Days of Summer

The summer has flown by and we have had all kinds of happenings that have kept us busy....so busy that it has been a while since I updated the blog!  Here is just a quick snapshot of some of the fun things we have done this summer.

We had picnics in the park

We made funny faces

We blew dandelions

We put the kids in jail

We played with friends

We rode bulls

We went swimming

We played with more friends

We ate watermelon

And popsicles

We worked hard

We played in the rain

And splashed in puddles

We went to the beach

And to the pool

We went to a baseball game

We rode bikes

We rocked pigtails

We colored

We celebrated the 4th of July

We went to Disney Hip Hop dance camp

We cleaned up pretty

We rocked more pigtails

We got stuck in a bounce house

We rode a choo-choo train

We ate more popsicles and channeled our inner vampire

We leaped into pools

And off diving boards

And off the back of boats

We rode in wagons

And in shopping carts

And also on daddy

We relaxed

We made secret potions

And became robots

We took bubble baths

And went to birthday parties

We giggled and played and snuggled and cried a little but mostly laughed a lot. It has been a great summer and we have made lots of wonderful memories. But I'm not entirely sad to be heading into fall and school again - mama needs a break!

Family History

I came across this idea to interview your family members, and I love it. Wish I would have thought to do with with my Grandfather when he was still around, but I definitely want to do it with both my parents ASAP.

INTERVIEW SOMEONE YOU LOVE ABOUT LIFEQuestions from Brendon Burchard
1. What comes to mind when you think about growing up in [hometown]?
2. What did you love to do as a kid, before high school?
3. What did you love to do in high school?
4. What do remember most about your teenage years?
5. What do you remember most about your mom (grandma)?
6. What was most important to her?
7. What do you remember most about your dad (grandpa)?
8. What was most important to him?
9. If grandma and grandpa had a message to you and their grandchildren, what do you think it is?
10. How did you meet [spouse] and know (s)he was the one?
11. How did you choose your career and what was your favorite part about it?
12. What made you successful at work?
13. What did you believe about yourself that helped you become successful and deal with hard times?
14. What times in your life truly “tested your mettle,” and what did you learn about yourself by dealing (or not dealing) with them?
15. What three events most shaped your life?
16. What do you remember about when each of us was born?
17. Were you ever scared to be a parent?
18. What three words would you say represented your approach to parenting and why?
19. When you think about [sibling] how would you describe him?
20. What message do you have for [sibling] that you want him to always keep in mind?
[Do the last two questions above for each sibling in your family]
21. When you think about [spouse], how would you describe her/him?
22. What message do you have for [spouse] that you want her/him to always keep in mind?
23. What three words would you say best describe who you tried to be in life and how you want to be remembered?
24. When they think about their careers, what do you want your children to focus on?
25. What have you learned about other people in life? (trustworthy, kind or not and mean)?
26. What do you think the world needs more of right now?
27. What do you believe people want the most in life?
28. What were the three best decisions you’ve ever made?
29. What are you most proud of in life?
30. What were five of the most positive moments of your life?
31. What message would you like to share with your family?
32. What are you most thankful for?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Three of the very best.

To my #1 hero and the first man who stole my heart, I say thank you. Thank you for always believing in me; for offering sage advice and countless words of wisdom - and for loving me even when I ignored your advice; for showing me the magic in both books and movies; for instilling in me a love of history and the desire to always learn more; for teaching me to dance, to drive a car and a boat, to fish, to ride a bike, to cook scrambled eggs, and to negotiate; for supporting me in every stage of life and through every crazy endeavor; for every morning you woke up early to drive me to school; for every soccer game and horse show and ballet recital that you made sure not to miss; for all the silly costumes you wore with us over the years; for being "Cool Windshield Wiper Dude"; for being an amazing grandfather to my girls; and most of all, for loving me the way every little girl wants to be loved by their daddy.  I love you so much and wish I could be with you this Father's Day to celebrate.

 

 

Teaching us to ski

I love you

To the second man who stole my heart, you have become the most amazing father. Our girls are so lucky to have you. When they grow up, they will look back on their childhood with the love and happiness that I do with my own dad, and there is no greater gift I could ask for. They may even write a blog post about you!  Thank you for all you do, the big things and the little things - especially the little things. The way our girls light up with glee when you walk into the room fills me with such happiness. I couldn't imagine going through this journey called Parenthood with anyone else by my side - you are truly Super Dad, and we all love you so much. Happy Father's Day!

Baby EJ

Baby Nora

To my newest "dad" - thank you for raising such a wonderful son. Thank you for showing me such love and acceptance from the start. Thank you for being a wonderful Papa to our girls, they are so lucky to have you! Happy Father's day!