Our Week

As usual, we stayed busy this past week.  Madelyn has been doing pre swim team at our pool and her group started the early morning practices last week (8AM - Yikes).  We are not early risers in the summer so the 8AM practice has been a little bit of a challenge.  Despite the rush to get out of the door on time, it has been nice to start our day early and have my morning coffee by the pool.  On Wednesday, we met Aunt Doris, Uncle Harold and Luca at Busch Gardens for the day. Nana joined in on the fun too.  With so many adults, we were able to take the kids on some of the bigger rides and Uncle Harold, Amy and I were also able to ride some of the big roller coasters.  It was a blast and we ended up staying most of the day.  The day could not have gone any better!   Last night, we had a fun cookout to celebrate Pop's birthday next week.  The meal included homemade ice cream and cake so our tummies were very happy.   Here are the pics from our week:

First morning practice was chilly and rainy but these lovebirds still had a good time!

Hanging out with Luca at Busch Gardens!

Ellie loves roller coasters!

Ellie rode on the little flyer by herself while the big girls were on some of the bigger rides.  Poor Ellie is my daredevil and was so sad that she was too short for a couple of rides!

The older girls trying out a new ride!

Wet little girls after riding the log flume!

Ice Cream as a special treat!

Very tired little ones at the end of the day!

Sesame Street Show!

Bert and Ernie

The group after a VERY long and fun day!

Nothing gets better than a little pedicure during summer break!

My girls are getting so big!

Happy Birthday Pop!

Ended the week with a little summer sleepover with Cousin Cora.  The girls were so excited!

Scenes From Summer

We have been staying busy since preschool let out at the end of May.  I am really trying to enjoy and savor these summer days.  They are at such a great age and I truly enjoy these special times with my little girls!  Here are some photos from our summer so far:

Day Trip to Busch Gardens with friends!

We had a fun group of kids with us and everyone did awesome!

Sophie and Ellie are getting so big.  It seems like yesterday when Kirsten and I were at Busch Gardens nursing these two little girls!

The kids never get tired of visiting Elmo!

The ladybug ride is a favorite with our girls!

They also LOVE the tea cups!

Play date with Lainey!



Night out with my man for Katie and Collier's wedding while the girls enjoyed a night with their friends next door!

Cookout at our house with good friends! 

Father's Day Weekend

We had a really great weekend celebrating Father's Day.  Our girls are truly blessed to have Bill as their Daddy!   He is their biggest fan, a true role model and works so hard for our family.  We are also so lucky to have the best Pop and Grandpa in the world.  We love you Daddy, Pop and Grandpa!  Here are some photos from our weekend:

Girls enjoying some Daddy time at the playground after church!



Fun afternoon at the Flying Squirrels Game!



The girls were taking after Grandma Heaven (Michele) by eating every piece of junk food possible at the game!

Daddy and his girls on Father's Day

On Saturday night, we celebrated Father's Day with Pop at our pool.  We love our Pop! 

Pop and his grandkids!

On Friday  night, our pool had a "Schools Out Celebration" which was a ton of fun.  They had a DJ with dancing.  We all had a blast and it was a fun way to kick off the summer!

Dance Recital Weekend

This past weekend was Madelyn's dance recital.  She has been taking a Ballet/Tap combination class all year and practicing for this recital for months.  The theme for this year was "Back in Time" and Madelyn's class performed a tap dance to "Shake, Rattle and Roll".  Her little class did really well and Madelyn was all smiles on stage.  She said her favorite part of the weekend was being on stage and she was not nervous at all!   Madelyn had a really good year taking dance and has decided to take dance again next year with the same group of girls.  Ellie is also signed up to take her first ballet class and is already talking about getting her ballet shoes and bag for the fall. She can't wait! 

Madelyn, we are so proud of you!  Here are some photos from the weekend:

Our little dancer holding the flowers from Grandpa and Vera!

Coloringnwhile waiting to go on stage during dress rehearsal.

Madelyn loved taking dance with her friend Ashley!

So fun to dance at the Carpenter Theatre!

These little girls were so excited.  Madelyn has loved taking dance with Ashley and Hattie!

Hattie and Madelyn

Madelyn got her flowers from Grandpa and Vera during intermission and was very excited about watching the second half of the show!

Opening her gift from Nana and Pop!

Nana and Pop gave Madelyn another figurine to go in her room. Madelyn loves to decorate her room with little trinkets!

Daddy and his girls!

Sweet Sisters