First View of the Ocean

Ocean, meet Adalyn. Adalyn, the ocean.
See that face? It's amazing how the excitement of a child can change everything. I've never been much of a beach person, but after our trip this summer, I'm changed. We spent countless hours on the beach, and we had to tear ourselves away when the sun began to set. We couldn't have asked for a better first experience. We had such a wonderful, fun filled time. The girls LOVED the beach and we all talk about the fun we had. I'm thinking this will be a summer family tradition.

Our Summer

This summer we...

 shopped for plants for our new patio flower bed.

took swimming lessons

 had an accident with the toy broom and enthusiastic playing that resulted in very little sleep for mommy, lots of guilty regrets, a trip to Urgent Doc and scar on baby A's eyebrow.

Lots of baking dates between mommy and the girls.

Upgraded A to a forward facing car seat.

Grinned and cried when Adalyn's curls were trimmed off during her first haircut.

Learned to sit up AND crawl.

Took multiple trips to "our zoo" (as Marin calls it). 

Attended vacation bible school at church and dressed up as sword wielding warriors.

Started solids. (sort of)

painted our fingernails (Marin's "Now that I'm five can I..." request)

Got SUPER excited about our new Kindergarten curriculum every time something new arrived in the mail.

Plus a family trip to the beach and many lovely, days with family and friends. Looking back we had such a wonderful summer, but I'm looking forward to fall and the cool weather that comes with it.

Storm Door Installed

We installed a storm door on the front of the house this week. Why is it that projects like this take so much longer than expected? Hoping it helps to preserve the original, wood door. 

My First Bridal Shoot

Here are photos from my first ever bridal shoot. Gratefully it was for a really sweet, BEAUTIFUL girl who DOESN'T sweat. I'm not joking, people. It was 100 degrees out and she didn't have even ONE bead of sweat. Amazing. I on the other hand was filthy and soaking with sweat. Good thing I was behind the camera. Their wedding theme was Lemon and Lime so we set up a vintage lemonade stand and took a few silly, fun pics. These tree shots are my favorite. I used the same location for belly pictures, taken of a friend in 2009. It was a beautiful setting then and still is three years later! The sunlight here in the summer is just beautiful. And so are you, Melissa :).

Lemon & Lime Wedding {The Invitation}

Nothing says summer like a fresh, lemon and lime theme wedding. I designed these wedding invitations for a co-workers daughter. The photo is one from their engagement session. The translucent, yellow pochettes and Stardream, Fairway (green) square envelopes were purchased from LCI paper.

Our summer has been busy and HOT. Designing these invitations for this sweet couple was a highlight.

Story Cubes

I recently read about Rory's Story Cubes and couldn't wait to buy a set for Marin. She has a crazy, fun imagination and this game has provided many hours of fun for all of us! Nine cubes. 54 images. To play, simply roll the cubes and begin with "Once upon a time..."

Balloon Birthday Surprise {Marin's 5th Birthday}

Shhhhhhh.....

Steven and I had so much fun hiding 20 balloons in Marin's room last night. We weren't sure what her reaction would be. We crossed our fingers hoping it didn't FREAK her out. What a relief to see this smiling face!

We selected 16 photos of Marin and people she loves from the past five years and taped them to the end of each balloon. So hard to choose from so many good memories! Below is a shot of Marin and her Paw Paw Benny at her first birthday party in 2008. And another of Marin meeting her cousins Julia and Jonathan for the first time in 2007.

We all gathered in her room and talked about all of the fun times we've had since she was born and pulled our her memory box that has photo albums from each of her birthdays and various memorabilia (new born outfits, first drawings, ballet shoes etc.).

You can't tell from the pictures, but poor Marin was diagnosed with walking pneumonia two days ago, so we had to cancel her Mermaid Swimming party. It was important to me that we think of other ways to make this days special. So after the balloon surprise, she opened a gift from us and we had chocolate chip pancakes.

After our morning, filled with a variety of celebratory events, hit a lull, Marin turned and said, “I think it’s time for a party!”

I laughed and said, “well, I think we’ve enjoyed all the ingredients of a birthday party” and I began to list them counting each item on my fingers. “Balloons, a present, special food, and singing."

She paused in thought and then said: “We need more ingredients!”

“Oh yeah,” I said, “like what?”

Wiggling her index finger she grinned and said: “Family.”

She's right. Celebrating life just feels better when you share the celebration with extended family. I'm so glad she recognizes that.