Fourth Fest

We headed to the neighborhood Fourth Fest to enjoy some snocones, pony rides, bounce houses and music.  It was a very hot day so the snocones were a big hit!  It was the only festivities we got to enjoy since I threw out my back later that day. 

 

Headed to the Proffitt's party when I threw out my back.  Luckily the Arwoods came and picked up the kids to take them to the party.  While Dave hauled me to Urgent Care.

13 Years Later

Dave and I celebrated 13 years of marriage today.  We spent the day outside enjoying the beautiful weather and riding the green way with the kids.  We then left the kids with Suzy and headed out to dinner at Mez and catch a movie.  It is hard to fathom how much can change in what seems like such a short time.  We have truly enjoyed our journey and where we have ended up.  It hasn't always been smooth but I can honestly say I am happy it is Dave by my side.  And I can't imagine a happier 13 years!

 

 

Walking & Dancing

Sam saying bye as he walks out of the room.



We decided to have a dance party to a Jake and the Pirate video.  Sammy got up and joined in!

Company Picnic

Dave's company had their picnic at Pullen Park this year.  It was a good time even though temperatures were near 100!  Luckily the carousel is air conditioned.  It was also Stone's 7th birthday so he came dressed as a pirate and ready to party!

 Sammy enjoying dessert

Stone and Sierra enjoying a quiet moment

Cooling off with the mist sprayer

15 Months

Sammy is 15 months and is on the go!  He has started walking just in the past week and is so happy with his new found freedom.  He loves to give kisses and wave bye-bye.  He says a few words and is so proud of himself when he talks.  He says bye, door, cheese, yes (while emphatically shaking his head), no, dada, eat and me.  He loves to laugh at Aniela and Thomas and thinks everything they do is funny. 

I didn't think anyone could rival Aniela when it came to eating but Sammy is coming close!  He will eat anything and everything he can find and eats like it is his last meal.  His favorites are blueberries, strawberries, chicken, meatloaf, grilled cheese and goldfish. He loves playing with balls and cars.  His favorite thing to do outside is climb the slide!  He is definitely our biggest climber thus far.

Sammy giving kisses

 

Move out of the way!

Father's Day

We headed to Vollmer Farms for our 3rd annual Father's Day Blueberry Picking!  We picked 5 pounds of blueberries and we even picked some strawberries and blackberries.  I love taking the kids to the farm, they have so much fun picking, running around and playing.

"weigh kids before picking"

Wagon ride

 Sammy spent the whole time eating fistfuls of blueberries

Checking for good berries

Taking a break

Sleepover

Aniela and Thomas have been asking for a awhile to have a sleepover in the play room. 

Turtle Release and Swim Party

Aniela's friend Noah caught a box turtle.  The turtle had an eye infection and with the help of NC State Rescue team Noah and his family have been rehabilitating him for the last couple of weeks.  They invited us and some kids from the class to help release the turtle into the wild and then go swimming. 

Aniela holding Doc McStuffins (the turtle)

The release, the kids loved letting him go

Turtle cupcakes to celebrate

Aniela jumping in with the boys.  Noah invited all the boys from the class and Aniela.  She didn't seem to mind one bit that she was the only girl.

Thomas and his hero ... John Thomas

Noah and Aniela

Dress-up

Aniela and Thomas decided to dress-up and Thomas was very excited to wear the "fancy" shoes.  He was dressed as a "belt" (in his own words) and Aniela was dressed as a farmer.

Fireflies

We attempted to catch fireflies but could only find one!  Luckily we were able to catch him and check him out before we released him.

Maddie's 8th Birthday

Maddie turned 8 and decided to have her party at the farm again!  It was just as much fun as last year with a lot more bunny babies.  Thomas and Aniela warmed up much better than last year and enjoyed all the animals especially feeding the bunnies.

Thomas' pure delight!

He could have swung on this all day

Holding the bunnies

Feeding the babies

Notice Aniela's face when the llama comes near her ... can't say I blame her!

Maddie just hours old!

Ryan turns 7!

It was fun to have my sister and family here so we could help celebrate Ryan's 7th birthday!