Moments in Life

This has taken me for forever to post. I don't know why. Maybe because I love them so much words don't do them justice. Or, maybe its the fact that they will be leaving soon for 2 years and posting this will make it a reality that I'm not sure I want to face.

Well, whatever my reasoning......here it goes!

Grandpa and Nana Judy came to our house for a visit a few months ago. It was one of many stops. Trying to see all the most important people in their lives before they embark on a 2 year experience that they will never forget. We will be sad, we will cry, we will talk about them often, and we will be happy.

Molly and Grandpa reading stories.

My dad has a very tender place in my heart. I get a little lump in my throat just typing that. We've been through a lot together.

I love this picture. It's one of those moments in life where you sit back and think, "I have a pretty great life!"

I hope Elley will look back on these pictures and remember this night. I hope she remembers how much fun she had with her grandpa, and how much he really truly loves her. They've had a pretty special bond from day one.

Another picture, another moment in life when everything is right in the world! I love my dad as my dad, but even more so as Elley and Molly's Grandpa.

Grandpa's hand is always near to teach my girls the most important things in life......not about cookies, how to put them on the cookies sheet, or how to carry them to the oven, but about families.....how to love, teach, and care for one another. I'm so thankful that my family is a forever family!

And to our Nana, thank you for coming to our family! You have found a way into our hearts, a special place we didn't know existed. And guess how much we love you? We love you right up to the moon--and back!

Good thing Sonic milkshakes were buy one get one free while you were here. Too bad we had to wear our coats while drinking them!

we will miss you guys so much when you are gone........

these cheeks will be waiting for more kisses, they will be a few years older, but they'll still be waiting!

Down by the River

Last Saturday, we had an impromptu day down at the river. Leah and Sophie made a surprise visit to our house and Jay with the other kiddos came a little later. We decided that we weren't going to sit around all Saturday afternoon while the sun was shining high. So, we packed up the cooler, packed up the kids and made a trip down to the river. It was so cold, but it felt so good since it was so hot!

There were a ton of fish!

and Mason caught a crawdad.

We played in the rocks, relaxed in the water, and swam a little.

Then Hannah, Mara, Elley, Sophie and Molly went in search of some river life.

and Molly kissed a fish!

Baby Food

One day last week while driving in the car, Elley was telling me all about being a baby. At one point during our conversation she stopped with a gasp and said......

"mom, we forgot my baby food!"

A little confused, I asked her what baby food she was talking about.

She said, "just joking mom, I don't eat baby food anymore, but I use to. I use to eat lots of baby food and I would eat it all gone and you would feed it to me and I loved it."

I said, "that's right Elley, you use to eat baby food."

It was quite for a few seconds and then Elley said, "yeah, I use to eat your boob too!"

A Sunny Afternoon

We love the summer, we love playing outside, and we especially love the kiddie pool.

Elley got a little board with the pool this day. She managed to get most of the balls into her swimsuit. What a silly girl!

Summertime

Nothing says summertime like an Otter Pop! And how do you like my milk mustache? It's really sunblock!

Even the Princess Needs a Nap

42 Wallaby Way, Sydney

Our local Library has a summer reading program that Elley has been participating in. We have to read 20 minutes a day, for 10 days, for each of the 3 levels. We just completed the first level on July 2nd. Her prize was, a coloring sheet, a free ticket to the stampede, and a free goldfish from a local pet store. When we started this whole summer reading program, I told her that her first prize was a goldfish and she was so excited. She reminded me that we needed to do her reading so we could get her a fish everyday. She even made sure I marked it off on the chart hanging on our fridge. When the day finally came, where all of the empty spaces were filled to complete her first level, she jumped up and down and said, "today mommy, I will get a fish!"

So, without further ado, may I introduce to you......

Nemo and Dory

Independence

With the 4th falling on a Sunday this year we decided to have a nice, quite celebration. We went to a firework show Saturday night and Sunday we had some friends over for dinner.

Elley was so excited to make cupcakes for our "birthday party." She told everyone at church that she made cupcakes for her birthday.

After dinner we made our way out to the front to light off a few fireworks.

Ryan and Hailey getting ready for the show.





Carter had a blast with the sparklers.

Molly and Elley had fun too. Elley was a little more nervous than the other kids.

The pop-its were a BIG hit. For some reason the back of the car got opened up and that's where the kids wanted to sit.

Our amazing firework show.

And of course, after the show was over Elley yelled, "YAY, Happy Birthday mom." It just had to be someones birthday because we had cupcakes. Shes just a little to young to realize that it's America's birthday. So, thank you America, for having a birthday and for being an amazing country to live in......we are so blessed!

My Girls

These pictures are my new favorites of my girls!