Summer Fun

We are on the official vacation count down and everywhere I look it shows!! our house has become the throw it where you want to because NOTHING is getting cleaned until Friday. Friday we get to finish packing, get in some tire-them-out-completely-so-they'll-sleep-for-15-hours swimming, grab a bite to eat, and head on down the road to our beach house!! We are so excited. So excited that Ryan is already packed. It is so much fun to get ready for vacation, especially a big one like this. All of the planning and shopping for items we probably won't use at all but MIGHT need. All of the dreaming of sand, shells, and suntans. All of the restaurant reservations that get made and dog kennel reservations for our babes staying at home. And of course there is the beauty appointments because who can go to the beach without a new hair do, some new toes, and of course, some new fingernails. Even the males in the house are getting in on the primping routine. Again, it is so fun!!

We took some time off last night to enjoy a baseball free night. We headed out to our favorite shopping grounds to enjoy the great night and get a little wet. I know I have my camera on hand a lot of the time and for the most part it is just a way for me to capture their lives right  now. But from time to time, when I look through the lens it takes on a whole new meaning. It is a way for me to see the kids as if I were in the picture with them. It is also a way for me to focus on one kid at a time, with all of their quirks and beauty. Last night was one of those nights. I even had to catch my breath and hold back some very well deserved tears when I looked through my camera.







There are times in our "parent" lives that we just can't wait to get them all out of the house and on to their  lives. Then there are those times that we want to grab them and run into a closet and hope time doesn't find us. They change every day and every day that I don't see that, I miss it. I didn't miss anything last night.



Fountains are truely the best thing for kids and shopping!





This is what happens when you say "let me just take one picture of the two girls"



Enjoying some yummy chocolate apple




Fathers Day Message to my husband:

Since we will be celebrating Fathers Day on the beach, I wanted to take a few lines to write about my amazing husband. You all know, from reading my blog, about how amazing my husband is to me. I want to focus on him as a dad. I just can't imagine having a better father, than him. But I have to divide this into two separate catergories.
From your girls: Your love for them is astounding and heart warming. There is nothing you won't try or do for them. You are gentle with them at times and others you are allowing them to stretch their muscles. You allow them to see you love your wife and you allow them to see your compassion for them. You're not afraid of ruffles, bows, or fingernail polish. You know that they need to respect but that they are also to be respected. I feel sorry for all the boys that come into their lives that don't have the best intentions. But for the man that each of the girls falls in love with, you have made it clear what it means to be a husband and a father. You are a true blessing in their lives and there will be no other love like yours!!



From your stepson:
Wow.....if tears could tell the story here!! You have been utterly amazing as a stepdad. You are there when he needs you most and there even when he doesn't. You are understanding of his quirks and loving towards him. You are showing him what it means to be a husband and a father. He is old enough to voice that and he knows just how lucky we all are to have you. Your ability to connect with him on every level is so fabulous to watch. He wouldn't be becoming the man he is, without you. You, my love, were an answered prayer for this single mom and my son is very lucky to have you as his stepdad.



Ok so I think that is enough for today. I hope everyone has a fantastic week and weekend!! I will leave you with some of my favs from last night....these are getting framed for the house!!