Camp

Big day for our littlest one!

She went to camp at her new preschool.  Such a big deal.  She safely and securely said goodbye to her mama knowing I would come right back for her.  She was so very proud at the end of the day to show me her zebra craft that I will keep forever and ever until I'm old and grey.  

Big brother was her protecter at camp.  The teacher were quick to tell me how well he cared for her on the playgroud.  Oh did this make my heart soar.  These two have had such a long road of growth and it keeps getting better and better. 

Adoption Rocks!!!  

God redeems!!!

Camp Nana and Poppie

I'm not sure how I am going to sum up three weeks into one blog post.  Warning....It's gonna be a looong one.

The highlight of our summer is always our extended vacation at Nana and Poppie's house.  We usually are able to spend some time at Oma's as well but, this year she had hip surgery and spent the whole time we were in Fl either in the hospital or at a rehab facility.  We are happy to report she is now home and doing well.  We are looking forward to a visit very soon!

So here is what we have been up to at Camp Nana and Poppie.

Brad drove us down to help with the drive and be in Naples for his mom's surgery.  Once she was settled, he and I snuck away for two nights to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.  Nana and Poppie spoiled the kids and Liv did amazingly well as this was the first time EVER that mommy and daddy had left her over night.  It made me realize just how far we have come.  Last summer she couldn't even have the bagger at Publix push her out in the cart without an absolute terror meltdown. 

We had so.much.fun!!!  So nice to have uninterrupted conversation, only one mouth to feed, time to sleep and just plain time to be together.  Thank you Nana and Poppie!

We stayed at a fancy hotel and enjoyed nice dinners out, relaxing by the pool....

                             

A visit to Epcot

                               

 A drink in "Italy"

                                            

Unfortunately on the third day Daddy had to get back to reality and we said our goodbyes.

But, the kids and I still had lots more fun left at Camp Nana and Poppie's.

Liv got her ear's pierced

                               

We lunched with Nana and explored near by towns

                                

     We had fun with new friends at the Children's Museum

                               

     

Kyrie and Katie were fast friends.  Her mommy and I have been friends since about the same age.

                                        

We played for hours and hours in the pool and tried Whistle Pops for the first time.

We celebrated our country's birth day.  Even though the real fireworks show was rained out

We had movie nights in bed (may have been a way for the adults to have some peace and quiet)

We picniced with our cousin Lillie

We had tea parties

And took super long naps

We learned new pool games (pool baseball)

And practiced our reading skills

We took naps at 10:00 am because we stayed up too late the night before.

We went to the beach

And played golf with Poppie

These two really like each other

So do these two

We took advantage of free summer movies

And visited the aquarium

Our nature lover loved petting sting rays

We met our favorite celebrity, "Winter" the dolphin

We celebrated our favorite big girl's 7th birthday a little early with a lobster feast

She REALLY liked the wheelchair for her American Girl

                                     

Such a fun summer!  Thank you Nana and Poppie for all of the memories.  

We Love You!

Tomorrow will be a sad day.  Until next year.....

Sparkles

Lil Miss has been asking for earrings like her big sis for awhile now.  

Mommy finally caved.  

She was so very brave and Oh so proud

The tears lasted about 30 seconds and stopped with a lollipop. 

Gorgeous girl before earrings and after.  

Olivia has microtia.  Before we had her I sometimes wondered if she would be sad that she couldn't have earrings like her mommy and sister.  I did a little research and asked other microtia parents about ear piercing.  I found out there is no risk and it shouldn't affect reconstruction if we choose that route at some point.  So I decided to grant the wish of my brave little girl.  I think her nemo ear as we call it looks gorgeous accessorize with a pink stud.