The Party's Over

Thanks to our parents, we have been kid-free all week. We have spent most of our time at the pool. And last night we went out on the nearby lake with our dear friends The Onofrys. It has been a wonderful week of great dinners and relaxing times. Exactly what we needed!

Nine Years And Counting

Believe it or not, this is my favorite picture of Mike. Why, you ask? I'll tell you. #1. It was taken on one of our trips to New York, which is something we have done now about 7 or 8 times and it never gets old - not at Christmas time. #2. It was taken in a store in front of people - which is something Mike would never normally do. And #3. He did something silly by putting on that hat. Mike is such a straight-laced by-the-book steady-eddy (one of the reasons I married him), but when I ask him, he will get silly right along with me. I really love him for that.

Today is our Nine Year Wedding Anniversary. It has gone by so fast. Only 100 years more to go.

Off To The Lake

Mike left this morning with The Gals to take them to the lake. They get to spend the week with Grandma and Granddad. They are very excited and would have walked there if they could! So, with Logan at Grammy and Papa's house, and The Gals at Grandma and Grandad's, it looks like Mike and I will have to spend the whole week by ourselves for our anniversary. What will we do? :)

Vacation Bible School

The Gals and I had Vacation Bible School this week. My friend, Kasey, and I taught rising First Graders. I am beat, but I love it!

Mom has had a long week!

Madeline works on her craft project

Amanda takes a break

Kasey needs a rest!

Water Fight

The Gals decided they wanted to play with their water guns this afternoon. I got to be the Water Girl - refilling their bucket every time they told me they need more. Scarlett played with them outside, but she kept her distance.

Amanda pops out from her hiding spot.

They each had their own barricades. I'm sure Daddy will be happy about what they chose.

Madeline gets her target in site and lets the water fly!

Amanda gets her revenge!

Check Ups

I took the Gals in today for their 7 year well-check visits. We just recently switched doctors, and when the nurse told them to put these paper gowns on, the Gals thought it was funny. I just happened to have a camera on me and had to take a picture of them. Amanda is 45 inches and 45 pounds, and Madeline is 44 inches and 44 pounds. They have always been a pound apart and an inch apart. Looks like this hasn't changed. Everything with them is A-OK!

Happy Father's Day!

We spent our day celebrating Father's Day. We had a wonderful lunch with our dear friends The Onofrys, and then we went to The Pavilion in our neighborhood for a concert. It was just a great day!

Mike and Andrew smile for the camera

Lily loves a good party

Our girls with Haley and Seth

Amanda and Mike

When we first got to The Pavilion, it was hot and hardly anyone was there. I thought we had made a huge mistake. But, after about an hour, more people came and we had a great time. I just love where we live, and I am so glad we have good friends to share these special times with us.

School's Out For Summer!

Hip! Hip! Hooray!

Sleeping Beauties

The Gals were missing Logan last night, so they decided they should sleep in his room. His vibe must be lingering because they actually slept in - just like he likes to do.

Sweet Swimmers

Of course, we couldn't go to my parents' house without spending some time in their pool - especially in this 100 degree weather!

Logan showed off his new bathing suit. Sweet!

Amanda had a great time swimming all over the pool - even in the deep end!

Madeline finally jumped off the diving board all by herself. She kept saying she was scared, but we cheered her on, and she did it!

Logan Goes to North Carolina

Logan is getting a special summer with his grandparents this year. The Gals (and Scarlett) and I took him to North Carolina today, where he will stay until August. They have lots of great stuff planned, and we will be seeing him every few weeks. Still, we are going to miss him terribly. I just thought of something -- they are going to get to eat his good cooking this summer instead of us. Darn it!

We love you, Logan!

And More Birthday!

Had enough yet? Now you know how we feel. Instead of a birthday, the Gals are having a birthweek. As you know, their party was Saturday, and then we had to celebrate Tuesday night because of Mike, and now, on the real day, we celebrated some more. After a whole day of being made to feel special at school, I took them to get their toes done. They love that. It is a nice girly way to spend time with them. They've had so much fun celebrating their 7th birthday. I guess seven really is a lucky number for the two of them.

Birthday Girls

I remember it clear as day. I had been feeling awful all day and finally called Mike at work and told him to meet me at the doctor. As Logan and I drove to the hospital, he told me that if I started to have the babies in the car, he knew to call 9-1-1. That evening, I was feeling about 100 pounds lighter, and my two sweet girls were here. Today, they are 7 years old! My babies are growing up too fast.

Field Day

Today was the First Grade Field Day. Mike was able to take the day off, so we both volunteered and helped with the different games they had set up for the kids to play. Afterwards, we all got to have a picnic.

Madeline waiting her turn in line

Amanda holds out her hand for the pebble race

Having fun at our picnic with all the other First Graders