Independence Day

We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. Here are some pictures of our day...

Waiting for the food

Outside fun. She wants to do everything her big sister and big brother do!

Waiting for it to be dark enough for fireworks. Unfortunately Brikelle didn't make it...she was one tired baby.

Eating messy but oh sooo yummy smores!!!

Sparklers!!!

And our very own fireworks show!

The grand finale

Never Say Never...

How many of you have said those words "we'll never own a mini van no matter what". Yeah, us too...Alan and I have always said we would never get a mini van. Well, as of yesterday, we ate our words. We are now owners of a Honda Odyssey. We have been wanting something bigger for our family for the past few months now, and as gas prices are on the rise our hopes of owning our dream vehicle (Chevy Tahoe) slipped further and further away. After much research (on Alan's part) we decided that a Honda Odyssey was the way to go...it's practical and fits our every needs. So after more research, Alan found this particular Odyssey so we went to "look" at it. We all know that when you go "look" at something (especially when it's an hour drive) chances of coming home with it are pretty high! So here we are. The kids love it and think it's the coolest thing ever. I love it but still have to get used to driving it and operating all the electronics. And although I'm supposed to tell you that Alan hates it and that he wanted a big ol' 4x4, just between you and me, he loves it and spent all last night in it checking things out and figuring out how everything works! Our true test will be on Monday as we head off for our Orlando vacation...hurray!!!

Simple Summer Fun!

Here are some pictures of the simple but fun activities we have done this past week with the kids. Last Saturday the kids and I went to a get together at a school friends house and they had this fun water slide there. Alan bought the kids that new 3D sidewalk chalk which is pretty cool. Our driveway is a little rough so we drew on the edge of the garage floor which is much smoother! The kids are loving their blow up pool...it's fun for the parents and the kids! Sometimes the simple things we do together as a family are the most memorable...

Hannah Montana

Alan got home Saturday night (hurray!) and as always, brought the kids a surprise. Bailee was thrilled to get a Hannah Montana wig and CD! I just had to share this picture because she looks totally different with blonde hair and bangs! P.S. As soon as Alan got home, he pulled out Bailee's second tooth (which you can see in the pic) that was pretty much hanging the whole time he was gone, but she would NOT let me touch it or hardly even look at it. She doesn't like the whole loose tooth process, but loves when the tooth fairy comes!

JUST BECAUSE

My Girls

When Bailee was little I always had her hair done and I would never go anywhere until her hair was fixed. If it got messed up I would redo it. She always had to be perfect. Brikelle is another story...she does NOT like to get her hair done. She learned at a young age how to pull the head bands off of her head (which made Alan happy cause he's not a fan of them!), and she doesn't like to sit so I can put a ponytail (or a "la-lu" as we refer to them) in her hair. I was good to just get Brikelle's hair brushed! I went as long as I could without putting her hair up in a rubber band, but those days are gone. Her hair is getting longer and it's always in her eyes if I don't put it up. She has gotten better and will usually sit long enough for me to pull it up real quick. Well today I made Bailee's hair real cute and then decided I really wanted to try Brikelle's hair the same way. The hair-do required 6 rubber bands. Brikelle sat pretty good for the first 2, but I still had 4 more to go. She was in her high chair so with plenty of food & drink and a big ol' mess for her to play in we got through it. I think the "do" looks so cute on her and makes her look so grown up! I wasn't able to get any pics of Bailee & Brikelle together because Bailee was at a birthday party when I did Brikelle's hair, but here are some pics of each of them.

More Water Fun

In this heat and humidity, the only way to be outside playing is in the water. The kids love being outside no matter how hot it is, and they love playing in the water.