Happy Birthday Bria

The littles loved "helping" decorate Bria's cake.

Who doesn't love a box cake?

Good morning birthday hugs

Somehow, Baxter always makes it in the photo....he doesn't want to be left out.

(Harper loves those new purple kicks!)

Now that she's 15, she's itching to get her driver's permit.

We've taken her driving a few times & surprisingly, she's a decent driver.

It's hard to believe that I came into Bria's life when she was almost 4 yrs old, the same age as Harper.

Being a step mom to Bria has been easy.

We've had a lot of fun in the last 10 years.

I hope to share more memories as she grows into a beautiful young lady!

Happy Birthday to my dear step daughter!



New Shoes

Check out those new kicks!

Thank goodness Harper is so girly.

She loves her dresses, bows & new shoes!

Melaina even tried to strike a pose.

Two Years Ago

On August 28, I became a first time mama.

Harper came into our lives & accepted me as her mama & has never looked back!

I was her 3rd & last mother to love on her & care for her.

Harper has taught me alot about love that I never knew existed.

My heart swells with emotion looking back on that day.

 

She seemed very comfortable in my arms & still is.....

Happy 2nd Harper Day my sweet girl!

 

Weekend Update...Overdue

Last weekend was a park-filled weekend.

It began with a visit to the park with Kolton & Kinzley.

Feeding the ducks was a hit until Harper sunk in the mud.

She was not a happy camper.

Kinzley & Melaina love the swings.

Lunch with the gang...

The best part of the lunch was the 25 cent suckers.

It ended with another trip to the park.

It's amazing to watch Melaina transform. One month ago, she was very hesitant walking in the grass or sand.

She's more confident now & will walk willingly in the grass & walks in the sand easily.

She's trying to jump...it's the cutest thing!

Frosh

Freshman, Freshman Are You Ready????

Bria's first day as a Freshman.

Our school system is a bit different here.

Grades 8th & 9th are at the Jr High School.
Can you see her enthusiasm?

Over the summer, Harper's speech has gotten very sloppy.

Luckily, her speech therapy sessions will start up on Monday & we'll have the same therapist!

She loves Ms Kimberly & want's to know how many more sleeps until she sees her.

 

Hopefully everyone has gotten off to a good start to the school year!

 

 

Random Photos

We haven't been up to anything lately.

We finally got a break in the heat & have been playing outside more.

Baxter seems to be enjoying this weather.

This was photo was taken after our morning run.

He's almost 4 yrs old, but has the energy of a young pup!

Double Stroller, Double Fun

The sibling spats have started with these two little ones.

Melaina want to do everything Harper does.

She says "My Turn" 1000 times a day!

Saturday night trip to Ulta (makeup store)

Bria got a hold of Harper's favorite color eyeshadow & worked some magic.

Melaina was just happy to be there as she stuck her fingers in eyeshadow & did some taste testing!

Boy oh boy, I need a new camera....

(Iphone photos)

Annual Family Lake Trip

It's that time of year again...Table Rock Lake family trip.

Nearly 20 or more family members (depending on everyone's schedule)  travel to my parent's lake house.

All of the kids look forward to this vacation the entire year.

As you can tell, my girls were super thrilled to make the 4 hour trip.

  



This vacation doesn't come with out training beforehand.

There's no time for napping, no eating schedules,  & definately no bed times!

My dear mother couldn't let my birthday slip by.

The gang sang "Happy Birthday" followed by fireworks!

Thanks Dad!

Melaina enjoyed bobbing in the lake.

Harper surprised us & was jumping off the dock into the lake.

She just started jumping into the pool on her own last weekend.

She's such a big girl!

Daddy & Melaina throwing rocks

Harper joined in the fun

Eliot & I

The girls enjoyed snuggling up to daddy!

Half of the gang at Silver Dollar City

Pool Time

Another great family vacation!

We always have a chaotic  great time with our family.

I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep!