While mommy's away....

...daddy and the girls will be goof balls! While I was at a routine OB appointment, the girls hammed it up for Russ and the camera! These made me laugh! Russ said the girls were loving every silly moment!


Playing peek-a-boo on our bed
Ready for Hollywood!!!
"Hold on a second...I need to take this call!"

Under the Weather

Poor Olivia and Aunt Allie weren't feeling well. At least they had one another to make the other feel better! Olivia had a fever of 104.5 for a few days which finally came down (pediatrician's chalked it up to a viral infection---that lasted almost a week!) while Aunt Allie ended up having to have her gall bladder removed! Happy to report both are doing much better!!!

Who Needs a Trip to Disney to see Goofy???

While I was making cookies for a MOPS picnic, the girls decided they wanted to make their own creations. Olivia got the silicone cupcake holders to make cupcakes while Lexie just grabbed a wooden spoon and a mixing bowl to make cookies! They had a blast acting goofy and mimicking mommy!
Lexie loves to mix things up!



Keep on stirring!

The girls love to read...especially to one another. After pulling their chairs together...here they are taking turns being the 'teacher'.

Island Time!

You'd think from the title of this post that we went on away on a tropical getaway...not the case---however, we did listen to the sounds of the waves crashing (aka-water splashing from swim lessons) enjoyed a tropical breeze (thanks to a little bit of humidity placed nicely with the winds we always seem to have in western PA) and danced to the music of steel drums! MHCC put on a wonderful Island themed cookout. The food was great, the weather cooperated, and a good time was had by all!

Just after swim lessons...all cleaned up and ready to dance (but not before she got a game of hop scotch in!)
All smiles...with Olivia in the back ground mimicking her big sister playing hop scotch!
Russ with the girls just before we left the pool and headed up to the clubhouse terrace for dinner
Lexie, Granny and I enjoying the "island" breeze...what a beautiful evening---with out all the sand!

Pint sized pool

The girls really seem to be enjoying the pool grandpa got Olivia for her birthday! The first time we put it to use, they stayed in it for close to two hours! Lucky for them (and me) I moved the patio umbrella for some much needed shade! They just love to splash...such water "babies" they are!

Testing the waters...and getting their toys in just the right places

Olivia's having a blast!
Looks like Lexie is too!!!
I think they are starting to turn into prunes!


Coming up for air after blowing some BIG BUBBLES!


Practicing her "green light" kicks!

"Come on in Gran, the water's warm!"

Our Silly Guppy

Since joining MHCC late last fall, we weren't really sure what to expect out of the "Sports Complex". While we still haven't taken advantage of the tennis programs YET, we have gotten the most out of the swimming lessons! Lexie loves her Guppy class, the instructors, and her fellow 'fishies'. She is over the moon about going to the pool and especially her swim lessons, and we couldn't be more thrilled!!! Keep praying for good weather--so far so good...no cancellations and we haven't missed one yet!!!!

Blowing some really big bubbles!

Waiting her turn for the next exercise.
Olivia wasn't quite old enough for the class, but she loves the water none the less! I usually try to sit by the edge of the pool with her and do some of the same exercises the class does. She is getting really good at blowing bubbles, kicking on her belly and floating on her back!
Green light....the kids love to play red light, yellow light, green light! Kick those little legs!

Playing with daddy during Lexie's swim class...prepare to get soaked daddy...just look at the grin on her face!

School's Out...Already???

Lexie's last day of school managed to sneak up on us from out of nowhere! It seemed as though it was only a few weeks ago that we dropped her off for her first day of school and she never looked back! She made so many great friends, had wonderful teachers, created tons of crafts, learned quite a few bible verses...all while thoroughly enjoying every single second of it! She can't wait to go back next year for Pre-Kindergarten!!

For their last day, the class performed a special program for all of the families and friends that were able to attend. Granny, Olivia, Russ & I were all able to join in on the fun! After their 'production' the kids had ice cream sundaes and wished their friends a happy and safe summer!


Marching in and singing one of Lexie's favorite new tunes "I'm in the Lord's Army" to start the big show!
Getting all lined up for the next big number!
After a couple of songs, the first 'act' took place. They are acting out Chicken Little! It was so incredibly cute! While some of the kids had a hard time reciting their lines, Lexie was a champ and remembered hers without being prompted! We were so incredibly proud!
"The sky is falling!"
Russ and Olivia sure looked to be entertained!
Mrs. Kulhman passing out Lexie's Graduation certificate...
...and a congratulatory hug!
Yay mom and dad...I passed Pre-school!!! I'm ready for Pre-K now!
Lexie was sad to say goodbye to Mrs. Henderson! She was a great teacher, but we will see her again next year!!! Lexie is already so excited she keeps asking when school is going to start!

Terrific Twos...ehem, Here We Come!

It is so incredibly hard to believe we are already celebrating Olivia's second birthday!!! I say it every year...but where does the time go? The last two years have been filled with joy, love, laughs, a few tears, some trying moments, and tons of ENERGY---at least from the 4 and under crowd! While EXTREMELY different from your big sister, you have brought a level of love to this family we couldn't imagine living without! Happy Birthday "boo-boo", "Miss O", Olivia! Here's hoping that "two" is just as fun as one!


Mickey birthday banner for the birthday girl
Getting the party started...and trying to find some shade
A chocolate fountain with all kinds of goodies to dip
Goodie bags for the kids along with a few cookies on the ice cream bar
Special thanks to Eric and Tanya for the use of their tent and table...we certainly needed it on this sweltering hot day
Centerpieces
Some of the girls relaxing on the picnic table in the shade
The Tobin/Minich crew taking advantage of the tent to get some shade! Thanks for making the trip!!!

The birthday girl getting her fill of chocolate chip cookies...I think she had more on her face than in her belly! She sure did have a good time chowing down!!!!!

Olivia's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Cake...it didn't turn out as well as I would have liked to thanks to the black fondant...will have to try different black gel next time!
Singing to our little birthday girl...she sang along! It was adorable!
Time for more ice cream!!! Thanks Daddy!!!
Grandpa brought home a pinata during his shopping adventures..."How does this thing work...let me give this a try!"
After a couple of tries, Olivia passed the bat to her big sister...two whacks from Lexie is all it took and the candy went flying! Such determination and sheer force!
After most of our guests left...and GG& Nini made it back from their cruise, we ventured back inside to open presents.

Olivia loved tearing though the paper...and Aunt Allie was more than willing to help her out!
Lexie can't wait to try out her new goggles!!! Thanks Aunt Allie!!!
After a long HOT day...she is still going strong!

Thanks to everyone for your kindness, generosity, and thoughtful birthday wishes! Olivia had a wonderful time celebrating thanks to your efforts!! Special thanks to Aunt Marsha, Granny and Mrs. Tobin for all of your clean up efforts!!!