Happy Birthday, sweet Ella!

2 years old! I can't believe it! I know, I say that with both kids, with every birthday, but seriously! These kids are growing up right before my very eyes!

We had a fun day celebrating Ella! We went to a local park where there is a man-made (I believe) lake and a sandy area for the kids to play. James and I didn't bring our suits, as we weren't sure what to expect, but the kids had so much fun in the water!
















After, we went home and Ella opened her presents (with help from her big brother, of course!). We had dinner and then cupcakes for dessert. Oreo cupcakes, that were pretty much amazing! We are celebrating again this weekend with a family party. My Mom is flying in on Wednesday, and James' family will join us on Saturday. No question that Ella is loved!












Oh, sweet Ella. I love being your Mom and watching you grow. I'm so thankful for the 'ordinary days' that we have together. I love your squeezes and snuggles, your giggles and being able to wipe your tears when you're sad. I love your strong personality and hope that we can steer you in the right direction to use it wisely. You have a voice, and you want to be heard, and boy, some days do we hear you! You have so many words these days...you even put whole sentences together! I love that after hearing Ryan pray before meals, that you have started whispering some of the words (since he uses the same ones every time) under your breath. I pray you will have a heart for God, and that He will bless you richly. He has blessed ME richly by allowing me to be your Mom. I love you so much. Happy Birthday!

A little of this and a little of that...

Boy, summer has been busy for us, so far! Since I haven't updated in over a month, I thought I would do an update, picture style, so you can see a little of what we've been up to!

The last week in June, we went to Maine. James went on his annual fishing trip, while the kids and I went to visit my Mom. We had a great time, and spent a great afternoon at the lake...where I took lots of great pictures...then lost them all from my card as I tried to upload them to my Mom's computer (that had a worm). UGH! Anyway...

Our neighbor has two grown girls, both of which were not happy when she said she was going to sell their childhood play house. SO--we are 'borrowing' it while the kids are little, so that she can get it out of her yard and so that she doesn't have to actually sell it before they are ready for her to do so. Bonus for us!! The kids LOVE it, as you will see...


Cheeeeese!


Ryan peeking out the window


Ella peeking

With the really hot weather we have been having (upper 90s, some days), we got out the whale pool, filled it up, and let the kids go nuts. Well, they didn't actually go nuts because they seemed more interested in the pastel play house! Ha!


Ryan in the whale pool!



Splashin' fun!

When not in the play house, or in the whale pool, the kids can be found riding (and falling off) bikes and drawing on the driveway with chalk.








Our cute little driveway artist


Ponytails (or attempts at them) are a must on hot days! The unruly curls don't allow it all to stay in place!


One must stay hydrated, of course!

4th of July weekend, we went to see the Yankees play in New York. It was our first trip to the new stadium and it was pretty impressive! The Yanks won the game, though most of the action occurred in the 3rd inning (11 runs were scored in ONE inning!!). We stayed with our friends Joe and Karyllan in New Jersey for the night and had a great time!


Take me out to the ball game!








James and Joe--a buddy from high school days



The following weekend, our friends Matt and Tara and their two kids came for an overnight visit on their way home from visiting Tara's parents in northern NY. Apparently I forgot to take pictures of that, but the kids had a great time. Their son's name is Noah, and for some reason, Ryan kept calling him "vanilla". Cracked us up.

Today, Ryan started swimming lessons. I was so proud to see him venture down to the pool (without me) on the heels of one of his friends who is in his 'class'. He was a little timid in the water, but did everything he was asked to do. I imagine by the end of the 3 weeks of lessons, he will be pretty comfortable in the pool.


Looking to make sure I'm watching


Feeling a bit more comfortable the second time around

We are enjoying summer, thus far, and hope to continue on the same path for the rest of it!