Typical Colton

We're having a good summer in Florence - I can't believe how quickly it's flying by! This week has been great since the weather cooled down a bit (it's supposed to get hot again this week, though). I've started running - trying to keep up with my sister and her hubby (my Dad, too) who are training for the Motor City 1/2 Marathon in October. Jenn and Nate are visiting us in September so it's my goal to be able to run with them while they're here. I'm actually enjoying running so far - even though I'm nervous about increasing the milage. I am finally feeling the need to get into good shape again (don't judge me for taking 2 years post-baby to get there) and it feels good to push myself.

The (slightly) slower pace of summer has also given us the chance to connect a little more with some friends here. We're really enjoying some much needed time to deepen relationships with other people in Florence. God's been showing me recently just how much I need community in my life - and not just the great friends I have back in America, but new friends here in Italy, too. A friend here helped me realize just last week that, even though this move has been/is hard, God called us here knowing everything we would need to thrive. That includes friends! He will provide relationships for us - but we have to ask in faith and believe He will do it. Since then I have been asking, believing, and seeing Him work. I'm so thankful for that! Please pray with us that God would continue to provide people here that we can "go deep" with - people who would encourage us in our relationships with Christ and visa versa. Thank you!

Besides that nothing much new is going on. I am anxiously awaiting a visit from one of my best friends - Sara! She arrives in Florence in just 11 days. :) We are also enjoying Colton so much right now. Though he wears me out on a daily basis (How can such a small person have so much energy?!?) we know that this time will fly by so we are trying to savor each day.

Here's a video for you to enjoy. It gives just a little glimpse into daily life with Colton. Now that he's starting to talk he rarely stops making noise! In the car yesterday I caught some video of him singing, "Boom, boom, boom!" from the Black Eyed Peas and he just kept going after he was done singing. Turn the volume on your computer all the way up (the noise of the car makes it a little hard to hear Colton) and enjoy!

Kiddie Pool Fun

It has been so hot here in Florence. We've been wanting to set Colton's kiddie pool up for a few weeks now but between busy schedules, Colton's stitches that couldn't get wet, etc we hadn't gotten around to it. Until yesterday. It was so fun to get Colton in the pool - it's a great way for him to get relief from the heat! And he loved it. Oh, he loved it.

I love this picture of Ross and Colton. They look alike, don't they?

Love a good belly laugh.

Playing with Daddy is so fun!

Colton got thirsty and tried to drink the pool water. Um, ew.

Ross tried to teach him to blow bubbles in the water, instead of drinking it.

Colton thought bubble blowing was hilarious. :)

No better way to cool off than to lay down and relax. :)

Drinking from the hose.

Mommy and Colton playing cars.

Splashing!

Colton also liked the foam mat we put his pool on.

One thing Colton doesn't like is getting dirty. When he noticed he had a bunch of dirt on his legs he started yelling "Poopy! Ew!" and wanted me to clean him off.

We ended our afternoon in the pool with a game of "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." I cannot believe he's already big enough to play it with me! Time flies.

First of all, Happy 4th of July from Florence, Italy!!!

Yup, even though we currently live in a different country, the 4th is still a celebration for us, too! We hosted a BBQ for our American friends and enjoyed spending time with them while eating great American food that everyone made for the occasion. It was a fun day!

Colton had a super fun time playing outside while everyone ate, talked, and partied! He got filthy dirty and sweaty, but isn't that what a boy is meant to do???

Summer has hit in full force here in Florence. It seems like overnight it got H-O-T and there's no going back until October. I know that it's hot in a lot of places around the U.S., too, but this is different. It's in the mid-upper 90's every day but the real kicker is that THERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING...anywhere. So basically, you get hot and can never cool down. It's maddening! I literally wake up sticky and sweaty after going to bed sticky and sweaty. How many showers/baths can one family take in a day??? We'll be finding out this summer!

We're excited, though, to put Colton's new kiddy pool in the back yard this week. He absolutely loves to play outside and I think having a place to splash around/cool off will be so exciting for him! And for me! I plan to sit in that pool at least as much as Colton does. :) Pics will come soon, I'm sure.

Other than that, nothing too exciting is going on. Colton is now 21-months-old (Though that still seems young when he is repeatedly mistaken for a 3-year-old by the Italians. He's just so tall, especially here in Italy.) and I've been trying to take pictures of some of our "everyday life" things. So here are a few pics of Colton living life at 21-months.

Colton fell off a chair and had his trip to the ER (Pronto Soccorso, in Italian) and first stitches this month. 6 stitches, to be exact. Here's a picture of the wound.

He was not at all hindered or slowed down by his injury, though. He has been just as curious and active as ever! So active, in fact, that he re-injured himself and we had to make a second trip to the ER just a week and a half after the first one. Don't worry, though, he is fine.

Colton loves helping us now. Here he's helping Daddy try to hook up some cable. He is also a big fan of helping me unload the silverware from the dishwasher. He does a great job!

Colton loved dressing up for the World Cup! He wore an Italy jersey for all of the Italy games, a USA shirt for all the USA games, and a Fifa World Cup shirt in between. He's a real fan. :)

Colton wanted to put on one of Daddy's t-shirts recently. He had a great time walking around the house in it but could not figure out why it was so big! :)

Well, that's it for life at the Stowers' house...for now! Once again, Happy 4th to our friends and family in America. We missed celebrating with you but, as always, you were in our thoughts!