John Cooper Turns One and Family Fun

 June went took a long weekend trip to Cincy to help prepare and celebrate our nephew Cooper's first birthday.  It was so much fun spending alone time with their family, shopping, eating, and laughing.  Little Cooper keeps changing and growing so much!

Gina, Cooper's mama, decided on "frogs, snails, and puppy dog tails" as her theme and I got to decorate while she cooked for the party.  I love how it turned out.  We did a really neat balloon banner also, not sure how I forgot to snap a pic of that.  But it will def be duplicated at a future party.  

Cooper wasn't super into his cake.  He hasn't had much sugar before.  

It was a beautiful day so we played in the sprinkler and slip in slide.  After the crowd we got out "non popping" bubbles.  The kids loved it!  I wish they were closer.  My girls sure do love playing with Ridge.  

Happy Birthday, John Cooper

Sumer Lovin'

Enjoying our summer so far. Crossing things off our "summer bucket list"

Playdates at the splash park... check

Gone Fishin'

Believe it or not, but this girly girl grew up fishing.  It is one of the fondest memories of my childhood.  I would assume Jeff would feel the same way.  Nowadays, I don't crave to go.  But it sure was fun to watch the girls dig in and get dirty.  And, of course, catch some fish!

Leah's first catch of the year.  She's too funny!

Handsome nephew Wyatt.  

Ayla was a pro.  She caught several that afternoon.

Thank goodness for Mamaw to help keep this boy corralled!

I know this looks awful.   But truth is he really wanted on!  Its just too cute not to post for memories.  He was making the "vroom vroom" sound until papaw started it up!

We are truly blessed with cool parents who love spending time with us.

Ended our afternoon out with a short boat ride with Uncle Greg.  

I hope we can always just be together and not need all the crazy electronics and whatnot to keep our kids happy!  Here's to a great summer together...

Manatees 2013

The Manatees wrapped up their season.

Leah's first season of soccer went well.  I found out she isn't too fond of soccer, but by the last game understood the rules and ran after the ball play well.  She wasn't hesitant at all, like Ay was her first time.  She scored 1 goal this year (for the other team) and got her feet on it a few other times.  Very proud!

Ayla was a little soccer star! 

Not one game passed where she didn't score multiple goals.  Her record, I believe, was 7 goals in one game.  Sheesh, she's ready to move up to the next level in the fall.  It was so good to see Ayla feel confident most games and excelling.  She is a tender, cautious sort.  My favorite memory was her helping an opponent off the ground and asking him if he was ok.  Thats what I want my kids to learn!

Nice job Manatees!

Starting Summer...

School is out.  

It's summer, right?

Why not break out the sprinkler.  Even if its only in the 70s.

Ayla's 6th birthday with friends

Ayla requested a Lalaloopsy party.  We stuck with a simple party just for her school friends plus a couple close ones.  We set it up at Mr. Gattis.  Since we were getting ready to leave on vacation it seemed to be an easy solution.  A good time was had by all!

Leah is FOUR!

Waking up to birthday balloons is a tradition I hope we can keep up.  They always are so excited!

We decided to keep the girls birthdays low key this year since we are going on vacation very soon.  But "low key" doesn't mean it can't be special.  :)  I put together a birthday breakfast for Leah and her 2 besties on the fly.

She chose a Hello Kitty theme.  And wanted to do nails... done.

Love these girls :)

Another birthday tradition is going to Gasthof for lunch and "feeding" the donkeys ha

She's came a long way from this big eyed beauty.  (1st birthday)

We are so proud of you, Leah Hope.  You are the most caring, sweet, fun, silly, and spontaneous girl I know.  Our days are full of singing, dancing, jumping and playing.

At four...

love playing ponies, "make up", dress up, princesses

your favorite foods are cheese, fruit snacks (ha), fruit

you are very tall and mature.  we get asked if you are twins w Ayla often.  i would guess you are about 1 in shorter than her right now

your favorite movie is snow white

your