Adult Time

 Ryan and I went to Grand Haven for a night away. We love it there! Here's us at lunch.

 That evening in Grand Haven, we ended up at a Martini Bar and met the nicest couple!

 Headed out onto the Ovation for the Twilight Benefit. So fun!

 Grandma and I at my cousin's wedding in Chicago.

 From left to right, Sonia, Taylor, Erika, Me, Stacy, and Stacie. Behind my sis is Leslie. All my favorite cousins! We had so much fun at the wedding in Chicago.

 Mom and Dad... don't they look great!

Me and my sister's! Love you girls~

Once in a while we sneak away for some adult time. This summer Ryan and I went to Grand Haven for the night. We went last year and loved it! I went to Chicago this past weekend with my family for my cousin's wedding. Matt and his bride were beautiful! We had a blast dancing to Spanish music and just being silly. I love spending time with my family. Stacie Lynn and I had to leave our hubbies behind with the kids. They were definately missed.



A Little Out of Order- Catch up From Summer

 Taking a break from walking around...playing on the kiddie swings.

 The gorillas...they were so neat to watch. A 2 inch class window was all that separated us.

 Watching the crazy monkeys!

 The reptile house. Ryan touching the snake. I touched that same one! I screamed!!

This summer, we went to the Toledo Zoo. Ryan had a week off, so we headed to Toledo for a day trip. It turned out to be a 2 day trip... we had to go back the next morning because I lost my wedding ring there and a sweet lady turned it in. Can I just say... SO LUCKY! We loved this Zoo! Everything is so close, you feel like you can reach out and touch most of the animals. I think the 3 of us loved the monkeys the best. They were very active.

Summer's Over and Fall is in Full Swing!

Yes, I know...I've been MIA (missing in actions)!I teeter back in forth on what to do about this... I am a blog stalker and I have friends that are too... so I can imagine the frustration when you check back at my blog and, same ol' pictures, nothing new...boring! I decided that for now, I'm going to come back and see how it goes! So, lets enjoy it while we can!!
My title says it all, summer's over and Fall is in Full swing. I started school back in August, and all I can say is I'm busy! Lilly also started pre-school and sweet girl is just as busy. We are adjusting to early mornings and busy evenings. Poor Lilly is exhausted by 6 most nights. Her little eyes say it all. They are dark and tired looking sometimes before 6.

 Getting ready to head to Peanut Patch.

 Preston and Lilly at school, waiting to go in.

 Lilly and her teacher Mrs. Lynch.

 Lilly with her other teacher, Mrs. Curl.

Pre-school is going well. She likes going to school most days, however there are still mornings that she just wants to stay home, who doesn't, right? Preston goes with her to the same school however they are in different classes. They like knowing that their best friend is just in the other classroom, it's a nice sense of security for them. Can you believe how big they are getting?

Summer So Far

Summer has been so great, that it's kept me away from blogging! Okay, I'm kidding, I've been going back and forth in my head on do I want to keep posting or not. At this moment.... I don't want to, but I know that friends and family are wondering where I've been! So, here is a few pictures from different things we been doing.

We've been to a few graduation parties! It's a perfect excuse for Lilly to dress in her cutest outfits and pose for the camera~

We've done lots of swimming and boating with family~

 We've celebrated many birthdays~ Daddy's, Grants, Avery's, Madisons and Tylers!

 Lot's of play dates with girlfriends!

 Trips to the mall to get school clothes, back packs and to meet up with friends.

 Preston and Lilly attended Safety Town camp for 2 weeks! They learned all about being safe!

 Lot's more swimming and boating at the cottage and Titi and Uncle Saylor's house.

And plenty of staying home!

There is a month left of my summer break! We plan to enjoy every second of every day~ Plenty of time left to head back to the cottage, shop, catch up with friends and family and to do just about anything. We are looking forward to the week Ryan's off to do a day trip or 2. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!

Lilly's First Dance Recital

 Lilly danced in her first dance recital this year (with Preston). Of course, I cried through the entire dance, she did so good! I was such a proud momma. When she first started dance, she was so nervous and didn't always want to go. By the end, she was lining up on her own and walking in the room with a smile on her face. I knew that she would come around, but I didn't expect her to make such growth! Over the year, she has become such a big girl. Miss Dori told me to give her time. And, she was right! Our big girl, was all smiles out on that big stage. She LOVED every minute of it. Now, we are deciding what to do in the Fall, she wants to do gymnastics too.

The Cottage

I love this picture of them all looking off the back of the boat!

Lanie and Lilly dancing.

Marissa plays so well with the kids!

Lilly was unhappy because the water was so cold!

Uncle Saylor fishing!

 We spent a few nights at the cottage for Memorial Day! It felt great to get away~ It was a glimpse into what summer is going to be like. We can hardly wait!!

Memorial Day Parade

The kids in the parade threw out Popsicle... Popsicle have never tasted so good! It was refreshing!

Mommy and Lilly

Waiting for the parade to start!

 Walled Lake had it's annual Memorial Day Parade. Ryan and I took Lilly and met up with family and friends. We get pretty lucky because we sit at the Lynch and Son's Funeral Home. They are stocked with snacks, water and a bathroom! Plus, shade if we get hot. Lilly loves the parade, but takes a few minutes to warm up when it comes to picking up the candy. A piece landed in front of her and she stood there and didn't move. It's funny how she's come out of her shell with somethings and not others. So, I held her hand and showed her how to do it! We left sweaty, happy and full of candy!

Birthday Pictures

Strawberry Short Cake Birthday Party

Lilly's birthday party theme this year was Strawberry Shortcake! Her favorite remains princess, however she's finding the love for strawberry shortcake and friends. We celebrated with our families at our house this past weekend. Like every other birthday party we've had for Lilly, the weather was rainy. But, that didn't stop us from having a great time. This year, Lilly was comfortable walking around and hanging out with everyone without me being near for the first 1/2 an hour or so. Lilly loved playing with her cousins, dressing up, running around and just having a ball with her little pals. Now that the kids are a bit older, it's easier for the adults to chat and not have to entertain the kids. They all played very well together with out full on adult supervision!
Lilly loved having everyone sing to her, and of course she loved opening all her gifts! Thank you to my family and Ryan's family for being so wonderful to Lilly. She is so lucky to have such a special family!

Happy 4th Birthday, Sweet Lilly Marie

Our baby girl turned 4 on April Th! It's definitely a bitter/sweet day for me. Bitter because it means she's another year older and is moving further and further away from being little. Sweet because, she loves being big and is so smart and just a wonderful little girl. When I talk about Lilly's birthday, it seems that I get choked up because it brings me right back to night and morning when I was in labor. I'm sure this is true for many moms, however I bet the older they get the less you go back in time and think about delivery!! For me it's still fresh in my mind. For Ryan and me, we have been blessed with this little girl who has brought us so many laughs, tears and worries! We feel very lucky to have her. I thank god everyday for a healthy little girl who is caring, funny and spunky!! Happy Birthday, Lilly. We love you more than you'll ever know.