The Belle Fair Parade

The girls had a great time at the parade, the parade itself isn't all that impressive, but it's the only one we go to that actually throws candy. They are having so much fun playing with their cousins, Amber and Ashlyn, from Ohio. It's worked out great for me too, the older girls are great babysitters. Anxiously awaiting to leave for the parade
Amber and Skylar waiting for the parade to get started
Londyn and Ashlyn waiting for the parade
Mom and Anastyn
Amber, Ashlyn, and Skylar after the parade all decked out in their jewels and bags of candy.

I Love My Sister

I have had a great time the last couple of days hanging out with my sister and her family. I can't even remember the last time I actually got to spend a period of time with my sister without everyone around, or something going on. It was great to get to visit and hang out with our kids. I also got a taste of St. Louis shopping while I was there, which was just enough to a make me think I need to schedule my next visit.

It's a Hard Knock Life

Following the cobbler making fun, the floor was left in quite a mess, so the girls did their best to whip it back into shape for Grammy Tammy. They're pretty good helpers when they want to be.

Blackberry Cobbler

My parents took the girls to pick blackberries last weekend while I was back in Tulsa. I'm sad I wasn't there to take pictures, but am very excited to enjoy the berries. My mom makes the most amazing blackberry cobbler ever! It may just be my favorite dessert, and I'm not really one to narrow down and pick a "favorite" of anything. She was kind enough to let the girls "help" with the cobbler making experience which as I've said before is one of their favorite things to do. They have to enjoy these moments with their grandmas because their mom isn't worth much in the kitchen .

Isn't She Lovely...

Londyn finally decided to cooperate and actually smile for me to take a few pictures. I'm not sure if it was because she hadn't seen me for a while, or that she just really loved her new dress that her Grandma Del bought her, but she was ready and willing. At first Skylar wasn't interested, but it didn't take her long to get in the mood.

What Is This?!?!?

Ok, so I was taking photos of Londyn last night, and Skylar was apparently a little jealous. She came out and wanted me to take a few of her. She loves to pose, which is pretty cute most of the time. However, I'm not sure I'm ready for this new open mouth sassy look. Seriously, what is this? Is this what I have to look forward to in years to come? I like the sweet and innocent little girl looks, hopefully this was just a momentary lapse in judgement.

Girls Night Out

Thankfully, my friend Shannon had a birthday to celebrate, so I got to spend the evening enjoying cheese and chocolate fondue with some of my good friends. It couldn't have worked out more perfectly that the girls were at my parents, Kevin had a recruiting event, and I got to enjoy a girls night out. It was really great to catch up with everyone, and I think we need not wait for another birthday to do it again. It works out especially well for me you see, because I am friends with some of the smartest people around. Shannon, my engineering friend can help me with my front yard drainage problems, Heather the therapist can talk me through my issues, and Tara the accountant can figure out the best way to divvy up the bill. I really don't have much to offer the group, but I'm thankful they include me anyway. Happy Birthday Shannon! Thanks for letting me enjoy it with you. Me, Shannon, Heather, and Tara at The Melting Pot.

Skylar the Photographer

Skylar is my little photographer. She loves taking my camera, turning it in every direction and clicking away. Here are a few samples of her work. She poses for me all the time, so I thought I should do the same for her if I want her to continue to cooperate. She doesn't have as good of a subject to work with, but she doesn't complain. She has some interesting angles, don't you think? I also have to credit her for the profile pic. (Whoever in MO reads this, please show Skylar that I posted her pictures. She'll be very proud.)

Crazy Kids

These are just a few random pics of my crazy kids. They are still in Missouri with the grandparents for the weekend. I'm looking forward to another date night, but am missing them a little. I was looking through some pictures I took a couple of weeks ago, and found some I hadn't posted, so here they are. It's mind boggling to me that every picture that they are both smiling in and looking at the camera, they are wearing goofy clothes, messy hair, and whatever else. When I dress them in adorable matching outfits, spend time fixing and curling their hair, they refuse to smile or look at me. I guess that's just how it goes! After giving them a bath one day and sending them to the playroom while I got ready, I found them both decked out in these zoo hats and glasses riding the horse. Not quite the cowgirl look, but whatever.....

Green Beans

The other night my mom let Londyn help break some of the green beans. She loves having little jobs like this when she's at my parents house. It was funny though, because after my mom showed her what to do, she ran inside for a second. When we looked out the window, Londyn looked up to see if anyone was looking at her, and then she shoved all of the beans into the bowl without breaking them. I guess it was a little more work than what she had in mind.

Good to See You!

This is a picture of me and Kristi, my best friend from high school. She lives in Boston, so it is rare that we ever get to see each other. It conveniently worked out that we would both be in Belle for a few days, so we got to catch up a little.

Loving on Anastyn

I unsuccessfully attempted to get a good picture of the girls and Anastyn in their matching navy and white, but this was as good as it got. It was nearly impossible to get close enough to close the gaps without tumbling over on the baby. Oh well, we'll try again next time! The girls still had a great time cuddling with their new cousin. They are so proud, and they battle over who gets to hold her next.

Black and Yellow

I may be really stretching it for blogs posts, but I thought it was funny that when we arrived at my Grandma's house for lunch we realized we were all color coordinated. I packed my clothes before we left, and my grandma had bought the dresses for the girls as a gift. Everyone else just seemed to end up in something black, white or yellow. I swear when we try to plan it, we can't get it together, but when we least expect it we all show up matching. (I guess not everyone matched, Kevin and Trent didn't get to participate in the photo session.)


I know this is a bad picture of Skylar, but it was the best of the rest of them.

Grandma Vi's Coffee Cake

The girls love to help out in the kitchen, so they thoroughly enjoyed gettting to assist their Great Grandma Vi in the making of her coffee cake, which happens to be a family favorite.

More Fourth of July!

Me, Kevin and Anastyn. Don't worry, we're not trading in our own kids, they were just being too stubborn to be in the picture with us. There were too many other people around for them to waste their time with their dorky parents.

Enjoying the fireworks. I'm sure Grammy Tammy is really comfortable.
Just hanging out.
Loving the funnel cake!