Swimming and Watermelon

Two of my favorite summertime pastimes...swimming and watermelon. When my parents visited yesterday, we made a trip to Graham's in Edgewood. They have the best fruits and veggies! Well, of course they got us a huge watermelon. We cut it tonight and it was delicious! I saw one of Sandra Lee's recipes for watermelon spritzers a while back and thought I would give it a try. It's really easy-watermelon, club soda, lime juice, sugar and ice. So, after the girls went to bed tonight I fixed them for me and Michael. Sadly, I was disappointed. They turned out beautifully, but didn't taste as well as I was hoping. Oh well...we have tons of sweet watermelon to eat so we'll just eat it instead of drinking it!

My brother, Matt, was in town at my parents' this weekend so he made a trip by to see us. I'm so happy and excited that we got to see him! He lives in west Texas and we haven't seen him since March. It's not exactly a short trip to visit either way. He got to see Laney for the first time and Natalie had a blast with him. She played with one of his decoy ducks in her swimming pool and chased bubbles with him. We had a great time eventhough it was a short visit. Hopefully, it won't be that long before we see him again.

After they left, Laney and I got in the pool with Natalie. Michael stuck his feet in because, well, the pool is a kiddie pool. We had a blast! It's amazing how much fun we can have being silly splashing around in a kiddie pool. It's been a great weekend so far!

Oh, and I borrowed a sling from a friend. Laney's getting used to it. I think I really like it, too. It frees up my hands.

It's been a while

It's been a while since my last post. It seems like the only time I'm at the computer is when I'm holding Laney and typing one handed is frustrating. It's a little after 9 and the girls are both asleep, so I'm gonna try to catch up. Here's some new pictures of the girls. They are such a joy to watch. Natalie loves to talk to Laney and she "talks" right back to her. Laney loves to watch Natalie. I hope and pray that they remain close as the years go by.

Here's Laney at 2 months.

And a few more recent ones. She'll be 12 weeks tomorrow. She is such a happy baby! She loves to sleep! She goes to bed around 8:30 or 9 and usually sleeps for 12 hours! When Natalie was Laney's age, she was still waking up about every 2 hours at night. Laney is so laid back, but when you make her mad watch out. She and Natalie are so different, yet so much alike. Laney is a big mommy's girl. Sometimes, it drives me crazy and then I stop and remind myself it won't last forever. Right now, I'm gonna enjoy the snuggles and the early morning feedings that sometimes still occur.

Natalie is growing up so fast, too! She is such an awesome big sister! We're making it through the two's. I wouldn't call them the terrible two's for us, but the whiney two's. She's getting better with it, though. A few weeks ago, I was straightening my hair when she asked me to do hers. Of course, I did. I couldn't believe how much older it made her look! She asked me again last week while Michael was at youth camp. I had to take pictures to show him. He didn't recognize her! She stands so still while I fix it and doesn't touch it because she knows it's hot. She's talking even more (which I didn't realize was possible) and so much more clearly. I love to listen to her talk to her dolls and toys when she plays. The innocense I see in her is so precious. She is so independent and so outgoing.

We spent the 4th of July at Grammie and Grandpa's house. Uncle Joe and Aunt Cole came to visit, too. We had a great time! Natalie stayed a few extra days. Uncle Joe and Aunt Cole took Nat to a museum in Waco. She had a wonderful time!

Michael went to kids' camp for a week. Then, he was home a week. Next, it was off to youth camp (last week). Finally, we had a wedding in Frisco last weekend (Michael officiated). He's trying to recouperate from everything, and I'm trying to recouperate from a lack of sleep. I discovered that Natalie is scared when daddy's not home. I have no idea why. Anyway, she woke up at least once almost every night he was gone. Now, we're trying to get back on schedule. She hasn't slept all night yet, but she's getting better. Summers are always crazy around here. We have so many more activities going on at the church. We're looking forward to vacation in September. This year it may only consist of making the rounds to visit grandparents, but it will be a nice getaway.

We had a great time at Chris and Tammy's wedding in Frisco. Natalie loves to dance! She got Michael, Uncle Dave and Aunt Sarah to dance with her. I think she would have danced all night if we would have let her! We stayed that Friday night with Nana and Pops since it was closer than driving home and then back on Saturday. It was also really nice to spend a little time with family.

Here's our latest family picture.

I love this picture!

Grammie and Grandpa came to visit just for the day today. We had a great time going to lunch, the fruit stand and Wal-Mart. Of course, they spoiled the girls rotten. We had a great visit!