Father's Day

We celebrated this guy in the midst of moving with some breakfast in bed, a new "farmer" hat that he refuses to wear, a relaxing swimming session and our favorite cookie cake (with decorations thought up by his Tater). 

It was a pretty solid day.

The Next BIG Adventure

Two weeks after we got back from our super long, relaxing vacay, we sold our home, bought and moved into our new home. That nice long, vacation came to a BIG stop when we got home. It was pure craziness and chaos trying to get our old house ready for the new buyers, get packed up, take care of two kiddos and get ready for minor renovations to be done after we moved into the new house in a very short two weeks. Good thing this is our forever house because we both vowed after all that was done that we would NEVER do it again. 

We are still pinching ourselves and we've been in our new house for almost 3 months. We kept asking each other during the whole process if this was really happening. We both have always wanted a very large yard for our children to grow up having and playing in. And we both have always dreamed about building/buying a "farm house" with a big front porch with a swing and rocking chairs. Everybody has a dream and that was ours. God has blessed us and continues to bless us more than we ever deserve.

Our first of many picnics on our front porch. We didn't even own the house yet.

Country life at its best. 

We have 6 acres smack in the middle of the city but we ca't see neighbors or hear city noises.

 It's really the best of both worlds.

Baking cookies and another picnic on the porch are definite signs of making a house into a home.

Seriously, this is ours? 

Thank you, God for this view (and the baby boy and pup).

We had to get a "tractor" and a trailer to get yard work done.

 I think we use it more often to tote kids around than to cut the grass. 

Introducing our newest member of the family and housewarming gift from the neighborhood, Lady. 

She's such a sweet pup. Lilly and the kids fell in love with her instantly. How can you say no to those big brown eyes? 

Welcome to the family, Lady!

The Temporary Only Child

Sissy went to the beach for a few days with the grandparents so we got some rare one on one time with the brother bear. You can tell that he soaked up all the attention that he could while she was gone.

She got home late one night after he had gone to bed and this is what occurred the next morning. He was so excited to see her that he could barely see straight. I think he must have hugged her at least 10 times in the first hour she was up. Just so sweet.

The First Stop of Summer

The first thing we had on the list this summer was to take an all adult vacation to Boston, New York and then a cruise to Bermuda. 

Our first stop was Boston where we went to a Red Sox game (which was on Hays' bucket list). We also went to Cheers to eat lunch, walked some of the Freedom Trail in the pouring down rain (it was so cold and rainy that it was almost comical), ran along the Charles River and took a duck tour around town. We had a great time, just the two of us.

We rode a train to our next stop, New York where we met Hays' parents and Matt and Amberly. We visited the 9/11 museum, went to see Kinky Boots on Broadway and went to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty.

We were away from the kids for a total of 10 days which is the longest we have ever been away. 

Face time was our best friend.

After New York, we took off on a cruise to Bermuda. We had five days of pure rest and relaxation (except for the sea sickness we all experienced the first day). 

A good time was had by all but we were ready to get back to see our babies.

Blogging Hiatus

Apparently, I have taken a very long (the whole summer, in fact) break from blogging. But I am back now and ready to catch up on what's been going on. We have had a full summer and now are moving on to the fall. Get ready for lots of posts coming soon to catch y'all up on one of the busiest summers we've had yet. So busy but so full of blessings.

This is one picture that sums up a good summer had by all.

The beach.

Jammies.

Ice cream.

Winter hat on the silly girl.

A smile you can't beat on the brother bear.

What else do you need in a summer's day?

Out for Summer!

Can you tell someone is excited to be in relaxation mode?!

We have nothing planned for this summer but relaxing and marking items off our summer bucket list.

Cheers to a carefree summer break!

The Ballerina

Olivia's 2014 dance recital 

She rocked it like a true star.