In the craziness of every day life, while reflecting on the past few months of playing the role of a single parent so often, and thinking about how too many times I am too quick to anger or grow impatient I have tried to remind myself of the following truths:
One day I will miss picking up random sippy cups filled with sticky juice ALL over the house.
One day I will miss the dirty hands that wrap so tightly around my neck and then graceful down my once clean clothes.
One day I will miss the sound of "mama" being said over and over again for no apparent reason.
One day I will miss going on paci hunts because we have seemed to misplace all 10+ of them once again.
One day I will miss strapping my baby into her carseat while she arches her back and cries because she just hates sitting in that thing.
One day I will miss pushing her in her little car up and down the street just a few times because 1. it's too hot for anything more 2. that's the extent of her attention span before she's climbing in and out every 2 steps and 3. because that's all it takes for me to get winded these days.
One day I will miss the way she only wants me when she's tired or hurt.
One day I will miss her constant babble in my ear while I'm trying to talk on the phone.
One day I will miss making up silly songs for every little thing we do just because it makes her smile.
One day I will miss picking up her toys and all the random things she's carried around the house throughout the day because she's still too little to do it herself. (although she has begun to help!)
One day I will miss her splashing water all over the bathroom floor during bath time just because she thinks it's funny.
These are just some of the things that so often get me frustrated or just make me tired. However, these are just a few of the things that I will miss in the not so distant future when my baby is too grown up to do them any more....
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
a new chapter
Today is my last day of work for an unknown amount of time. I will be taking an open-ended leave of absence from John Deere and that comes with a mix of emotions. I really loved my part time set up. It was a perfect balance between work and time at home with my baby and working from home made it even better. However, a few months ago they decided that they needed the job to return to a full time position. I was quick to decline going back full time as we knew that just wasn't what was best for our family. And from there my search for another part time opportunity within John Deere began. Well I haven't found anything. Part time jobs are very hard to come by in the company - there aren't many of them and it seems they are done on a more case to case bases, like mine out of Springfield. So, that puts us where we are today - no job lined up, so a leave of absence it is.
While I am looking forward to some time off and a break from the extra stress and hassle, of having to worry about balancing our home, a nanny, and a job I definitely have mixed feeling about becoming a full time stay at home mom. I have worked for John Deere for 7 years and have had some wonderful opportunities while doing so. I have traveled to cities I would have otherwise never seen, lived in places I know I would have never moved to, met some wonderful people, and been challenged in so many ways. Before I met Jimmy my job was so much a part of who I was and I found a lot of contentment and pride in what I did. Priorities change and as your life grows different parts become more important than others and there's no doubt that Jimmy and Lily are so much more important to me than a job will ever be. However, it's still a part of me and what I do so adjusting to that change will be different.
I am looking forward to the extra days with just Lily before our little guy arrives as I know things will never be the same for her, or us. However, I wonder what we will do every day? Can I find things to do without always spending money? Will I get bored at home? Will Lily adjust well to the change of having just me to play with every day instead of a fun nanny 3 times a week? Will it bother me that I am no longer contributing financially to our family and will that change the way I view and spend our money? While I feel incredibly blessed that my husband has a job that will allow me to stay at home these are questions that run through my head.
I hope to get involved in more community and volunteer opportunities - do some things that I have not had the time to do because of my job. If you have any ideas, let me know! :) As well as just enjoy the time loving on my babies. I do plan to keep my eye open on John Deere jobs and who knows, maybe another part time opportunity will present itself? But for now I will be content in the beautiful family I have and the privilege of staying at home with them. Who knows what the next month, 6 months, or year look like for me and our family but I do know who holds that future and that's the beauty of believing and loving a wonderful God that is so much bigger than we are!
While I am looking forward to some time off and a break from the extra stress and hassle, of having to worry about balancing our home, a nanny, and a job I definitely have mixed feeling about becoming a full time stay at home mom. I have worked for John Deere for 7 years and have had some wonderful opportunities while doing so. I have traveled to cities I would have otherwise never seen, lived in places I know I would have never moved to, met some wonderful people, and been challenged in so many ways. Before I met Jimmy my job was so much a part of who I was and I found a lot of contentment and pride in what I did. Priorities change and as your life grows different parts become more important than others and there's no doubt that Jimmy and Lily are so much more important to me than a job will ever be. However, it's still a part of me and what I do so adjusting to that change will be different.
I am looking forward to the extra days with just Lily before our little guy arrives as I know things will never be the same for her, or us. However, I wonder what we will do every day? Can I find things to do without always spending money? Will I get bored at home? Will Lily adjust well to the change of having just me to play with every day instead of a fun nanny 3 times a week? Will it bother me that I am no longer contributing financially to our family and will that change the way I view and spend our money? While I feel incredibly blessed that my husband has a job that will allow me to stay at home these are questions that run through my head.
I hope to get involved in more community and volunteer opportunities - do some things that I have not had the time to do because of my job. If you have any ideas, let me know! :) As well as just enjoy the time loving on my babies. I do plan to keep my eye open on John Deere jobs and who knows, maybe another part time opportunity will present itself? But for now I will be content in the beautiful family I have and the privilege of staying at home with them. Who knows what the next month, 6 months, or year look like for me and our family but I do know who holds that future and that's the beauty of believing and loving a wonderful God that is so much bigger than we are!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
32 weeks - 8 months pregnant
Where has the summer gone? Although it's been unbearable hot and I've spent most of the summer alone due to my husband's crazy work travel, this summer has just flown by. This week I find myself counting down the weeks until this little man is due and that comes with so many mixed emotions. I plan to write a seperate blog about the life changes ahead and what's been on my heart lately but one of those emotions is definitely excited!
We are now only 8 weeks (hopefully less) away from meeting our second precious miracle. When Jimmy was back a few weeks ago for a whole week this time! we spent quite a bit of time on the baby's room. I can now pretty confidently - there are a few final details to complete - say that his room is ready! Clothes are folded, put away, and hung, diapers are bought (we will do cloth for him as well but plan to start out with disposable), the crib is put together and made, decorations are hung, and his room is ready for him. We also have spent quite a bit of time in discussion regarding his name. Which I think I can also pretty confidently say we have agreed on and I am in LOVE with! So I feel good about where things are at in terms of preparations.
We went on a hospital tour a few weeks ago and that really made things sink in a bit for me. I kept thinking through my birth experience with Lily and how it may be different, or the same, this time around. I thought about how different things will be since we already have a child and how her world will also instantly change. And I couldn't help but think about the joy and love I know I will feel when I see this little mans face and welcome him to our world. I am so ready for that!
It's no secret that I don't love being pregnant so I am also very ready for the physical part of carrying this baby to be over with. I know I won't miss getting out of breathe from climbing two flights of stairs, or just constantly sweating no matter what, or being hungry 24/7......
Although I must say I continue to feel pretty darn good so I shouldn't complain! I am continuing to workout a few times a week. I need to get back to my pilates class as I've missed recently due to schedules, work, etc. but I feel like being active for me is such a vital part of me feeling good. I am definitely more tired at the end of each day and feel like my belly is just HUGE! However, I find comfort in people telling me that I'm looking good and healthy - whether they are just saying it to make me feel good or actually believe it doesn't really matter, does it?!
So all in all I am feeling good and am anxious to meet our little man and expand our family from 3 to 4!
We are now only 8 weeks (hopefully less) away from meeting our second precious miracle. When Jimmy was back a few weeks ago for a whole week this time! we spent quite a bit of time on the baby's room. I can now pretty confidently - there are a few final details to complete - say that his room is ready! Clothes are folded, put away, and hung, diapers are bought (we will do cloth for him as well but plan to start out with disposable), the crib is put together and made, decorations are hung, and his room is ready for him. We also have spent quite a bit of time in discussion regarding his name. Which I think I can also pretty confidently say we have agreed on and I am in LOVE with! So I feel good about where things are at in terms of preparations.
We went on a hospital tour a few weeks ago and that really made things sink in a bit for me. I kept thinking through my birth experience with Lily and how it may be different, or the same, this time around. I thought about how different things will be since we already have a child and how her world will also instantly change. And I couldn't help but think about the joy and love I know I will feel when I see this little mans face and welcome him to our world. I am so ready for that!
It's no secret that I don't love being pregnant so I am also very ready for the physical part of carrying this baby to be over with. I know I won't miss getting out of breathe from climbing two flights of stairs, or just constantly sweating no matter what, or being hungry 24/7......
Although I must say I continue to feel pretty darn good so I shouldn't complain! I am continuing to workout a few times a week. I need to get back to my pilates class as I've missed recently due to schedules, work, etc. but I feel like being active for me is such a vital part of me feeling good. I am definitely more tired at the end of each day and feel like my belly is just HUGE! However, I find comfort in people telling me that I'm looking good and healthy - whether they are just saying it to make me feel good or actually believe it doesn't really matter, does it?!
So all in all I am feeling good and am anxious to meet our little man and expand our family from 3 to 4!
Saturday, July 21, 2012
little man's room
Our little man's room is pretty much complete. We have a few finishing touches here and there and I have to decide if I need something else on the walls but for the most part it's complete and I LOVE it.
I actually started planning out his room with different crib bedding in mind but went another direction once I got going. I love modern contemporary design and adore all the funky patterns and prints that create that style so that's what you see throughout the room. Lots of color, fun patterns, and different textures.
The 3 canvases hanging above the dresser are a project I worked on a few months back. Super simple and a cheap alternative to pricey prints. I simply found 3 different fabrics that I loved at Hobby Lobby and wrapped and stapled them to 3 canvaes and vila - artwork.
I also love the little vintage inspired red clock hanging above the light switch. And another favorite is the contemporary letters that spell out his name that will complete the night stand (I had to take them down for the pictures of course:) )
So here's a peak at his room - hard to believe that in 8 weeks or less this will be home for our little guy!
I actually started planning out his room with different crib bedding in mind but went another direction once I got going. I love modern contemporary design and adore all the funky patterns and prints that create that style so that's what you see throughout the room. Lots of color, fun patterns, and different textures.
The 3 canvases hanging above the dresser are a project I worked on a few months back. Super simple and a cheap alternative to pricey prints. I simply found 3 different fabrics that I loved at Hobby Lobby and wrapped and stapled them to 3 canvaes and vila - artwork.
I also love the little vintage inspired red clock hanging above the light switch. And another favorite is the contemporary letters that spell out his name that will complete the night stand (I had to take them down for the pictures of course:) )
So here's a peak at his room - hard to believe that in 8 weeks or less this will be home for our little guy!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
a grover wedding
This past Saturday we had the fun honor of being a part of my sister in law's wedding! Jimmy's little sister, Jena, got married on Saturday and we had a fun filled week of wedding activities and just hanging out with out of town family.
Our activities began last Sunday. After spending some time at home as a family in the morning after our weekend away the few days before and squeezing in some furniture shopping for little man's room, we spent the afternoon and evening celebrating my other sister in law's birthday! Jimmy's aunt, uncle, and cousins from Texas arrived the day before so we were able to spend time at the farm catching up with them, riding 4 wheelers and gators, and just playing outside. We were also able to celebrate the youngest Grover sibling, Jalissa turning 20!
Monday we found ourselves entertaining family at our house with fun on the lake with our jet ski! His cousin's had never been on a jet ski, and only been tubing a few times so off to the local lake we went. Lily, his aunt, uncle, and I enjoyed relaxing on the beach as we watched them ride by over and over again on the jet ski. I think it's safe to say they enjoyed themselves! After that we hit up a local pizza place that happens to be one of our favorites, Doughy Joeys, and then home to bed to rest up for the next day!
Tuesday was spent at home catching up on things around the house, working on the baby's room, and then heading to Cedar Rapids to have dinner with one of Jimmy's childhood friends and his wife. Because what else did we have going on this week - right?! Even though it was a hectic week and probably not the best to squeeze this in it was great catching up with them, they enjoyed seeing Lily, and we were able to see their brand new house that they in the process of unpacking!
Wednesday after a full day of doctor's appointments, a hospital tour (yeah!), wedding errands, and a hair appointment we were back to the Grover's to see more family and this time to celebrate his mom's birthday! Jimmy's other aunt, uncle, and cousins from Colorado arrived earlier in the day so we were anxious to see them and enjoy some more family time. After staying way too late, that always happens doesn't it?! we were back home once again.
Thursday all his family joined us again at our house for the day. The boys spent the day in the music room and playing video games while us ladies spent some time outside and got in on the video game playing as well. We had intended on hitting up the pool but didn't quite get to it. We then met up for dinner out with some other extended family and once again found ourselves pushing our limits with our child's bedtime :)
Friday I was off to spend some time with the ladies in the wedding getting our nails done, decorating for the reception, and then getting ourselves ready for rehearsal. Daddy had Lily for the day and spent the day at his parents with the boy cousins and uncles getting into trouble - I'm sure.
We all met up for rehearsal - including Lily, since she was the flower girl and after a short run through at the church were off to the rehearsal dinner. The reception took place in the groom's parent's backyard and while it was absolutely beautiful it was absolutely HOT! They decided to have the rehearsal dinner there as well and I'm pretty sure I spent the whole time chasing a 1 year old around and sweating! Jimmy was busy running the zipline - yes they have a zipline in their backyard running from a treestand, over a pond, into a grassy area! So of course my hubby was all over that! Lily also enjoyed her first taste of steak at the rehearsal dinner. I am not a steak eater so I'm pretty sure I have never made it but she sure loved it. At one point I think she picked the whole thing up with her fingers from her daddy's plate. Guess this means I may have to learn how to make steak :)
Then came the big day - Saturday! Of course it'd be the only day in the last month or so that we would see any rain. While my farming husband and father in law were thrilled it always makes things a little nerve racking knowing so much of the wedding is taking place outdoors. However, by wedding time it had mostly cleared up and of course instead of cooling things off the humid was back in full force!
We had "hired' my mom for help with Lily on wedding day since both Jimmy and I were a part of the day as well and that was for sure the best decision we could have made! I had to be there bright and early for hair and makeup, Jimmy had to be there a little bit later for lunch and wedding party pictures, and then a little bit after that came Lily's time for pictures. So with much help from my mom Lily made it there all ready to go and smiled away for her pictures. She actually kept going back up front to be in more pictures - such a little ham!
Come wedding time both Lily and the little 18 month old ring bearer walked/ran down the aisle and were as cute as could be. Lily then took off with my mom to get a nap before the reception while Jimmy and I stayed at the wedding.
The reception was beautiful - so many neat decorations and fun things for kiddos to do but once again it was just so hot! I don't think I stopped sweating the entire time! Lily and my mom joined us around the dinner time, mom stuck around for a few hours after that to help out with Lily and then off she went. Lily loved playing with the other kids on the swingset, in the sandbox, by the pond, on the trampoline, and with sidewalk chalk. To say she was one messy girl is for sure an understatement - I am actually pretty sure she ruined her dress she was so dirty! But she loved it. After enjoying the dance and catching up with family and friends Lily and I hit the road around 10pm to crash for the night while Jimmy stayed back to party!
Lily fell asleep before we had even pulled out of town and after a quick shower I was right behind her. I don't think daddy joined us in bed until 3am or so!
We had such a fun week catching up with Jimmy's family and seeing people we don't see often enough. The stress of a wedding, especially outdoors is so worth it when that day finally arrives! Jena looked absolutely beautiful and we were so happy our whole family could be a part of their special day!
Our activities began last Sunday. After spending some time at home as a family in the morning after our weekend away the few days before and squeezing in some furniture shopping for little man's room, we spent the afternoon and evening celebrating my other sister in law's birthday! Jimmy's aunt, uncle, and cousins from Texas arrived the day before so we were able to spend time at the farm catching up with them, riding 4 wheelers and gators, and just playing outside. We were also able to celebrate the youngest Grover sibling, Jalissa turning 20!
Monday we found ourselves entertaining family at our house with fun on the lake with our jet ski! His cousin's had never been on a jet ski, and only been tubing a few times so off to the local lake we went. Lily, his aunt, uncle, and I enjoyed relaxing on the beach as we watched them ride by over and over again on the jet ski. I think it's safe to say they enjoyed themselves! After that we hit up a local pizza place that happens to be one of our favorites, Doughy Joeys, and then home to bed to rest up for the next day!
Tuesday was spent at home catching up on things around the house, working on the baby's room, and then heading to Cedar Rapids to have dinner with one of Jimmy's childhood friends and his wife. Because what else did we have going on this week - right?! Even though it was a hectic week and probably not the best to squeeze this in it was great catching up with them, they enjoyed seeing Lily, and we were able to see their brand new house that they in the process of unpacking!
Wednesday after a full day of doctor's appointments, a hospital tour (yeah!), wedding errands, and a hair appointment we were back to the Grover's to see more family and this time to celebrate his mom's birthday! Jimmy's other aunt, uncle, and cousins from Colorado arrived earlier in the day so we were anxious to see them and enjoy some more family time. After staying way too late, that always happens doesn't it?! we were back home once again.
Thursday all his family joined us again at our house for the day. The boys spent the day in the music room and playing video games while us ladies spent some time outside and got in on the video game playing as well. We had intended on hitting up the pool but didn't quite get to it. We then met up for dinner out with some other extended family and once again found ourselves pushing our limits with our child's bedtime :)
Friday I was off to spend some time with the ladies in the wedding getting our nails done, decorating for the reception, and then getting ourselves ready for rehearsal. Daddy had Lily for the day and spent the day at his parents with the boy cousins and uncles getting into trouble - I'm sure.
We all met up for rehearsal - including Lily, since she was the flower girl and after a short run through at the church were off to the rehearsal dinner. The reception took place in the groom's parent's backyard and while it was absolutely beautiful it was absolutely HOT! They decided to have the rehearsal dinner there as well and I'm pretty sure I spent the whole time chasing a 1 year old around and sweating! Jimmy was busy running the zipline - yes they have a zipline in their backyard running from a treestand, over a pond, into a grassy area! So of course my hubby was all over that! Lily also enjoyed her first taste of steak at the rehearsal dinner. I am not a steak eater so I'm pretty sure I have never made it but she sure loved it. At one point I think she picked the whole thing up with her fingers from her daddy's plate. Guess this means I may have to learn how to make steak :)
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| lily getting ready to go down the aisle |
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| lily and the ring bearer mason |
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| lily and i at dinner |
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| lily and daddy eating steak |
We had "hired' my mom for help with Lily on wedding day since both Jimmy and I were a part of the day as well and that was for sure the best decision we could have made! I had to be there bright and early for hair and makeup, Jimmy had to be there a little bit later for lunch and wedding party pictures, and then a little bit after that came Lily's time for pictures. So with much help from my mom Lily made it there all ready to go and smiled away for her pictures. She actually kept going back up front to be in more pictures - such a little ham!
Come wedding time both Lily and the little 18 month old ring bearer walked/ran down the aisle and were as cute as could be. Lily then took off with my mom to get a nap before the reception while Jimmy and I stayed at the wedding.
The reception was beautiful - so many neat decorations and fun things for kiddos to do but once again it was just so hot! I don't think I stopped sweating the entire time! Lily and my mom joined us around the dinner time, mom stuck around for a few hours after that to help out with Lily and then off she went. Lily loved playing with the other kids on the swingset, in the sandbox, by the pond, on the trampoline, and with sidewalk chalk. To say she was one messy girl is for sure an understatement - I am actually pretty sure she ruined her dress she was so dirty! But she loved it. After enjoying the dance and catching up with family and friends Lily and I hit the road around 10pm to crash for the night while Jimmy stayed back to party!
Lily fell asleep before we had even pulled out of town and after a quick shower I was right behind her. I don't think daddy joined us in bed until 3am or so!
We had such a fun week catching up with Jimmy's family and seeing people we don't see often enough. The stress of a wedding, especially outdoors is so worth it when that day finally arrives! Jena looked absolutely beautiful and we were so happy our whole family could be a part of their special day!
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| her dress |
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| the bride getting her hair done |
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| almost ready |
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| jimmy and i - 8 months pregnant with little man! |
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| the only one i have of lily and mason on wedding day |
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| some of the wedding party |
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| their first dance |
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| our family at the reception |
the 4th in nebraska
So I am a little behind on blogging. This week I'm focusing on getting caught up so bare with me.
A few weeks ago we spent an extended 4th of July weekend at Johnson Lake - located in the middle of nowhere Nebraska - with my siblings and their families. Lily and I took off Tuesday morning, stopping in Des Moines to spend the afternoon with my best friend Katie and her little one Harper, and had dinner and stayed the night with my sister and brother in law in Ankeny. Jimmy then drove from Chicago to Des Moines that night, after a long flight from China, and we hit the road bright and early the next morning for Nebraska with my brother and his family also.
We knew the drive would take about 7 hours from Cedar Falls so we thought by driving to Des Moines the day before it'd break up the trip for Lily and I. However, it took us a good 7 hours from Ankeny due to stops and driving a little slower with the boat in tow. However, Lily did good on the drive, for the most part, but we were already for some fun once we arrived at the lake.
We had rented 3 "cabins" side by side for the 3 nights we were there and although it was more or less an oversized trailer divided into 4 seperate "rooms" - it was close to the lake, they each had their own bathroom and kitchen, and it was really all we needed for a messy few days on the water and beach.
Wednesday night once everyone arrived we headed into the local town for dinner and fireworks. While the town left little to be desired and had us slightly concerned for our safety a few times - the fireworks were great and the kiddos loved running around the open field we found to sit in. We may have been a bit close though as we found ourselves continually dodging falling ash! After a late night stop at Wal-Mart for our groceries for the week we were all "home" and tucked in for a good night's sleep.
The next few days were spent playing on the beach, tubing, skiing, jet skiing, and relaxing in the water. Although the water activities were lacking for me and my little sister, who is also pregnant, it was a lot of fun and the kids all played so well together. There are 5 of them altogether - ranging in age from 14 months to 6 years so you can never be sure how it will work out but they did great and really enjoyed their days together. Crazy to think that next year there will be 2 more added to the mix!
Each evening we adults enjoyed some time around the fire, after putting kiddos to bed and really just enjoyed being together. Families are such blessings and it's really special when you can enjoy being together for extended periods of time.
Our final night - Friday - we decided to tackle dinner out at a lakeside restaurant to celebrate my sister in law's birthday. We brought along cupcakes and enjoying singing to her, showering her with gifts, and chasing kiddos around a restaurant :)
Then our family hit the road bright and early the next morning in hopes that Lily would start out the car ride with a few hours of sleep, that didn't quite work out! But she did great on the ride home with the help of mommy in the backseat, the ipad, snacks, and the occasional nap. We left earlier than the rest so that we could make it back in time for a good friend's wedding reception to wrap up our weekend.
It was a fantastic weekend with family and one I hope we make somewhat of a tradition - maybe not going to that same place but meeting up somewhere along the way. Hope you enjoyed your 4th as well!
A few weeks ago we spent an extended 4th of July weekend at Johnson Lake - located in the middle of nowhere Nebraska - with my siblings and their families. Lily and I took off Tuesday morning, stopping in Des Moines to spend the afternoon with my best friend Katie and her little one Harper, and had dinner and stayed the night with my sister and brother in law in Ankeny. Jimmy then drove from Chicago to Des Moines that night, after a long flight from China, and we hit the road bright and early the next morning for Nebraska with my brother and his family also.
We knew the drive would take about 7 hours from Cedar Falls so we thought by driving to Des Moines the day before it'd break up the trip for Lily and I. However, it took us a good 7 hours from Ankeny due to stops and driving a little slower with the boat in tow. However, Lily did good on the drive, for the most part, but we were already for some fun once we arrived at the lake.
We had rented 3 "cabins" side by side for the 3 nights we were there and although it was more or less an oversized trailer divided into 4 seperate "rooms" - it was close to the lake, they each had their own bathroom and kitchen, and it was really all we needed for a messy few days on the water and beach.
Wednesday night once everyone arrived we headed into the local town for dinner and fireworks. While the town left little to be desired and had us slightly concerned for our safety a few times - the fireworks were great and the kiddos loved running around the open field we found to sit in. We may have been a bit close though as we found ourselves continually dodging falling ash! After a late night stop at Wal-Mart for our groceries for the week we were all "home" and tucked in for a good night's sleep.
The next few days were spent playing on the beach, tubing, skiing, jet skiing, and relaxing in the water. Although the water activities were lacking for me and my little sister, who is also pregnant, it was a lot of fun and the kids all played so well together. There are 5 of them altogether - ranging in age from 14 months to 6 years so you can never be sure how it will work out but they did great and really enjoyed their days together. Crazy to think that next year there will be 2 more added to the mix!
Each evening we adults enjoyed some time around the fire, after putting kiddos to bed and really just enjoyed being together. Families are such blessings and it's really special when you can enjoy being together for extended periods of time.
Our final night - Friday - we decided to tackle dinner out at a lakeside restaurant to celebrate my sister in law's birthday. We brought along cupcakes and enjoying singing to her, showering her with gifts, and chasing kiddos around a restaurant :)
Then our family hit the road bright and early the next morning in hopes that Lily would start out the car ride with a few hours of sleep, that didn't quite work out! But she did great on the ride home with the help of mommy in the backseat, the ipad, snacks, and the occasional nap. We left earlier than the rest so that we could make it back in time for a good friend's wedding reception to wrap up our weekend.
It was a fantastic weekend with family and one I hope we make somewhat of a tradition - maybe not going to that same place but meeting up somewhere along the way. Hope you enjoyed your 4th as well!
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| getting ready for fireworks |
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| lily and aunt kristle |
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| the kiddos playing with bubbles |
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| our family nice and sweaty |
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| sister kristen and her family ready to tube |
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| jimmy, eden, and lily playing in the sand |
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| all the kiddos minus sam sitting in their chairs |
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| lily and i enjoying the view |
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