4th of July 2011

I can't believe another summer is here and that it's already July. This year we went to some friends' house for dinner then we decided to keep Scarlett up so we could go see her first fireworks show. We have many great ones near our area, and we just chose one of the nearest that I've seen before and knew was really good.

The bad part is that there are huge crowds everywhere, and if you go to watch this particular show in the park itself, you may never get out! You have to park a mile away then they shuttle you into the park.

So I had a brilliant idea to go to our old apartment complex. They have a nice big grassy area near the pool and playground, and I figured we could "sneak" in and watch the show from there without getting mixed up with all the crowds. My sister's family met us there too, and we got all set up with blankets spread out, lawn chairs, drinks and snacks. We waited and waited. Finally, the first boom sounded and the sky lit up. However, to my horror we could only see the tip of the firework because one of the three story buildings was perfectly blocking it! I felt so bad, especially for my niece London because she was really excited to see them.

So we scrambled to pack up our spread and headed back to the car. Chris drove us down the street to an elementary school. There were a million people there, but we somehow managed to squeeze our car in. We jumped out to watch the rest of the show and could now see perfectly. 

Scarlett wasn't as impressed as I thought she would be, and she commented that they were, "kinda like thunder mom!"  I loved it though. The finale was great, and when everyone cheers at the end I always get chills. What a great way for so many people to gather peacefully and celebrate our great country and our freedom. We are so blessed.

Here's our little firecracker, all dressed in her red, white and blue!

And I always love to look at years past:

July 4 2008

July 4 2009

July 4 2010

Pics from My Phone

Having fun with a sweet friend...

Decorating cookies with GG, my Grandma...

Playing dress up with my wedding veil...

Trying on goggles and her new sun hat for our upcoming beach trip...

Lounging at our neighborhood pool...

What happens at 6 pm on the recliner when she hasn't had a nap....

Conversations with Scarlett #2

Mommy, when can I take piano lessons?

(Scarlett loves my mom's piano so I'm not surprised by this question.)

Well, when you're...

(interrupts) When I'm four?

Well...we'll see....I'm just not sure when.

(I'm thinking to myself when a good age acutally would be, but I have no clue!)

Well, just call them and see when I can, mommy!

Call who?

The piano girl!

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Mommy, you need to get a baby in your tummy!

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Mommy, I don't want to go to kindergargden!

Good! I don't want you to go either! You're only three!

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(Just the other day)
Mommy, I don't want to go to the scary houses at Halloween, I just want to go to the regular ones!

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Mommy, now what was daddy holding when he was standing at the toilet?

Umm....well....he....well......

His shirt?

Yes! Exactly! He was holding his shirt!

(Whew! )

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Ode to Kelsea

Once upon a time, during my elementary school years, I met a girl at basketball camp named Kelsea. We hit it off right away. This is us at that camp: (And for the record, I thought those glasses were actually pretty cool.)

Kelsea and I did not attend the same elementary or the same middle school, and we saw each other here and there during those years. Then high school came, and we finally were able to be in the same school together. And for those next four years, we did pretty much everything together.

We haven't seen each other in years, but we were able to get together recently. I was able to meet her sweet little boy, Kade, in person for the first time. We all went swimming and then to lunch. It was so good to see such a great friend. I wish that we lived close to each other and could meet up once a week. Your high school best friend will always be your best friend!

Kade and Scarlett hit it off, and it was so fun to see our babies playing together.

Love you Kelsea and Kade! XOXO

Summer Kick-Off

We hit my neighborhood pool for the first time this season. The water was way too cold for me and Mandy, but the girls liked it. Actually, Scarlett and London liked it, but Lily didn't enjoy it as much. It was pretty darn cold!

It's amazing how much "easier" it is with Scarlett this year. Last year, I was always worried she would just run off and jump in the deep end. I had to watch her every little move. This year, she stays in one place longer and is more aware of her surroundings. I actually go to relax on a chair while she played in the kids' pool. It was great!

A few days later, we all ventured to try out a new park nearby. It's a beach park! I love the area where we live. There's so much to do, see, and eat without ever going deep into Dallas. Needless to say, the beach park and fountains were a huge hit with the girls.

First we hit the sand park. It felt so beachy and vacationy there! The park is within a village area with people walking around and all kinds of shops and restaurants. So fun!

First we hit the sand.

Then onto the fountains! This water was really really cold too. Lily loved running around, but I don't think she ever got wet. It was freezing cold water!

We walked over to eat burgers and ice cream afterwards. It was a very fun outing!

Little Monkey

I'm not sure if this is normal or not for a new three year old, but Scarlett is getting very acrobatic. She recently learned to hang upside down from her swing-set bar.  When she was out playing in the backyard the other day, I looked out the window to check on her and saw that she had positioned her doll on the bar too. She'll flip over sometimes, but I couldn't get her to do it for the video. I guess she's ready to start gymnastics!

Big Girl Bed

Scarlett is now in her big girl bed!

The toddler bed just seemed too small so we went ahead and up-sized. I find comfort in the fact that this is still her crib since it was the conversion kind. Her little teeth marks are even on the foot-board from when she was a baby since that was the front rail of the crib which I like seeing too. She really likes having a big girl bed "like London," and she doesn't roll out of it when she's asleep!

And she's done smiling....

Happy Mother's Day!

My mom is so wonderful! I love her so much. She is a huge support, a wonderful friend, so much fun, and she's the best grandma to Scarlett. I don't know what I'd do without her. Love you mom!!

And I'm so thankful to be a mommy myself! What a blessing it is to be able to raise, love, and enjoy Scarlett. God has blessed me tremendously. I am so undeserving but so very very thankful.

My memory verse for this week from the bible study I'm currently reading is fitting too:

"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Provers 31:30

It is my prayer to be that woman. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!!

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