Summer Reading List

Harrison picked out The Hobbit for us to read to him. He was pretty cute at night because he would say   "please, just read one more paragraph." Ryan was started reading the chapter with the dragon and he asked him what the dwarves should do to the dragon.

H: They should give him a bunch of shots and not give him any band-aids.

Ha, ha! I guess that would be the worst thing you could do to a dragon (according to a 4-year-old)!

Uncle Steven pulled out this book the other night. I totally forgot how much I enjoyed this book growing up. It's really sparking H's imagination.

And finally for me . . . Starting an Etsy Business for Dummies. Ryan said "So you're selling dummies?" Now there's an idea!

Sand Dunes

This is Ryan and no, I'm not the photographer. He's spending some bro time in Colorado without the fam. Maybe someday he'll take us along :)

Wavy's World

Even though Wavy is not quite one, she's all toddler! She LOVES to brush her teeth. After watching brother everyday, she decided she needed a toothbrush and she'll stand on his stool next to him. Several times a day, she'll go into the bathroom, climb on top of the stool and point to her toothbrush. She even tries to spit! I don't use any toothpaste yet but I'll pretend to put it on the brush to humor her :)

Climbasaurus is constantly pulling up on the chairs and scoping out the table. I caught her today stuffing her face with cereal.

Time to pick up Mr. H! We decided to invite Pink Bear along. All is well.

Website Wednesday - 1x

Today's website comes Andy, whom is a very talented photographer. Click HERE for 1x. It's a online photo gallery and social network. What makes 1x different from most other photo sites is that every photo displayed had been hand picked by a professional curator. Only 1 out of every 20 photos uploaded are published, which has resulted in a gallery of world class photography. Many of the expectational photos published on 1x can be bought as premium fine art prints, delivered right to your doorstep.

For all you photographers out there, check out the critique section for expert feedback on your work. There is no better way for developing as a photographer than gaining honest critique on your photos. 

The Hat

On our outting today, we decided to browse through the military store. It was a brief history lesson and H picked out this souvenir. Maybe the hat will bring us colder weather!

Electric Blue

And they're finished! I'm digging the electric blue. Adds a "POP" to the backyard.

Walk This Way

Here's a peak of the new brick pathway. I'm super pumped and it will be less grass to water!

The new clothes line is hung and I'm channeling Italy. Check out the little lady by the shed :)

Hot Fun

We're digging the new park on these sizzling summer days but I'm ready for autumn!!!

TGIF

Since I have more freedom during the week, the kids and I decided to visit Dada for Food Truck Friday.

After work we headed to the hot air balloon festival. Love these family moments.

The Death Star

Last night, Harrison was introduced to the Lego Death Star at the Drew's house. Well, he could hardly contain his excitement. Before we left their house, Harrison asked if he could live with them! They assumed he was joking and said they were only baby friendly and not kid friendly yet. Well, Mr. H didn't take the news lightly. The tears instantly started and he laid on the floor crying. Granted it was pretty close to bed time so we picked him up and departed.

That night in bed . . .

H: Dada, you know what I want more than anything else in the world?

Ryan: What's that?

H: To go live with the Drew's.

Ryan: Well, you live with us and we'd miss you.

H: I'm tried of you guys.

Little stinker. Luckily the next day, he was happy to be living with us.

Website Wednesday - Stately Sandwiches

I heard about this site the other day on the radio. Click HERE for Stately Sandwiches. It's about a girl who's set out to make a sandwich for each of the 50 states and photograph the ingredients to create posters. See if your state is on the list yet. I love this site b/c it represents an idea and the gumption to do it!

Sunscreen Baby

Harrison was pretty quiet this morning then he walked in the room.

H: Look Mama, I put on sunscreen.

Me: Yes, I see that buddy. Why don't I rub it in a little bit. 

G-Store Trip

It's my weekly trip to the grocery store. I could probably create a whole photo series on this!

Grillin' Guys

This scene cracks me up. Whenever Ryan grills on his Webber, Harrison pulls out our hibachi grill and pretends to grill a sandwich. Well today, he made CJ "grill" it for him :)

How delish does this look?!!! Fresh zucchini, red peppers, onions, YUM!

This was a great combo of veggies. We add some olive oil, sea salt and cracked pepper. Perfecto!

Me and my buddy

Yesterday, I picked Harrison up from my corporate trip. He's becoming such a big boy now. This was the first time he stayed with his cousins without one of us. We stopped at Sonic on the way home and it was great to have a conversation buddy.

Sometimes I just love rural roads. Something so peaceful about it . . .

Last Day!

Well, it's finally here, my last day of full-time employment with my current company. I've meet so many great people it somewhat of a sad day. I know I'll keep in touch with most of them (especially since I'll be freelancing) and I wish everyone well. It doesn't quite seem really to me yet :)

FYI, several people have asked me about the Etsy Store. It's still living in my brain and I hope to get it up and running maybe in August? I've been researching the business but haven't had much time to think about it. You'll be the first to know ;)

Shops on the Go

So many cities now are taking advantage of food trucks but here's a great idea . . . turning an airstream into a boutique! I had some time before dinner so I stopped by Grey Dog (a vintage boutique). SO many cute dresses that I probably would have bought one had I not quit my job ;)

Website Wednesday - Cubic Foot Gardening

Today's Website comes from my sister via my cousin who told her all about cubic foot gardening. Click HERE to read all about it. It really doesn't matter if you live in the city or country, anyone can have a garden :)

Outside Projects

We inherited this iron outdoor table and chairs from my mom and they need update. I've picked out a metallic blue spray paint. Stay tuned!

This Tub O' Towels is a great product for removing paint from metal or other surfaces. Plus it has a pleasant smell. They use it at Lowe's to clean the paint off the counter so you know if they use it, it must work!

First Steps

Miss Waverly took her first steps today! Laura said, "Yeah for W, Boo for you!"

Sandy Egypt

Harrison absolutely loves his sand box at Bob and Mimi's house. He could spend hours out there but we make him come in b/c it's so hot. Today Bob and him decided to build Egypt. Not too bad. Waverly is starting to spend time out there too but she tends to destroy the countries so we've nicknamed her Tornado! 

Saturday Mornings

Every Saturday, the kids and I have been heading out in the morning for our walk. Today we checked out the  park with sprinklers down the street from us. Manny insisted on going today. Generally, I'm not much of a morning person but this is probably my favorite time of day with the kids on the weekends when we can take our time and enjoy each others company.

Sun Child

It's been so H-O-T lately and the forecast shows no sign of relief. We're hanging in there.

Harrison has discovered the show "How It's Made" and he told me the other day "I can't decide what I want to be so I watch all kinds of shows. I think I'll have 8 jobs." Policeman is still number one followed by a construction worker.

11 Months!

Look who's a big girl! I had to bring her outside for this month's pic so she'd still still for 10 seconds! This child is GO-GO-GO and it's hard for me to keep up. She's started climbing and has mastered the chairs. Unfortunately, the chairs lead up to the dining room table and we've caught her on top of it! We have to make sure all of the chairs are pushed in or sometimes we'll place them on their side.

Her vocabulary is growing. I can say "What do the doggies say" and she responds "woof, woof." She likes to play with my eyelashes so maybe she's into the details? She loves cars and her pink bear. We heart her.

Website Wednesday - Spoonflower

Have you heard about Spoonflower? Click HERE if not. Design and buy custom fabric printed on demand. Create and upload your own textile designs and print only what you need with no minimum order. There's no minimum order and 10 different fabrics to choose from. The designs are TOO cool.

Train Sweater

My sister and I had matching homemade train sweaters and Harrison found mine the other day. He thought the train looked pretty cool with his "King of the Road" t-shirt. 

Hand Prints

Silly buns Waverly sleeps on her stomach and hands. Sometimes she wakes up with peace signs on her head!

Visiting Fun

One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Katie's parents. It's been several years since we've seen them and they were able to meet all the kids. It was good for me to see them and share Katie memories.

Oh CJ, so grown up with two sweeties ;)

Ashley and Michael crack me up! They gave me a glimpse of life with a toddler on the go.

Brad drove over to hang out with us too!

Dog pile RYAN!!!

Hey Baby, get back. Move away from the camera.

I'm not sure who was having more fun?!

How funny is this? Makes my heart smile.

Lego Adventures

Look out Lego Adventures, here we come!

This is a new ride that opened yesterday so... they are still working out the kinks.

Harrison barely made the age limit and size, luckily he has his curly hair to add some height :)

Alright, alight, thumbs up we're good to go.

The employees were earning their money today! You should have seen all the wrecks!

And we're off and not looking back!!!