Happy Birthday, Elly Belly!!

Elly's birthday date

Little Sis is going to be TWO on the 28th.

TWO! Unbelievable.

Her and Mommy went on a birthday date today, while I hung out with Great Grandma (which is almost just as fun as a birthday date).  Since I wasn't invited, I don't REALLY know what went on, but these pictures look as though she got her money's worth!

A Note From Mom:

First off, that big smile while sitting in the car seat is because that's actually Big Sister's car seat, which Elly sits in every chance she gets if Lucy isn't with us! Then off to Knolla's for some breadsticks and pizza and a little drive through their arcade. Elly received a coupon to the B & N Cafe to pick out a birthday treat (we're members of the Kid's Club at Barnes and Noble and the kid's get coupons on their  birthdays for free treats... and a lot of other things throughout the year, too!), so she picked out her own M & M bar and highly enjoyed it!

Elly has such an old soul and has always reminded me of a little old lady.  She has such a tender heart for others and on the other side of the spectrum is the orneriest little thing you'll ever meet! She has a heart to serve and bless others, just like her Daddy, and it's so sweet (and incredible) to witness these moments. She's just such a beautiful little person already. She hasn't quite mastered speaking the English language yet, but she's an incredible communicator (which excites me to see how her Creator will use that in her life!). And she's potty-training herself, which is good, because I lose almost all patience in the potty training stage of life.

But I just can't get enough of this little lady.

My Summer Favorites Round-Up

Obviously, number one on the list...

anything to do with water;

hanging out with sis, and snuggling baby brother;

Haley.

We've had a fun, eventful, HOT Summer around here. Baby brother is growing, smiling, cooing, and basically being awesome.  Little sis is almost two and takes after Mommy showing signs of a true DIY-er potty training herself. And me... well, I'm soaking in every little thing I hear and see; asking questions and seeking answers; doing whatever it takes to make Mommy laugh; wrestling Daddy every night before we read our books and pray; learning compassion; asking for forgiveness (sometimes hitting Elly IS the answer... in the heat of the moment); singing at the top my lungs anytime we're in the car; being a superhero one minute and a princess the next... just really REALLY loving life.

And I hope you are, too.

New! Downing Children's Garden @ Botanica

Okay, to say my mommy was excited about this is kind of an understatement. She COULD NOT wait for this place to open. And then when it did finally open... guess where she was?? In a hospital.  However, she was with a REALLY cute little snuggly baby, so she didn't mind too much.

We were able to make it over there last week with Great Grandma and a few cousins and seriously had a blast! That little squirrel welcomes you as you walk under rainbows of light towards a beautiful garden full of wonder and delight... oh, I rhymed, hehehe. Plus there's water... and you know how little sis loves that water. We really did have so much fun and I can't wait to go back!!

Oh yeah, and another thing...

check out Mommy's new blog:

www.she-laughs.blogspot.com

Note From Mom:

This is SUCH a great place!! I'm considering getting a membership... that's how great it is!

Although on Thursdays it's $3 admission for everyone 2 and over, 2 and under are free.

And, yes!  Check out MY new blog. :)