Pool sharks...or something like that...

I love every season...you all know that. I wouldn't want to live anywhere where I couldn't celebrate all four. However, those who know me well know that summer is my favorite. I live for waking without an alarm, soaking up the sun, and playing with no curfews. Liam and Makayla are taking after me just fine. I have LOVED this summer. We have played, and played, and played. I wouldn't want it any other way. Adding a pool to the yard was genius...wonder who's idea that was?! In all seriousness, we have enjoyed the new addition and are very thankful that we were able to do this.




Someone remind me...why did we build a pool?????

Who knew that a bucket filled with water would keep children so entertained! :)

Love at first splash!

Believe it or not, Makayla is swimming! I can't believe it. We've been playing in the pool for a few weeks now, and she hasn't shown a lot of interest in putting her head in the water. She's watched some of her friends do it. Little by little, she has been gaining confidence. Monday she says, "Mommy, can I swim to you under the water?" Not thinking she would really do it, I told her to go for it. Well, go for it she did. She hasn't stopped yet. What a fun thing to watch!

Thrilling News...

I am excited to announce that Darrell is engaged! What a thrilling surprise! I must say, I had an idea it was coming, but I was still shocked nonetheless.

It never occurred to me growing up that once my brothers got married I would have sisters! I always wanted a sister as a child. I have one amazing sis-n-law already, but now I will have two. I am so excited, I can hardly stand it! Both sis-n-laws are sweet, and simply lovely....I could learn a lot from them.

I could not be happier for Darrell and Julia. I am looking forward to a wedding this spring.

Another Blog-O-Rama!

Ah, summer!

We certainly have been enjoying every minute of this hot and humid season. In the past few weeks we have enjoyed visiting the butterfly farm, went to the beach, had Liam's one year portraits done (Thanks Lydia!), and watched the completion of the pool. Summer....please slow down just a bit. I don't want to miss a thing!

Butterfly Farm
The kids loved looking at the different butterflies. Liam lost interest long before Makayla. He enjoyed crawling through mud puddles, while Makayla tried to catch as many butterflies as she could. What was so cute, is that they were trying to catch her! They loved the bright flowers on her dress.

Mom and I took the kids on our annual trip to VA Beach. We had a great time, despite the fact that Liam, Makayla, and I all took our turns being sick. Poor mom for having to put up with us all. We still managed to walk on the beach, splash in the waves, play in the sand, eat pizza and ice cream, play mini-golf, ride bikes, watch movies...and simply enjoy one anothers company.

preparing for the fireworks over the ocean on the 4th of July

hard to say who's more excited...

one tuckered little girl

one tuckered little boy!

Pool updates:
They worked on the finishing touches the entire time the kids and I were at the beach. I was thinking it would be complete when we came home, but alas a few more things needed to be finished. Finally, they filled the pool yesterday. The kids put their toes in after dinner, and then we all decided to take the family polar plunge. It was so cold, but so exhilarating, and so exciting. We laughed, and splashed, and giggled, AND watched the children's lips turn blue. We made it about 10 minutes before taking the kids in for a warm bath. We are looking so forward to more family pool time and welcoming our friends and family to swim with us. What a fun way to spend the summer. I know there will be more pics to follow!

Liam and his big, blue eyes continue to melt my heart...and he is becoming quite the flirt. So funny! My friend Lydia took some pics for us a few weeks back. He wasn't his silly self, but she was still able to get some great shots. Here are just a few examples.

Li


Exciting news: LIAM IS WALKING! He started while we were at the beach and he just hasn't stopped. He's trying his best to keep up with Makayla. He's quite the talker too. He's added a few words to his vocabulary: hi, pool (imagine that!), good, mmmmm, uh-oh, and baby. I love to watch language develop. It fascinates me.

Loving summer...off for a dip in the ice water!