A bit of a rewind...Lily celebrates 2 years

The morning began with a trip to Krispy Kreme with Carson.  It doesn't get much better than a chocolate covered doughnut topped with sprinkles!

It rained for a good part of the day as Hurricane Irene was making its way, but it cleared up and we were able to continue with the birthday festivities.  Uncle Steve and Aunt Terri hosted a joint party to celebrate both Trey (7) and Lily's birthdays.  Daddy helped you get started opening your presents...



I think you tried helping Trey open a few of his presents...

And there were cupcakes!  Lily figured out how to blow the candle out herself.  I think it had to be re-lit three times while we were singing Happy Birthday. 

On to sampling the chocolate icing. 

 That's it in a nutshell.  I best continue this little rewind before I get too far behind again!

Second birthday (Part I)

Lily got to have two birthday parties this year, the first one celebrated at the beach.  For several weeks prior, when asked what she wanted for her birthday she said cake.  What color?  Always blue.  And, of course it needed some sprinkles.  So, I made her a blue cake with sprinkles. 

It is impossible to get her to sit and smile for a picture, but this is the best one I got.

Hugs for Uncle Robert.  He gave Lily a set of golf clubs.

First, a lesson from Dad.

Next, a few pointers from Uncle Mike.

Alright, enough lessons, I think they got it.

Another week at the beach

We had another fun trip to the beach this summer.  This time we went with Grammy & Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Christi, Carson, and Uncle Rob.  It is so fun for Lily to have a cousin that is her age.  Most mornings Lily would wake up and immediately ask "Where's Carson?".  They certainly kept us busy all week, but I have lots of fun memories of days on the beach & at the pool, climbing up & down stairs, opening & closing the doors, tiger roars, squeals of laughter, and chasing after the bunnies.  And, there was a shark sighting for a few of the family members.

Although it is hard to tell, Lily and Carson showed us a few dance moves while we were waiting for our table. 

Corn on the cob put a smile on Carson's face!

Grammy & Grandpa probably needed a vacation after this vacation.  Lily & Carson kept them on the go-go-go!

Lily has a mouthful in this one.  I think she had decided to go for another bite of her cheeseburger.

Our little beach beauty.

Carson liked going up the hill...

and, back down the hill....

where Grammy & Lily were waiting for him.

Love that smile!  All four of her cuspids (had to look that one up) have come through this summer.

We also had an early birthday celebration while we were there so more to come...

Come and gone

The summer is flying by...July has come and gone.  Here are just a few things we did last month.

The first few pictures are from a trip to Marbles.

 When asked if she liked to eat broccoli, Lily replied "Yes, I do."  I'll believe it when I see it.

 Future cheerleader?

It has been a record hot summer and sometimes it it just too hot to play outside (for me at least!).  One afternoon while playing inside, my ears perked when I heard both the sound of the stroller being pushed and the choo choo train being ridden.  When she emerged passed the island, this is what I saw. 

We went to Charlotte to visit some of Lily's friends (Lily, Winston, and Bowen).  They were much happier eating dinner...

and less happy when posing for a picture.  Lily was working with about a half hour nap and she was one tired little girl. 

I celebrated another birthday and Lily was baptized on the same day.  It was such a special, special day.  She wore her great grandfather's Christening gown.  One that was hand sewn and hand embroidered by her great great grandmother.  One that was 91 years old.  One that has was also worn by her daddy.  She looked absolutely beautiful that day; it will be one I will always remember.

Lily enjoyed a few laughs at lunch at others expense.  She gets a kick these days asking people to "boohoo".  They "boohoo" and Lily laughs. 

What else?  Well, I have no pictures, but we've also been going to a FUN music class once a week.  Lily loves it and she does amazingly well paying attention and following directions.  We also spent a few days at the beach last week.  Sadly, I have no pictures of that trip either.  I am hoping some family members might have a few to share!  She loved playing on the beach with her older cousins and spending time with her aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  Hoping August doesn't go by quite so quickly...    

Christmas in July

Every year for Christmas, all siblings and spouses draw names for Secret Santa.  I was almost brought to tears last year when I opened the gift from my sister-in-law Laura.  It was to be a photo session with one of her best friends who just happens to be a wonderful and talented photographer.  

I waited until the summer months to get them taken, and I have about a dozen favorites, but here are my MOST favorite.

Thank you, Laura.  We will cherish these.  Here's to Christmas in July!

Happy Easter Bunny!

When asked yesterday to say "Happy Easter" sometimes, Lily tagged on a "bunny", so it came out "Happy Easter Bunny!" 

It was a wonderful Easter weekend spent at home and with our families.  It started off with an egg hunt with cousins Trey and Peter and a delicous dinner at Pop and Sush's house.

Sunday morning brought a visit from the Easter Bunny.  Lily opened up all of her eggs, enjoyed a few pieces of chocolate, and shared a few with us, too.

Then, we were off to church and then over to Grammy and Grandpa's for lunch.

Lily's Easter dress this year was actually one of mine.  It was a hand-smocked Polly Flinders dress given to me as a gift from my Aunt Polly.  My mom held on to it and I have been waiting for Lily to be able to wear it on a special occasion.  I have to say, she looked absolutely adorable. 

It was a hot one yesterday, so Uncle Rob let Lily borrow his shades.