Sunflowers

I don't know what the previous owners of our house had planted in this backyard spot since nothing much will grow there, but at least I have a few nice sunflowers this year. They are a pretty nod to summer....

Specs

Cameron got glasses today!! His appointment with the eye doctor last week resulted in a dignosis of a slight case of nearsightedness. It was enough of a change since his last appontment to warrant some cool spectacles :) He was really hoping for glasses and so excited to get them. He chose an oval pair in bronze. When asked if he'd like to be called "Specs", he said, "No, just call me Harry Potter!" Cameron will have 2 weeks to become comfortable with them before beginning 1st grade. As we were leaving the eye glass store, his kindergarten teacher passed us and exclaimed how nice he looks. He couldn't have been more proud! You're a handsome guy, Cam! (Umm, Harry Potter!)

Summertime Root Beer Floats

Today I decided to serve root beer floats instead of tea time. They enjoyed them so much that they asked for an encore tomorrow. Cameron loved his so much that he asked me to mail the recipe to his friend who is moving away! I'd say it was a hit! Yummmmm!

Gabby in her blueberry outfit

Some of you may know that Gabby LOVES blueberries. They are her favorite! While going through some clothes that Hannah & Lily once wore, I found these cute little blueberry overalls. She looks so sweet in them, and I imagine they please her. :)

These Feet Are Made For Walkin'!

At just 11 1/2 months, Gabby took her very first unassisted steps!!!! She stood up by herself and walked 5-6 steps across our kitchen floor. She is so proud of herself! She is our earliest walker. Connor, cameron, Hannah, & Lily all walked between 13-14 months. She's just so sweet & cute, and LOVES to be mobile. Gabby, we love you!

Dancing to ABBA

Here are Hannah & Lily, dressed for swim lessons, dancing to the ABBA music in the movie Mama Mia. They love it!

Free Standing

At 11 months old, Gabby likes to stand up by herself without holding onto anything to do it. Walking is right around the corner!!!!

Pergola

Our pergola is finished! Dan built it over 4th of July. We are excited to use it more once the heat tones down a bit. But even now, it's pretty nice on weekend mornings to sit there sipping coffee. We may just live out there in Autumn! We still have a few hanging items to put out such as flower baskets and the gargoyles, and then we'll landscape around the edges of the patio. It's coming along nicely! Great job, Dan!

Lily's 4th birthday

Lily turned 4 on July 11th!!! Having already had her birthday princess tea party, her special day was an at-home day. She loved feeling so special. She spent the day opening her gifts and playing with them. Lily is very good at holding up 4 fingers and proudly proclaiming that she is 4 years old now.

Angel Gabrielle

Sleeping Gabby. Every bit as much an angel when she's awake. Is it any wonder I'm smitten?

Cameron is beginning to swim!

Cameron has started to swim! He can swim a short distance, with his face in the water. Way to go Cam!!!!!

Tea time

A new tradition has begun in our family. Our children are enjoying a daily tea time. We recently went on a shopping trip for a tea pot and tea cups. Each child chose his/her own tea cup. Both boys chose starfish & seashell cups, Hannah chose roses, and Lily chose a feminine one with images of petit fours, flowers, etc. Why a daily tea, you ask? School begins for them in one month. Instead of an after school snack, I thought it would be nice to elevate it to tea time, making it more special, getting them use to using breakable cups carefully, and beginning a sweet new tradition...something for them to look forward to daily. They love it and feel very special. Now, can anyone answer this.... what time is "tea time" in England?

How they love her!

We are so happy Gabby is here! Everyone adores her. Gabby pulled herself up to look out the kitchen window and Hannah & Cameron rushed right to her side, excited that she was standing, wanting to be with her, and protectively watching over her. Gabby, we love you!

Gabby likes the big bath tub

Gabby took her first bath in a big tub while we were at the beach. Here she is at home, loving it just as much.

Connor Can Swim!!!

Here are a couple pictures of Lily, Hannah, Cameron, & Connor at the pool. They've been taking swim lessons since April, having never been able to swim before. We don't have a pool, so they haven't had much exposure either. After just 2 months, Connor was able to swim without help!!! Looks like we've got a little fish :)