Hurray for the Red, White, and Blue!

We had a wonderful 4th of July! We celebrated with a cook-out at my parents house! We had a great time. The weather was perfect. Yes, it was a little hot; but, it could have been much worse!!

Unfortunately, freedom is never free. So this is the time of year when I reflect on what a great country we live in and the men & woman who have served to allow us to live in such a wonderful country! We are all able to have our opinions & voice them freely! And it's because of people who have served in the military! Thank you for your service and dedication! I really appreciate those who have served and lost their life fighting for our country! Thank you!!

We put up the tent that I bought last year for the beach! It worked out perfect. All the younger kids enjoyed playing in it....including Addison! I think she is getting more use this year out of the tent than we did last year. Last year we used it for shade....now Addison uses it for play!!

Nick grilling his yummy ribs! While we didn't do a rib cook-off this year; both, Nick and Dad grilled "their" ribs. Nicks are sweet & wet; while Dad's are tangy & dry. Both are good in their own right!! You know I have to stay neutral in the matter!! Love you both!!

Addison had the best time playing with Mary Beth, Grace, & Riley. Thanks girls for all your help with watching Addison!! I had three great babysitters!!!

I captured these sweet pictures of Addison & Papa. Neither realized that I was taking the pictures. So sweet!!

Posing for a picture with Kindall & Mason.

Addison & Payton were having such a good time playing together that I couldn't help myself from taking so many pictures! Aren't they sweet.....

Above is McCall....I just love this picture that I took of her! Then below is a picture of Hadden, Jackson & McCall.

Soak up the Sun

Addison & I spent a good part of Friday outside. Her school was closed on Friday so we got to play. Although, she & I are going to be able to play every Tuesday & Thursday for now. We have dropped Addison to three day a week daycare. Once Daddy got home & cut the grass we went back outside & played some more! Addison had a fun filled day outside in the pool and sprinkler!!

Cooling off after the beach...

We went to the beach the weekend of Dad's birthday while Nick and Dad worked on the shed. Then when we got back to Papa and Grandma's house Addison cooled off with a Popsicle which she LOVES!!!

PaPa is it.....

Happy Birthday to Grandpa!! We spent the weekend of my Dad's birthday with them at the house! Nick helped Dad almost finish up the shed!! Dad also got another very special birthday gift from Addison......she called him Papa! It is so sweet when she calls for him or says his name, she says Papa so soft! I need to get it on camera before she stops doing it that way! So I guess for now, Grandpa is Papa!!!

Happy Birthday Dad / Papa!!

That was some good cake.....can I have more, please......

Addison & Henry

I just love these pictures of Henry & Addison.....aren't they sweet!! We have an agreement with Henry's parents, Brian & Daria, that Henry is going to protect Addison when they are older! I love the fact that when Addison goes to her grandparents house she has someone to play with outside!! Thanks Daria for sharing your pictures with me! I promise I will e-mail you the ones that I took soon!!

I'll race you....

Eat Some Corn...

Addison loves eating corn on the cob!! And she insists upon doing it all by herself...although she does a great job eating it on her own. Eat some corn......

Splash Zone

Water Bottles & Tops

Addison loves trying to put buckles & such together. The other day my Mom caught her trying to take the screws off her little riding car at their house! Well I captured her trying to get the top on the water bottle. First she loves drinking out of a water bottle. I only let her do it outside. While she has gotten pretty good at drinking out of it; I still do not want it all in my house if she should have an accident. So we were outside and I was letting her drink out of a water bottle. Well she took the top from me and insisted that she get the top on. She would not let me help her either. She got frustrated a few times; but, I always tell her when trying to do something & she gets frustrated to be patient. So I did the same this day....well, she finally got it....she even turned the top! Then she would take the top off and start all over again!

Daddy & me....(A late Father's Day Post)

I am so thankful for Nick! He is my partner in crime, my best friend, the love of my life, and the most amazing father to Addison! Addison & I are so blessed to have you in our lives! Nick we love you so much!

We also were able to spend the day with my Dad to who is the greatest!! I feel so blessed to have a wonderful husband and a great Dad who get along so well!!! Maybe sometimes to well....j/k!

Thank you Dad for all the guidance that you have offered over the years! It's so funny once you become an adult you really do value how your parents raised you & the values that they teach! Thank you Dad for loving me, Addison, & Nick so much!! I love you!!!