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.

Wedding Weekend

On Saturday, Uncle Luke got married!!! We are so excited for Luke and Laura and had a great time this weekend catching up with old friends, seeing family, and celebrating Luke and Laura. As it turns out, I had a hard time getting pictures throughout the weekend when chasing after an over-tired, over-active toddler. (like I got only ONE of the newlyweds) Here's a few I got:

Tried to get a few before we left... we weren't too lucky.

Sweet bug before ceremony

We were at the church early enough that Amelia could walk around the whole church half a dozen times, play with nursery toys, and read a few books. With no nap and being up late the night before, she was great!

I am confident Granbo is using those M&Ms for some sort of bribery.

The lack of sleep did eventually catch up with Amelia. My parents took her home after the first reception so she could get some much needed sleep.

My bestest... Mrs. Addison!

It was a long weekend ... but great. Thankful for my new sister-in-law :) The weekend did, however, claim an innocent victim, and for the first time in her life, Amelia had a fever. We suspected something on Friday, she seemed just a little off. Saturday, again, just seemed tired, but we figured that should be expected, but when we picked her up from my parents house Saturday night ... she felt warm. Sunday morning, 102 degrees. UH-OH. SO she stayed home with Daddy while mommy went to church.

Besides a nasty cough, you wouldn't know she was sick ...

Hoping for a calmer Monday to finish this fever off.

Dinner party!

This past weekend we enjoyed some good food with some good friends at my very first dinner party. Sure I've had people over for dinner but this was a full, big, 4 course meal and it was SO FUN!

Originally there was 5 Couples (friends from church) invited but one sadly, couldn't make it. I spend most of the day friday and most of the Saturday cooking/baking. Just some pictures of the night. It was fun getting ready, setting up, planning, cooking, but the best part was enjoying with some great company ... thankful, so thankful, for the fellowship we have with them!

menu

Lets see... we rearranged furniture, got folding tables and borrowed folding chairs to make it happen, with the small place, I thought it turned out pretty nice.

Drink table. Water, wine, and fresh strawberry punch.

one tray of appetizers: tomato and gorgonzola pizzettes.

Salads: Gazpacho and Caesar

my new favorite way to make potatoes, crisy potato roast. Quick prep with an awesome mandolin

Main Dish: Beef Bourguignon... yes please!

Dessert (always my favorite) I couldn't decide on a few ideas so I made mini versions of all three and everyone could try all three: Blueberry Cheesecake with caramel sauce, Vanilla Bean cupcake with bittersweet chocolate frosting and a espresso chip, and finally strawberry and honey pie with Cardamom whipped cream.

And, of course, in perfect Katie fashion, I forgot to take pictures once the guest actually arrived. Got too busy and having too much fun! Can't wait to do it again!

Picture Post

playing outside in the FINALLY nice weather

a couple more wedding pictures (pic by Kelsey Bess)

(this is also Kelsey's)

the short time I got to be with my husband at the wedding reception.

Zoo day

Mom-Mom, she was excited to see the BABY giraffe!

Mothers Day

I had a great mother's day; church, cookout with family, playing and cuddletime with Amelia, and watching basketball with my husband. It was a great day to relax, enjoy the weather, reflect on motherhood, and celebrate my sister, my mom, and grandma. So thankful for a rich heritage of faithful, godly women.

Motherhood continues to be a blessing in my life. It continues to remind me to fall on my knees, to give over myself, my wants, my life, and my child's life to the One who demands it. OH, so joyful He is in control. We have been incredibly blessed by this child and I pray I can be a good steward of this gift.

Kisses for mommy

AHH! my awesome mother's day gift from James and Amelia. SO EXCITED about these. Let the Cooking begin!

Lunch with my family. and apparently I got a picture with my dad and not my mom for mothers day.

playing ball

talking to Papa

Reading before bed