on the baseball float.

It wasn't until we headed two blocks south to watch the parade return that Jack finally understood the candy pick-up thing. The firetrucks were definitely his favorite part!

Baseball

Wondering what the Gentles have been up to? Baseball! I love our ball diamond. It's like the field of dreams. Between innings, you can watch the corn grow. Here are some pictures from last night's game...

Nice form, Charlie!

Good hit Rob!

See those little tiny outfielders? They're going after Rob's hit!

Good game, guys! And yes, that is our Charlie, still wearing his helmet.

Jack was in my arms for most of the pictures, so I grabbed some from a previous game.

Jack likes to yell, "Yeah Rob!"

"J" is for Jack

On June 1st, we will celebrate our 3 month mark since Jack's gotcha day. When we settled on the name John (boy this kiddo's got a lot of names!), we knew it meant gift from God. What a gift he is! Here are some of my favorite photos from the last couple days...

While making supper, Jack did this. He loves lining things up. I don't think he actually meant to make a 'J", but I wouldn't put it past him. He's very sharp.

I love when Jack comes up to me, takes my hand, and leads me to his latest creation. He always takes a lot of time and pride in his work.

This blue foaming soap has been such a hit. What a great smile.

I love his furrowed brow. Jack's attention span is great for 3. He's starting to try to count.

Are you sure they didn't serve beet souffle in China?

See, we told you it wasn't so bad!

Rob's Graduation

The grandparents and Jack all had a double dose of graduations. Rob's followed Charlie's but was very different in demeanor and I dare say maturity. We couldn't have been more proud of Rob. Rob will make a terrific first grade student next school year.

Charlie's Graduation

When we're looking for entertainment, Charlie never lets us down. The video shows that his embarrassment wore off as the ceremony went on. Congratulations, Charlie!

Charlie's Garden

With age comes a garden in the Gentle household. Rob has had a spot in the corner of the yard for the last couple of years. Charlie started his garden last year. We're currently working on a plan for Jack's. Rob selects his seeds with Mike in the spring. After being encouraged by his mom, Charlie agreed to a perennial style garden. He didn't reap much last year since the plants had to establish themselves. But this year, he's cut a few asparagus stalks and his first berries are almost ready. With a little luck, Charlie should be able to pick red, black, and golden raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, rhubarb, and gooseberries.

Charlie with his first red strawberry.

Gooseberries should be ready next week.

Asparagus!!!

Happy Birthday, Jack!

We feel so fortunate to have gotten Jack in time to celebrate Jack's 3rd birthday! The festivities started a week ago at Grandma Bange's, included a fun day at the zoo with the Gentle men, and ended with his party, last evening. Jack expressed his enjoyment with a lot of wows and she shes for thank you.

Bange Party Pics... Zoo Pics...

Gentle Party Pics...