Splashing Through Summer

First, let me just say, how is June already more than half over???? This summer is going by SO fast! Slow down summer!!!

Tonight we had a fun time hanging out at the toddler pool on base with Madilyn's great girlfriends Madeline and Eva. She was so excited to hit the pool and after arrived and I told her the girls were going to be there....she couldn't get to the pool fast enough. These girls really are just the best of friends. Julie got a few great pics and even a video, so of course I have to share!

Impromptu Play Date

Yesterday evening, we had the pleasure of watching Isabella for a bit while Natalie was busy. She came just in time for dinner and fun!

The girls were too cute encouraging one another to eat all their food. After dinner we washed them up and set them free. Boy did they ever have fun! They spent forever chasing one another around the house screaming with delight. Then they'd change directions of one another. As they'd bump into each other they'd pause and say, "huuuuuuuuug" and give each other a hug before continuing to play chase. So adorable!!!!!

I didn't catch too many pics but here are a few.

We sure are blessed to have such great girlfriends out here.

Summertime Playdates

Now that the warm weather is officially upon us, we had some of our girlfriends over for a toddler sized "pool party". I filled up the blow up pool out back, set up the new pirate ship water play table, and pulled the other outdoor toys around to make a fun play area for all the girls. While they played, splashed, and giggled away, us mommies got to hang by the water and chat :)

After pool time we took the party inside for some mac n cheese, Sonoma Chicken Salad, fresh fruit salad, and brownies!

Here are a few outtakes of the girls eating up.

Thanks again for coming Julie and Natalie! Hope to do it again before the move. We're going to miss you!!!

Welcome to the second trimester!

PHEW!

I am SO glad to be out of the first trimester. The nausea, the cramps, the fatigue..... I'm not missing it a bit!

About 2 weeks ago we got our doppler in the mail. (For those who may know, this little device lets us listen to the baby's heartbeat at home). Ever since then, Madilyn has been obsessed with "seeing the baby". She'll bring the doppler to me and say "mom, I see baby, see baby please?". It's really cute! She also likes to give my tummy kisses and say hello to baby.

So far this pregnancy has been much easier than Madilyn's and the time has gone by so much faster! I can't believe that in 26 weeks we'll have another little one at home. Crazy!!!

Here's a recent picture of how I'm looking these days :)

Going Green

Well, with orders to Los Angeles now in hand, we have started making preparations for the move. One of the biggest steps we've made was to get rid of the suburban. We knew there was no way it was going to pass California emissions and well, with a commute ahead for Matt, the MPG just didn't add up. So, as of Thursday night, we're officially 2010 Prius owners.

I have to admit that while I still love the 4runner, this new car is pretty fun. It's super quiet, and sometimes even hard to tell if it's even running! The car senses the "key" in your pocket and unlocks the door for you as you approach. It syncs in with the bluetooth on my iphone and right away starts playing my itunes list as I'm driving along. It even has voice activated navigation. Hungry? Just hit the button on the steering wheel and tell the car "I'm hungry" and what do you know, a list of nearby restaurants appears on the screen. Select whatever suits your fancy and it gives you step by step instructions to get there. I think this is another feature that is going to come in handy in such a large and unfamiliar city!

Oh, and did I mention it gets 50 miles per gallon??? Yep, we're hooked.

Visiting Mimi and Pop Pop

After we spent a little over a week in Phoenix, we boarded a flight to Jacksonville, FL. This was the first time Madilyn or I have ever been out that way. Like a true seasoned traveler, she handled it all wonderfully. She was an angel on both flights, and for the most part, was very well behaved during our time there. She fought her naps a bit, but what kid wants to nap when there's so much fun to be had???

Mimi and Pop Pop hosted a family gathering for many people to meet Madi for the first time. The show was scheduled to start around 230, but Madilyn didn't wake up from her nap for a solid hour after that! Despite her room being near all the action and the doorbell ringing, she was OUT! Once she finally woke up she was sure to charm everyone.

Playing in the backyard shortly after our arrival. She loves to play outside!

The pretend deer outside. She didn't know what sound a deer makes so she kept going over to it and saying, "baaaaaa" :)

Little family shot on our way to the beach after dinner one evening in St. Augustine.

Playing in the water with Daddy.

Madilyn, Pop Pop, and Mimi.

Four Generations

The title pretty much says it all :)

Fit for a Princess

Just wanted to share some pictures from Madilyn's birthday party. I think everyone had fun! Poor girl refused to nap that Saturday (of all days!) so she was pretty sleepy, but she's a trooper :)

Madilyn's favorite place to be while we were back home was on the trampoline. This girl would jump and jump for hours. She sure slept well after all that jumping though!

Happy Birthday Big Girl!

YUM!!!!

Madilyn and Elmo shared the present opening duties. He was more than happy to lend a paw.

After all ger gifts were open, she got right to work feeding her new babies :)

TWO Years Old

Where does the time go? Was it really two years ago today I was in the hospital recovering from labor and delivery.....holding the most precious gift we've ever been blessed with? Time sure flies. At 11:05 today, Madilyn officially became our TWO year old!

To celebrate such a momentous occasion, we started the day off exactly how Madi requested- with "breakfast cupcakes" of course! Some of you may recognize them as doughnuts, but I am rather fond of breakfast cupcakes myself.


After breakfast we stropped by Jamba Juice for some yummy smoothies en route to the zoo. Boy oh boy did Madilyn have fun.We went with Grandma and Grandpa Merritt, Megan, and Uncle Cole. She only stayed in her stroller long enough to get to the first exhibit. After that, she walked the rest of the way. I couldn't believe how far she walked all on her own.

Of course, the trip simply wouldn't be complete without a ride on Dale the camel. One look at the other kiddos riding this big guy and Madi wanted to join right in. Since Daddy was a bit turned off by the camel and pregnant mamas aren't supposed to go camel riding, her Godmommy graciously offered.

After the zoo we stopped and grabbed some lunch and now we're all headed down for naps. What a wonderful and busy day!

Happy Easter

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.