Summer Fun

My favorite thing about summer is that my sister is out of school and we get to enjoy a true "summer vacation" together. I hope that as our kids grow, we will be blessed with jobs that allow us to take advantage of all that summer has to offer.

first trip to the pool

first zoo trip

swimming in the backyard

snowcone mustache

Better Late Than Never

So, I got a little behind with blogging in all of our trip preparation and recovery. To be perfectly honest, I still have the last bit of unpacking to finish today. What can I say - packing is one thing. Unpacking, not as fun. Nothing to plan or look forward to, just piles of laundry in suitcases staring at you, reminding you that you clearly overpacked for your trip. I've also been posting more often to Facebook because it's so much easier than Blogger (sorry, Blogger). So, for those of you not on FB, here is the recap of our trip:

Just because

Just thought I would post some pictures and video from the last few weeks. . .

The tie looks better on her, doesn't it? (She found another tie today and tried to put it on)

First dance

Baby Dedication at church

Reading up for our vacation

Climbing up to sit with me in the chair (scary, I know)

Ready or not. . .

Taking turns with her cousin on the riding toy
(I helped them trade places for the video, but they started pushing each other on their own)

Mother's Day

Isn't it strange how your relationship with your mom changes once you become a mom yourself? I had no idea how much love, time and effort went into raising me! My mom stayed at home with us when we were young, and I have wonderful memories of playing pretend, watching movies, and listening to records with my mom. I hope and pray that Tinkerbell will look back on her childhood with fond memories of homemade play-dough, The Sound of Music, and unconditional love - love you, Mom!

My parents were here for the weekend before leaving on their Caribbean cruise, so we got to spend Mother's Day with them. R was super sweet to surprise me with flowers, a great purse that I had my eye on, and cleaning the kitchen after lunch (the best present a mom could ask for). I was bummed to send everyone off last night, but am focusing on our upcoming trip to Switzerland - five weeks to go!

PS - Tink took her first steps last week and has been climbing onto the furniture by herself. . .

Three generations of girls

My sweet Mother's Day roses

giggles

No idea. . .

Watching the rain

Birthday Pics

Happy Birthday, Baby

I can't let today pass without mentioning my sweet husband's 30th birthday! He is away on a business trip (the story of my life lately), but we were able to celebrate with dinner at Brio last night. We walked around for awhile, enjoying the fantastic weather, and he insisted that Tink "see" the fountain (before you freak out, he's holding her VERY tightly).

I love this man more than I thought I ever could. I love him more than when I married him five years ago, and more than I did a year ago when two became three. He is a responsible and trustworthy provider, a fun-loving and caring Dad, and a selfless and true friend. I am so blessed to have him as my husband! Happy birthday babe - can't wait for you to come home.

Little Pig

So, apparently, our child is going through a growth spurt. She is sleeping and eating a TON, neither of which I'm complaining about, but it's crazy to see this girl eat. She can easily put away almost the same portion I eat and chase it with a full glass of milk and some fruit. We don't eat enough "green" veggies around here, so I decided to try a new recipe for Pasta Primavera tonight - I'll let you be the judge of it's successfulness:

I should also mention that this is her second helping :)