School Snacks

A quick and easy way to make school snack a little fun when your turn to bring.

You can get very creative with pipe cleaners, googly eyes and marker.  I kept it simple.

So Much

So much has been going on and so much about to.  

A 4th birthday this week!!!  And a 4-0 birthday too!!!!

For now, this is super sweet of the two playing together.  

Yes, she pulls up to standing and play all on her own!

No, he is not always so compliant with her playing with his legos.  But let's just go with it for now.

First Day of School 4s Room

A month into it....

He loves his new school.

It was an easy transition and now he has double the friends since he still sees his old classmates and will join them in Kindergarten next year!

Ok, in case you wanted to see Emily's supportive first day of school outfit too.

She was very interested in what she could pull out between the cement rather than posing.

Holiday Attire

Blogging break for a family issue.  Sometimes my thoughts just has to take a back seat.

In case you wanted to see what Emily is up to this month (or last month) here are the kids ready for dinner after services.  Not to discount Evan.  He is as smart and cute as always.  Even said the blessings at the table in front of 30 people.  I could not believe it!

I am so happy with the dress I bought at a new kids store in our village.  The owner is a friend of mine and son went to Evan's school.  I like to say we are friends.  She is so sweet and I love everything in her classic style store.  Smocks and Kissy Kissy galore!  Wait until you see Evan's "Anna" sweater.  Amazing and a little out of my comfort zone but I love it.

I bought this dress and did my own monogram.  Personal, dressy or can be dressed down and adorable.

Love these kids.

Lots and lots of new teeth.  Two on bottom next to the middle two, one on top and some molars and I think a molar or two on bottom.  Fun times.

Seriously, always on the move.

Definitely pulling up to knees and feet with support.

Not standing yet, but getting close.

All she wants to do is crawl and reach into things and tear them apart or throw them out.  Especially shoes.

Summer Finds Favorites

I just can't get to posting each morning.  School starts soon so we should be back on some type of schedule.

We are really enjoying these last weeks of summer (even if feels like Fall weather).

Even with summer ending, these are a few of my very favorite things.

Picked this up at as a prize at our family reunion.  Score!

I love anything patriotic and now Evan does too.  The United States song is our favorite!

How amazing is this gingham painted chalkboard wall?  I think a little too advanced for my DIY level but so fun!  Her diy kid table and chairs is also really fun!

A few other new finds that were essential to our summer.

Long sleeve romper / J.Crew green sunglasses / BYO Rambler Paintball Neoprene Lunch Bag Paintball / Native Kids Shoes Jefferson (Infant/Toddler/Youth) / I Play Infant Swim Diaper / Fit Fresh Kid's Cool Coolers (Set of 4) / Hubert's Lemonade, Strawberry, 16 oz / Salt Water Sandals by Hoy 'Sea Wee' Sandal (Baby) Navy Blue 1 M

First Days of Summer Vacation

We had a wonderful start to summer vacation!

Besides that Evan can't shake this fever.  Whatever it is, it seems to be bipolar.

Steph was in the city, so she came up for a day and night.  Then guilted her into coming back Sunday night.  It was wonderful having her here.

We were outside before dinner so I was able to finally snap some pics of her with out my children or food in the frame.

We started off Friday morning making our summer bucket list.  Lots of playdates on there.  Excuse, the no shirt, it was a battle I wasn't going to fight.

Then off to the city to meet some friends.  A quick stop to get some delicious pretzel croissants. (again, the socks, a battle I wasn't going to fight.  Just proud he got himself completely dressed, even buttoned his own shirt)

It was so wonderful playing with Ann's kids.  They are so sweet and all played so well.  Like really, really, makes me want to take a family vacation with them, well.

Steven brought home donuts from Brooklyn for National Donut Day!  Delicious!

Off to soccer on Saturday.

There was much confusion with Steph and I there.  Not one person knew who was who or that we weren't twins.  Even Steven introduced her as his wife when I ran to the car.  She was holding Emily, but still.

Off to the town carnival.

First ride.

Aunts.

FRIED STUFF!

First time trying fried oreos.  Good, but very…fried.

Dinner in the city with just the girls (and Morgan's boys who were so good)

Looking adorable on Sunday Funday.

 

Steven grilled an amazing fish dinner for us Sunday night. So glad she came back!

Swim Zip

A few months ago I saw these adorable swimsuits from Swim Zip on my IG feed.  With further research I learned that they are an answer to many parents' annoyances during swim season besides just being super cute.

Keeping skin covered, good quality swim material, and most importantly, getting that suit on and off with out a battle or taking their head off with the fabric.  Over and over (if not potty trained)

They were recently on Shark Tank and have been featured on numerous sites and shows.

Emily got a ton of compliments on her suit and it was so easy to zip on and off!  She is wearing the Sail Away design since Splish Splash (shown below) was sold out.  I bought her 6-12 months since she is on the smaller size and it fits perfectly for this summer.  (Usually everything is way too big which is why she is wearing all the bathing suits I bought her for last summer)

I also really like the fact that it is a wife and husband that started the company with their family.

So many cute options!  Many more on their site.

Crabby Pants Long-Sleeve Boys Rash Guard Set / Venice Beach Mens Swimwear by SwimZip / Honeymoon UPF 50 Bathing Suit by SwimZip Swimsuits for Women / Shop Hang 10 Swimsuits / Shop Sassy Surfer Sun Protective Swimsuit by SwimZip Swimwear / Crabby Pants Long-Sleeve Boys Rash Guard Set / Mint Chip UV Long-Sleeve Swim Shirt / Shop Splish Splash Sun Protective Swimsuit by SwimZip Swimwear

Texas Bluebonnets

It has been years, like at least twelve, since I've seen a Texas bluebonnet.

I was so excited that we were actually in Texas this year to see them and grab a picture.

I love everything about these pictures.  Everything.

Well except one thing.

We were lucky enough to find a great patch of beautiful flowers just down the street from my Dad's house.  Thanks to Sue for scouting out a great place for us.

Bright sun, one preschooler that only wants to ride the gator, a baby, dirt, bugs and wrong flower placement makes for a tough photo shoot.  But we tried.

Behind the scenes: