Summer Happenings

We have been busy over the past couple weeks. Summer activities have picked up and amid the x,y,and z's we have to get done, we are enjoying some play time.

We've been able to see Lincoln alot while my mom watches him. They love each other :)

Uncle Michael's been over to play too. Amelia made him read to her... over and over

Our play group went to the new Splash pad here in Avon. Amelia LOVED it! I was so surprised how much she loved it. She usually like to see how things work before jumping right in... apparently not with water! We'll have to make more trips here.

We went to the Zoo last week all together... finally. We were excited to see the new tiger exhibit. WOW! it was awesome to see those cats up close. It was an exciting afternoon there... the lions were roaring quite loud, the zebras were going nuts, the leopards were up close, the polar bear, sharks, they were all extra entertaining.

Here is one with the Tiger up close. Amelia even recoiled, he was so close.

on the other side, this tiger kept him back to us the whole time.

SERIOUSLY!? this is NOT cropped... we were this close

Linc got to come with us.

Almost 2 ... can't believe it.

Summer Cooking

I've been trying some new recipes that are quick and easy. You know, in between getting stuff done around the house, enjoying friends, and swimming, spending a little time in the kitchen for some quick deliciousness. Lets see, I found a great dinner recipe, Mongolian Beef, which is pretty close to the PF Changs' recipe. Again, so quick so easy ... and one of my husband's favorite. Another favorite of his is Fudge popsicles... What's better than Homemade, right? If you are looking for a fun summer dessert, HERE it is.

And finally, my favorite...

These-

Raspberry Rolls, oh my. Seriously, there is nothing to them and would make a great breakfast treat. I used Frozen bread dough. Let it rise once. Rolled it out into a rectangle. I used frozen raspberries and 1 Tablespoon each of water and cornstarch. Threw those 3 into the microwave for 1 Minute. Mashed berries slightly and stirred it all together, Spread it onto rolled dough and roll up like cinnamon rolls. Slice, arrange in a greased pan, and let rise for another 30 minutes or so, and Bake. Then a simple frosting on top and Wowza...

I would highly recommend trying it. I'm sure any other berry would work just as well, but I really enjoyed the tart from the raspberries with the sweet from the frosting. You be the judge.

Pool Time!

We've already enjoyed much time sitting around and splashing in the pool this summer. Amelia loves it, even more than last summer. So, if you need to find us this summer... you can probably find us here.

Eating a cookie and talking with Papa

swimming with Daddy

Jumping off the edge to Aunt Kristen

Hitching a ride with Linc

Summer "School"

This is what happens when you send Daddy outside to "play" with Amelia...

yes, that is a trapezoid he's teaching her... maybe this is why my one year old knows what an octagon is.

three.

Three doesn't sound like a lot when I think about all that has happened in those years. Looking forward to many more with him by my side. Thankful for my best friend ... today, as always.

Weekend Getaway

James took a couple of days off last week (Thursday and Friday) and we went down to Kentucky to see MM and DD, Amelia's Great Grandparents. We were able to relax and we enjoyed having nothing to do. And, like usual, felt like I gained 10 lbs from all the food ... or ice cream. :)

We also celebrated James on Friday. He turned 24. So thankful for him and all he does for our family.

Pictures from our little vacation:

Amelia spent most of her time "driving" the gator.

Friday was so cold, 50, DadDad went out and got Amelia a long sleeve shirt. For some reason her crazy mother only packed short sleeves, since it was late May and the paper said high of 70 ... We were walking around in jeans and sweatshirts and STILL cold on Friday. I put together a scavenger hunt for Amelia.

Again, in the gator... I'm sure pointing out the "really, big flag"

We were able to get on the boat for awhile on Saturday. We were quite surprised how well Amelia did ... like she's done it a million times. She wasn't scared or bored the whole time.

Singing with Daddy

She even got to help DadDad drive a bit.

When she wasn't on the gator, she was swimming ... I think she was there ALL day Sunday, and I think the rest of us considered getting in with her to cool down from the 95 temp.

We tried ... someone wouldn't put her milk down.