It's Official

Summer is here! The heat, the activities, the friends and fun...it's all here.

First summer swim

Meals outside = Happy Mom

Watching movies and just lounging around.

Cleaning out clutter zones with a little bit of help.

Playing in the morning sunlight.

Visits from sweet nieces.

Puppy rides

Rough housing before bed. 

Sharing milkshakes

And growing too fast!

I clicked it up a notch

 I'm entering in Courtney's Click It Up a Notch  favorite photo of May contest.

My favorite photo for the month of May has to be of my daughter captured after her two year photo shoot . For the shoot she wore a cute outfit and I got some great pictures but at the end of the day when the outfit was dirty and the Birthday girl was hot and tired is when I captured the essence of her sweet little spirit. I love the way she's blowing bubbles like she's done it all her life. I love her arched back, protruded belly and perched lips. I love that the moment is real. I love the image of childhood freedom, it's beautiful.

I'm Embarrassed

I wish I could blame this on her. I wish I could go back and do it over again or rather let a professional do it.
I got tired of hair in her face and eyes so I decided to perform what I thought would be a slight trim but one slip of the hand and wet hair led to this.

Matt came home and said, "it's so bad it's cute."

It's okay yall....you don't have to give me the "it's not that bad" comment. I know it's bad but I also know hair grows back. I'm sure this isn't the last picture of a bad homemade haircut but he next time she might be the one to blame.

I will say I love the spirit and innocence of a child. I love that she is not yet phased by outer appearance. She is beautiful with lovely locks or a choppy top. May we all remember that.

(This incident has caused me to give a long hard look at that box of root cover up I bought at the store earlier this week. I don't think I would handle a hair catastrophe of my own with as much Grace right now. )

Forgotten Post {Newborn Pics}

Elijah Everett
Born April 11, 2011 at 11:12 pm
7 lbs 11 ounces 19 inches

Duck Party

Since Little Miss was a baby she has been in love with ducks. I'm pretty sure her first words went like this..."dada," "mama," "guck." She has a little stuffed animal duck that quacks that she takes everywhere and is now sharing it with her Bubby to make his car rides more enjoyable like it did for her. When it came time to plan her second Birthday party I knew we had to have it at her favorite duck park. Having it at a park made things easier on me and fun for the kids. I really tried to keep things simple and sweet and I love how it all turned out.

The kiddos loved feeding the ducks, some were experiencing it for the first time.

I'm so thankful for everyone who came to celebrate with us despite the rainy weather. It's ironic that when the forecast is a 20% chance of rain that's when we get a good shower. I had been saying I wanted Little Miss to get to play in the rain so bad, it just so happens it came to fruition at her outdoor Birthday party.

Driving Miss Daisy

When your little brother isn't old enough to play

This is what happens

Poor Nellie girl! Being a submissive go along with anything dog get's you into some of the strangest situations. We're sorry, however our children will laugh and tell sweet stories of you when they're grown.

The Actual Birthday

The morning of her Birthday she slept in to an unusual 9:15. I kept watching the monitor waiting for some movement and sound, I just couldn't wait for her to see her present...her very own table and chairs. I finally couldn't handle it any longer and I decided to go in and wake her up, as she approached the living room she instantly noticed the Happy Birthday bunting and then saw what was below...her eyes got big as she new this new arrangement was just for her. I love that! She of course found the fish first.

Then we headed to Blue Bell with Daddy for a Birthday ice cream treat. We went to the gift shop first in hopes of finding a duck just like the one she had been given as a baby but no such luck, she picked out a "moo" instead.

Daddy wanted to write a little something for his baby girl to remember and look back on.

Arabelle,  I can't believe that you are two years old.  I love your sweet spirit and seeing how much you love other people.  You are my special little girl.  

I love how you:

greet me with a smile and a welcoming "hi" when I come home or just come into the room you are in.

wave at me when we are eating dinner to get my attention.

clasp your hands together, bow your head, and close your eyes to pray at dinner, bed time, and other random times of the day

try to say the words I am teaching you (kiss is kish, lotion is losha, and so on).

think Nellie really is talking or playing with you.

get a book, bring it to me, sit down in my lap, and ask me to read it to you.

sit next to me in the chair or on the bed to watch Elmo.

get a baw (ball) to play catch with me even though you only play for about 15 seconds.

kish bubby.

hold bubby.

laugh.

say wiggle wiggle wiggle (your interpretation of a pig and being tickled)

dance to my beat boxing.

include everyone in your fun.

hold my hand when we are walking.

smile and giggle.

love to be chased.

bring me lunch.

always know when we are eating a snack and want some of it.

love stickers, coloring, and painting.

love music.

want me to kiss your booboos.

dive under your pillows in your bed when I come back in your room to say "night night".

pat my back and say "aww" when you give me hugs and kishes.

I could go on and on, but I could never summarize how much you mean to me.  I want to be godly example for you.  I pray for you everyday that you would grow up and love the Lord with all of your being.  We are so blessed to have mommy stay at home with you and bubby to love on you and take care of you.  Robyn, you are truly an inspiration to me.  God has gifted you in so many ways and you are truly an example of a Proverbs 31 woman.   I am so thankful that you stay at home with our children.  My heart does "safely trust you" because you love Jesus Christ and I am at peace everyday that if I am working my children are learning about their purpose and worth in the eyes of God.  Arabelle, we love you!

Love,

Daddy