Soccer Girl

McKayla is playing soccer for the first time this summer. This was definitely something we wanted her to try (both Todd and I played and Todd was REALLY good....he was supposed to play college, but he blew out both his knees). So far she has really enjoyed it and she's a great little dribbler. The best part is that two of her good friends are on her team (this is awesome for mom too b/c I get to hang out w/ two of my best friends during the games). I seriously LOVE being a "soccer mom" and enjoy every moment of it!! I wasn't able to make the first game (out of town for work) so I didn't make it on the sign-up sheet for treats and I have to tell you...I'm totally sad about it...silly, I know, but I was really looking forward to it. I might just have to bring some yummy treats to the last game as a "bonus" for the kids :-)

Silly boy

She got to pick out her number and little did I know Todd had this number too :-)

Best Buddies

Love these two more than words could ever express! I'm constantly amazed at the new things they learn and how quickly they do it. They never cease to make me laugh with new phrases, words, games and the way they care about each other and other people makes me smile. They are kind-hearted, strong, outgoing little monkeys and I couldn't be more proud :-).

Jacquelyn & Beamer's Birthday

My sister and my cat (yes, we love our cat that much) celebrated their birthdays on the 18th. We did a BBQ for my sister at her in-laws house and Beamer got one of his favorite treats on his b-day. I can't believe my sis is 29 this year!!!!!

Nick's photo bomb

Beam loves his ice cream...and pineapple pizza, salsa,  cereal, ect.

Father's Day 2013

Todd actually got Father's Day off this year so we were able to enjoy the whole day with him. The kids woke him up with a chocolate tie (they thought this was the most hilarious joke ever) and insisted on helping immediately have a few bites. We took him to Market Street for brunch where he got some more gifts from the kiddos and then went for a hike. That night we went over to my sister's in-laws for a BBQ. It was a nice, relaxing day and I hope we were able to show Todd just how much he means to us. He is such a great dad, husband and leader. He has done and does so much for the family and he's always thinking of something fun to do with the kids. They really admire and look up to him and I love seeing his traits show up in them. I truly couldn't ask for a better or more hands on dad for the kids....we got SUPER lucky! And he of course has given me the greatest gift in life by being my partner in creating our little family.

Getting Artsy

In addition to swim lessons, park play, playing at friends houses, going to the theatre to watch Monsters University, dinner w/family and other fun things, I took the kids to the Arts Festival this past weekend. They had all sorts of fun things for the kids to do and they ended up making masks, birds, spiders, monster bugs and monsters. They also got to paint all over a "living room" which was definitely the highlight for them (i'm just hoping they don't think this is ok at  home!).

Ballet with Yai Yai

My sister's mother-in-law (Yai Yai as we call her) invited McKayla to the Ballet (Pinocchio) last night. McKayla also got to go on a field trip to the Tracy Avery as well so it was a big day for her. She was very excited to get all dressed up (ballerina necklace, purse, lipgloss and her "high heels" were a must) and have Yai Yai pick her up. She had the time of her life and was all smiles and excitement when she got home. Sylvia said she danced the whole time and was SO excited to meet the ballerinas after the show (her favorite was the fairy...she even got to hold her wand). I can't even explain the feeling I had when she got home....just watching her in her excitement, it was something I won't forget. I was so proud of her for being a big girl and going out on her own. The proudest moment I had was when Sylvia told me that her friends they went with couldn't stop talking about what a well behaved little girl McKayla was :-). Yai Yai of course spoiled her as well and got her some yummy treats ;-)

Weekend Happenings

Last weekend we went to the Millcreek Night Out with the Helbling ladies and the kids had a great time hanging out with each other. They got to go on a train ride, play at the playground, get ballooon animals, make slime, color, make pinecone people, see an owl and munch on kettlecorn. The following day we met up with my mom and went to a famous little chocolate place in the Avenues. We enjoyed homemade ice cream sandwiches (they were SOOOO good) and frozen hot chocolate.

Backyard Water Fun