August 9, 2012

This post-bath fun with Daddy that involves spinning around and around in her towel is what Alena affectionately calls "the hammock." 

August 8, 2012

There were so many wonderful moments today, but this one takes the cake. Seeing my daughter dressed like this on a hot summer day when we were about to go outside for a walk gave me a good laugh and reminded me of the pure joy of being a kid. I love this silly girl!

August 7, 2012

At soon-to-be Uncle Travis's softball game, Alena was perfectly happy playing in the gravel and getting dirty. I think she misses camping. :)

August 6, 2012

Reuben and Nora, sleepy and resting on a lazy summer day.

August 5, 2012

The whole camping group (minus Adam & Megan, who could only come out for a day this year). This is a great tradition and I'm glad we could make it this year, even with a 5 week old!

August 4, 2012

Making hobo pies by the fire, one of the best parts of camping!

August 3, 2012

Beach buds Alena, Sophie, and Jadyn. These girls has so much fun together this weekend!

August 2, 2012

We've really missed camping this summer with having Nora at the end of June. But, we did make it to Hoffmaster for a long weekend to camp with friends! This is not a great picture, but here is a family self-portrait of a short hike we took the afternoon we arrived.

August 1, 2012

I think this picture speaks for itself... YUM!

July 31, 2012

Alena and I made a little trip to our local health food store, Harvest Health. As we were checking out, she sweetly asked if she could have this chocolate. Being it was our little "date" to the store, I thought "why not?" and I bought some for both of us. The best part was when I bought it, handed it to her, and she said, "Thank you Mommy, this will really help." The cashier loved it. Yes Alena, chocolate does help- ha! :)

July 30, 2012

Nora and her friend Anja, who is 8 weeks older than her. They both have older sisters and this was the first day that Marguerite and I got together for a playdate with all 4 of our girls! So fun!

July 29, 2012

Nora snuggling up for a nap with Aunt Jenna. Precious. 

July 28, 2012

What a perfect summer day today! The girls and I walked to the park and as always, Alena loved swinging (though she still prefers to not go on the big swing). The sunny, 80s weather was wonderful today.

July 27, 2012

Alena enjoying a popsicle. What a great summer treat!

July 26, 2012

Alena helped me make muffins today. We tried a new recipe that used shredded summer squash. Okay, they turned out pretty bland, but I used up some of our many summer squash and had a great time with my daughter! :)

July 25, 2012

My grandma with Nora, who is one month old today! My grandparents and cousin's son, Carter, visited us this morning. It was a nice distraction for a bit from potty training. :)

July 24, 2012

The first day of jumping into the family event of potty training... rug gone, potty in the living room, Alena in underpants, many accidents... a pretty gruesome day. But I had a brief bit of joy watching my carefree toddler prance and dance around the living room, seemingly clueless to the waning positive attitudes of her parents and the fact that we hadn't left the house all day and that the only topic of conversation had been using the potty.

July 23, 2012

Our 4 week old Nora! She had an appointment today weighing in at 9 lbs, 2 oz and measuring 22.5 inches. So thankful for a healthy, growing girl!

July 22, 2012

Yay for wedding shower #1 for my lovely sister!

July 21, 2012

The first date night out as the parents of 2 kids sitting on the deck at Roses with a perfect breeze over the lake and root chips, wine, and great conversation? Amazing.