Thursday, July 31, 2014

Dance, Take Two

Emma has completed another round of dance at Zeeland Rec. I was so excited to be able to attend the last class this year, since this time last year I was in the middle of a C-section delivery with Elissa during her performance.

Dance 2014
Dance 2013












My how my little girl has grown and changed in the past year!

 

Sunday, July 27, 2014

{Early} Surprise Party

We had a birthday party for my mom this weekend. It's only 3 months in advance. My mom came to our house on Friday under the guise that we needed a sitter so we could go on a date. This was simply a bonus- the hubs and I hadn't been out without at least one child along since Elissa was born!

Mom was under the impression she had to leave our house on time Saturday afternoon to get home for a dinner party that she was hosting at her house. Little did she know, as soon as she pulled out of the driveway, we hopped in our van and followed. Joe had her run an errand on the way home so we could get ahead of her to be there for the big surprise.
I think it worked! We had over 50 people show up to wish her a happy birthday. Some people, like my grandparents from Arkansas, traveled quite the distance to be in attendance. I can't think of many people more deserving than her to be showered with love. She is constantly giving of her self, so it was awesome to be able to give back to her.

Happy birthday mom!

*photo credit- Kera Cervoni Photography

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Lil' John Deere Girl

I won a headband from Sprispals via Facebook and have fallen in love with Courtney's work! After looking through her Etsy shop, I knew Elissa needed a John Deere headband. It turned out she was out of the material for the headband she had showcased so we worked together to create a one-of-a kind for my baby cakes. She was uber patient with my indecisiveness and was so sweet to send a little JD clippie along with the headband. I love how it turned out!



Even if I couldn't get my little model to hold still. I can't wait to order more!

Friday, July 18, 2014

Summer Snapshots

I can't believe we are halfway through summer already. Here are a few randoms from the past month.

 Taking Daddy and Easton for a quad ride.


 We took a hike to the top of Mount Baldy in Saugatuck. It was hot and humid out, please excuse our sweaty selves!
 Elissa climbed up on all fours!

 We hung out at Sandy Pines with my in-laws one Sunday and enjoyed the water.
 Easton wanted to take his shadow off when he discovered it following him on a walk. Silly boy!
 Can't believe this sweet girl will be one in less than a month!
 And that this princess will be off to kindergarten soon!

Slow down summer, we haven't had enough yet!

Monday, July 14, 2014

Dutch Treat 2014

We set off on our second camping trip for the year after we returned home from up north. There were only four families camping this time around, but still a large number of kids. 12 to be exact. Per tradition, my munchkins get donuts for breakfast on the first day as a special treat.


Typically this means they lick the frosting clean and throw the donut in the trash.

Between rain storms, we spent plenty of time pool side. Emma swam, Easton hung out on the steps and Elissa and I watched.



Easton took great pleasure in running through any puddles he could find. He did a great job staying wet and muddy.

Camping proves to be a lot of work again for miss Elissa and she continues to fall asleep where every she can. She slept like this for over a half hour!
She also loves the swing, look like it's time to drag ours out at home and hang it up.
Here's to another successful trip in the books!

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Holiday Weekend

We spent some time up at my grandparents' house for the fourth. It has become some what of a tradition for our family. The fireworks over the lake are always awesome, we get a few days away and there is always a ton of family to visit with.


 Fishing with daddy

 Having breakfast in Grandpa's old high chair.

The oldest two love playing in the water and hanging out with all the cousins.

 
We have so much fun every year and look forward to doing it again!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy Fourth!

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend with family and friends. Thank you to all who serve our country- past, present and future!

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

11 Months

Sweet baby girl, in one more month you will earn the title 'toddler' as you outgrow the baby stage. While I look forward watching you grow each day, my heart is not ready to let go of my precious baby!

This past month you have gone on your first camping adventure as well as your first boat ride. you've learned to wave as well as go from laying to sitting on your own thanks to a nasty ear infection we have been battling. As long as it's not time to lay down, which causes pain and pressure on your ears, you are a happy girl!


The warmer weather seems to suit you my sweet summer babe!
 
You still wear primarily 6, 6-9 and 9 month clothing. At the doctor's office you weighed in right about 16 pounds so not much change since last month. Diapers haven't changed size wise. There haven't been any big changes in your eating habits either. I'm hoping to cut out your night time feeding soon, but since you are still tiny we'll let it go a little longer. You continue to be our little peanut!
I still can't fathom that you will be one next month beauty girl, we love you!