A little break from reality

This is where you may find me in the next couple of days ~ exploring, reading, eating, relaxing.  Looking forward to a few days away for some girl time.  Be back later next week...

Happy August.

the beach party

Sweet Bri's birthday was last April, as was her party.  I was just thinking back on what a fun time it was and since I never got around to posting photos, thought I'd share a few.  The party was held at my cousin's beautiful beach house.  The kids had a laid back beachy day that was spent playing games, munching on dentist~friendly goodies, surfing and gathering around the bonfire.  It was an "awesome" day.

The slide

Do you love the orange goggles?

Little Miss has been taking swim lessons for the past few weeks and has progressed so well.  It's really exciting to watch her swimming on her own.  She is still lacking some confidence in her abilities so it was fun to see her teacher push her a little this week past her comfort zone.  Little M was really not sure that this was a good idea and kept trying to put it off to the next lesson, but Mrs. Pauletta insisted (kindly) that today was the day and went down the first couple runs with her. 

Of course she loved it.  And went again and again.

Seeing emotional growth and confidence building in my children really is such a joy. 

wonder.full.friends...

 play dress up nanny with your four year old with gusto.  This is no amateur we're talking about, this woman's got professional drama skills when it comes to getting down an dirty with the baby dolls.  Honestly.  She could teach a class on tapping into the imagination of children of all ages.  The best part is, she lets the little miss know that she takes this playtime seriously while she sports that pink boa! It makes little M feel oh so special. 

Not only is she a great playmate to my little one, she is my partner in crime when it comes to thrifting.  Nothing is better than finding your frugal shopping soul mate!

Thanks Julia for being such a wonderful friend to me and my girls.  We love playtime with you!

sundress & cupcake day

My first pregnancy photo (at 23 weeks) taken by the little darlin on the right.  We decided to do a photo shoot in the hallway today sporting our summer dresses and one unhappy little potato head.  Don't know if it's just me, but it looks like the baby's coming next month and not in November.  I know they say with every pregnancy you get bigger sooner, but really.  I look like I'll be giving birth to a horse.  As large as I am, I have no complaints.  Pregnancy has been good to me and I love feeling the life moving inside.

Maybe I should just lay off of foods like this:

Don't these just look too fun to pass up?  We spent our morning baking muffins for breakfast and cupcakes in honor of grandma's 92nd birthday.  I think she enjoyed the pink beauties, how bout you?

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Good to see you can have your cake and eat it too.

My heart is aching

I was just lead to take a look at Daisy Love's webpage after her 6th birthday and return from vacation to read that she has another large tumor.  I am just so devastated for the Merrick family and ask that you join me in prayer for them in these coming hours and days. 

Updated: 07/14/2010

I had previously posted that Daisy's cancer had returned, but adjusted it to read that she has another tumor (which has now been biopsied ~ pathology results to come).  Daisy Love is the daughter of my church pastor.  Little Daisy has been through more than I can fathom since she was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cancer last September.  She has undergone surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and unimaginable pain yet through it all has remained strong and brave with the support of her incredible family and their faith in God.

I continue to pray for sweet Daisy and the healing of her body.

Happy 4th Friends!

Just a little view of how we started off our day of independence.  We headed down to our local red, white and blue parade then made our way home for a bbq potluck to welcome friends and watch the kiddies jolly~jump to their heart's content.  Oh, and by far the coolest part of the day....not having to drive anywhere and watching the fireworks from our backyard with good friends and full tummies.

 Hope you're day was full of happiness in all the freedoms we are blessed with.

Celebrating Summer

Last weekend we ventured out to the Santa Barbara Summer Soltsice Parade.  It's always full of eye candy, rythmic sounds and plenty of toys.  I'm constantly impressed by the effort that goes into the floats, costumes and performances for display on State Street.  After the parade there's a huge party at the park with live music, a drumming circle, vendors of all sorts, food and great entertainment for the kids.  The little miss decided to try and fit the theme this year at the dress up booth while her big sis was shakin her hips at the hula hoop booth.

Hope your summer is off to a good start!