Summertime!

Deanna's first official week off of work, and we have been having lots of fun! On Saturday, we went to Charlie's house to celebrate Father's Day and summer in general. The two toddlers rode to the pool in style - Delanie loved the wagon. The Millers grilled an excellent meal, we enjoyed the company of several couples and babies (and one unborn peanut).

Here's the thing about teachers - they are so excited for summer to come so they can get away from school, then they end up hanging out together the entire time they are off!! A group of us hit the lake Tuesday, which turned out to be a wonderful spot for toddlers. A playground, sand and water, what more could Delanie want? We even got a great spot in the shade! Delanie is quite observant, here she is sitting in her chair watching a volleyball game.

I hear that while I was in the restroom, Delanie and Caleb went to first base - they kissed! Delanie, who is obsessed with trying to dress herself, apparently also helped Caleb get dressed (or undressed, who knows?). While I was chaperoning, this is as close as the pair got!

Delanie had a wonderful week with Grandma Molly while Mommy finished up at work. Grandma Molly taught Delanie how to have all sorts of fun! And, with the heat wave, most of the "outdoor fun" actually took place on the porch. Today, Delanie insisted we fill some containers with water so she could play on the porch. She is holding a bowl of grapes - this girl now wants everything in a bowl. She loves being Little Miss Independent! She definitely gets that from her father, no way that came from Mom!!

Our family is heading on two weeks' vacation with family! We look forward to posting some good pics when we return! Have a wonderful and safe July 4th! Happy Birthday America!

She is definitely a toddler!

Dave says she looks like Mommy in this picture!

WHat a looker with her new dress (thank you Caleb)!

Here is Delanie playing in her new bed - she hasn't actually slept in it yet, just pretended! Check out that hair!

One more - proof that she is starting to understand how to "pose" for the camera!

Well, you know when we go a few days with an update, we have been busy! The trade-off: better pictures and stories when we finally post!

Memorial Day Weekend was packed full for us! First, we were honored to attend the wedding reception of our close friends Sonya and Kevin. Auntie Connie graciously offered to babysit Delanie, so Dave and I enjoyed a fun night out. In fact, this is the first time our Girly Squad have all had significant others and all been together! More weddings are in this group's future though, as Brandon proposed to Brandy a few weeks before this wedding! And at least one of the other couples is thinking of engagement. It was a wonderful celebration of Sonya and Kevin's love, and also a great way to spend some time with our closest friends.

On Memorial Day, we took Delanie out on our neighbor's boat. She sported pigtails for the occasion, although she pulled them out quickly. Thank you Emily for the great new hair accessories and Uncle DJ and Auntie Justine for the summer outfit!

Delanie seemed to like the boat ok, but hated the lifevest. After a few brief tantrums, she did calm down and we all enjoyed the experience a bit more. And, of course, when the older kids took out some snacks, she was in Heaven! She would not get into the water, but both Dave and I took a dip in the lake. The weather was beautiful and it was great to be out on a boat, since neither of us have been on one in a few years.


Last weekend, Aunt Kate and (almost) Uncle Tristan took us to Myrtle Beach to stay at the York family condo. As a beach-lover, I need to get at least one fix a summer, and this year, the beach trip couldn't come soon enough. The weather was perfect - mid 80s - and so was the company. Delanie loves playing in the sandbox at school, so the beach was wonderful for her. Dave and I had both forgotten how sticky beach sand is, and now know what we can expect for the next several years. Delanie got everyone and everything sandy!