LIVE--LAUGH--LOVE: July 2012

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Flowers

My husband is awesome. Bart came home from work yesterday with these gorgeous flowers for me. He knew it had been a hard week and a difficult day. I love when he surprises me like that. I'm SUPER grateful for such an incredible man!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Keeping Busy

Last week, Bart was gone for 6 days...including over a weekend. It was a long week. :) By Saturday, I knew that I needed to plan a couple of outings or we were all going to go crazy. So, we went to Krispy Kreme Donuts. The one in Alexandria was one of the first in the country. You can watch the whole process (from cutting out, rising, cooking and getting iced) through glass windows and the kids love it. Next, we hit the playland at Tyson's Corner. Always a fun stop, until there are too many kids and they start running into each other. We ended the day with early baths and a movie in the basement. I made egg carton lunches (you fill each space in the carton with something to eat), which absolutely thrilled the kids. I was pooped, but the kids were happy and that's what counts!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Lookin' Smooth

Peaches

This year peach picking totally wiped me out. It was SOOOO HOT, even though we went early in the morning. Humid, tons of bugs and we had to walk to the other end of the orchard to find the one tree that had ripe fruit. Good grief!! The kids had fun the first 10 minutes, but after that, everyone wanted to leave.... and we still had to find the fruit, pick it and haul everyone/everything back to the cars. :) Not so pleasant, but the peach pie, peach jam and peach muffins made it (almost) worth it. :)

Good-Bye

As you know, my parents were called to serve a 12 month mission for our church to the Washington, DC LDS Temple. We were incredibly blessed to have them live so close to us for a year. Our children know and love my parents, which is so important to me. My parents saved us during the months that I was so sick this year. I knew their time would come to an end, but I couldn't even let my mind go there. As July approached, I began to prepare myself mentally. :) I thought I was doing ok, until my Dad called one day and asked if I could bring the kids and say good-bye that afternoon because they had decided to leave very early the next morning, 2 days early. What!!! I couldn't believe it! I wasn't prepared. On the drive there, my mind wandered over the past 12 months and I realized, once again, how very blessed I am to have such amazing parents. I love them SO much and am incredibly grateful for the wonderful examples they are. I love you!

This picture is so precious and really shows the relationship these two have. Everytime my parents came, Kelsey would come running, yelling "Pampa!" So cute!

The kids w/ Grandpa and Grandma R

Kelsey sure loves Grandma

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

On and around July 4th

The last couple of weeks have been miserable with triple digit weather. Add to that a huge storm and loss of power and you start going a little crazy. Fortunately, our power came on fairy quickly (1 day later), especially compared to some of our friends. So, we all tried to stay cool together. The 4th was lots of fun. There's nothing better than homemade peppermint ice cream! We went to a new place this year to enjoy the fireworks and the kids absolutely loved it. They are always so happy when they are able to do fun things with friends. Making a festive garland

Staying cool in the pool

Ready for July 4

Waiting for the fireworks to start

Rolling down the hill while waiting for fireworks

Monday, July 9, 2012

Cry Babies!!!

As a surprise for the kids from his last trip, Bart brought them back some "Cry Baby" gum. If you can remember these from your childhood, you know that they are sour enough to turn your face inside out. :) Bart warned them as they each popped one into their mouth. I must say, it was quite hilarious to watch!