Picture Perfect

Today was a beautiful day! The temperature was perfect in the 80's and the humidity very low. We spent the day at the Arboretum taking pictures. I am very pleased with how some of them turned out, but the fact is I need a new camera!! There are more posted in a Facebook album :)

Lions and Coasters

This month has gone by so quickly. The girls and I went to the Cincinnati Zoo with my sister, Cousin Jason, his girlfriend Amanda, and my cousin Megan and Kadience. I wore my pedometer and we walked nearly 5 miles! Luckily, this time it wasn’t all uphill. The last time we went, we must have taken the wrong direction because it was ALL uphill. Now we know the way to go! The girls loved the elephants, and the monkey exhibit. We were thankful that it didn’t rain, however there was a heat advisory most of the day. It was pushing 100 deg and very humid.

A few days later, we went to Kings Island with cousin Daniel. He works there and scored us some free passes. Again, it was a hot and humid day. The girls had never been to an amusement park that size, so they didn’t really know what to expect. Lacey got in line for the very first roller coaster and by the end she had regretted the decision. She was a little nauseous afterward and it took a while for the feeling to settle. It was one of the bigger coasters, but she was determined to give it a try. She loved the water rides, and even my Mom rode it once. Lily went off with Ashley and to my surprise they rode the Diamond Back. It is the newest, probably largest coaster in the park. I am so proud of Lily for being brave and trying something new. I am also a little shocked, as the week before she was very nervous and hesitant to use the escalators at the Zoo! We ate buffet there (mistake) for lunch and attempted the water park area. The water park area was nearly a mile walk just to discover that everyone from the surrounding states and their grandmother was in the water or in the lines. Of course, it was 99 degrees! In fear of losing the kids in the crowed, we headed back towards the front of the park and the kids rode some “kiddy” rides and then we headed home.

Home

We had a fabulous time in Tennessee for the 4^th of July. I was able to meet some of Ryan’s who are moving back to the Tennessee area. It was really great to put a face to the names I have heard so much about over the past many years. We look forward to visiting again before the year is over, possibly Thanksgiving.

While we in Tennessee, Lacey was baptized. It was a beautiful day and everything went perfectly. We couldn’t have asked for a better day for Lacey. She was very excited initially but was nervous when it came time, but she did all that she needed to do and I am proud of her. She is a special child and I am so blessed to be her mother. I regret not getting better pictures of her in her pretty dress.

We are planning a lot for next week; A trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and Kings Island. I hope that the weather is nice, but my expectations are not too high, it is July.

An important, but dreaded task was accomplished this week. My Mom, sister and I went to finalize the decisions for my Dad’s headstone. It is going to be beautiful, and a little bigger than Mom wanted. I knew my Dad well and he would have wanted the best, biggest, shiniest one they had. It will be ready in about 8 weeks. By that time, maybe grass will be growing on the grave site. Seeing a pile of dirt is so depressing.

Ryan has an interview for new job in a few days. He is ecstatic about it, as the pay is nearly three times what he makes now, and the insurance/benefits are awesome. I am still not working, as I am using my time wisely and spending every waking moment with Lily and Lacey in the sun, by the pool. I will return to work, eventually.

Roadtrip

We're leaving for Tennessee Saturday morning! I have so many things left to do before we leave. I really need to make it a goal to not be such a procrastinator! Maybe later I'll add that to the list :)

Lacey has her interview with our bishop tonight. Her baptism will take place there in Tennessee on Sunday evening. We will finally have the chance to meet some more of Ryan's family and to catch up with Matt and Alison, some of Ryan's friends that he worked with at ACN.

On the way, we plan on stopping in KY. Ryan's Mom and possibly JM will be meeting us at a water park near the Tennessee boarder. The girls love water, and Lacey is a huge fan of water slides! The girls are loving the new pool. It is much bigger than I thought it was going to be, but thankfully it isn't over Lacey's head. The first thing she does in the morning is put on her bathing suit!


Lacey's optometrist appointment went well and they want to see her back in August when school starts. She will be getting her new glasses then, also.

The weather is so nice right now! The high is only 78. I have opened all of our windows to let the breeze in, and our plans for today are to finish up the laundry, steam clean the carpets and pack for our trip!

Reminising

Lily turned 11 years old today. I am so proud of her and all of her accomplishments and goals. She is very intelligent, comical and caring. She does great in school and although she has some trouble with math she always puts up her best effort. She loves church, her primary friends and learning about the Gospel. Next year she will be ready for Girls' Camp. Lily is so well behaved and such a blessing to have in our family. I was browsing through old photographs on the hard drive and I can not believe how much they've changed over the years. I miss the days when I could just pick them up and hold them! I aim to cherish every moment and to take as many photographs as possible!

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003 - in photo albums - will scan later! :)

2002

A video of Lacey, Christmas 2007. She loves to dance!

Birthday Picture Blog

The weekend has been very eventful. Friday evening we celebrated the girls' birthday with a small get-together at my Mom's. The girls really enjoyed their gifts, the pizza, cake & ice cream and the presence of the ones they love.

Beautiful Lacey

Pisanello's Pizza The best Pizza in Town!

The Presents

My Handsome Husband

Lily & Lacey Opening Presents

Lily & The Cake

Lacey Eating Cake

Jordan Eating Cake

Xavier Eating Cake

Garden is growing!

We have the first tomatoes on our plants! Everything looks like it is growing well especially the weeds! The last few days have been really hot and humid so I haven't pulled any weeds and cleaned up since planting them in the beginning of May. We planted Watermelon, Zucchini and Cantaloupe along with our Bell peppers and Tomatoes. I think we were a little late at planting. Mom's garden is so much fuller and more grown. This was the first year we have attempted a garden and I wouldn't be disappointed if nothing was edible.

Going today to finish up the birthday shopping for the party tomorrow. The girls are excited, and hopefully they will not be disappointed as this party was kind of planned at the last minute. The "theme" is summertime and the cake is so cute, with a beach scene and candy flip flops!