And the Relatives Came

One of my favorite books to read to Lainey is about a family traveling from a far away place to be with relatives and play together, eat together and breathe together. It is a sweet story describing the love of a family and the enjoyment they bring to each other just being in the same place. I thought of this book often as my family and I enjoyed a few days together last week.

Chad, Jen, Jules and Ava traveled from Georgia. Jamie, Lainey and I from Illinois and the rest of the crew from Missouri enjoyed a few days swinging, slip and sliding, bouncing, volleyballing, golfing, eating, playing, and breathing together. The only down side is that I always wish it could last longer. So sweet in their matching outfits from Mawny The slip and slide was a big hit. Lainey was taken with it simply because it had Dora on it!

Uncle Seth has already begun training the next generation to scratch his back. I think the conversation went something like this...

"Let's have a contest to see who can scratch my back the longest."

I spent a beautiful afternoon with my brothers and Jamie on the golf course. I, of course, drove the cart and not much else...I don't think they wanted to see my not so pretty swing.

No summer evening would be complete without popsicles on the porch.

This was such a fun night. I think it was 100 degrees outside but we had a great time playing volleyball. Chad, Seth and I took on Kimberlee, Jamie and Antaun. I won't report who took home the win because I wouldn't want to rub it in!

I love Chad's zoolander face in this picture.

An afternoon at Fun Run sliding and bouncing.

Dora Live!

Lainey has a new love and her name is Dora the Explorer. I'm not exactly sure when or how it happened but my child can't get enough of Dora. My spanish has seriously improved as a result! At night, before bed, she only wants to read a Dora story. If she watches TV, she only wants to watch Dora. She takes a bath and sleeps with a Dora doll. Obsession is putting it mildly! So, when I heard that Dora Live was coming to St. Louis, I knew this would make Lainey's day and wow did it ever! We had such a fun time. Lainey clapped, danced and sang along with all of the characters. The Fox Theater in St. Louis is this beautiful, ornate building but on this day it was full of toddlers grinning from ear to ear. I have to admit that Jamie and I had just as much fun watching Lainey take it all in. !Excelente!

Silas comes for a visit!

We enjoyed a visit from Uncle Brian, Aunt Crystal and Silas last week. We visited Grant's Farm and had a great day together. Lainey and Silas got to feed baby goats, watch a bird show, look at the camels, elephants, turtles and other animals. It felt like 100 degrees, but we had a lot of fun. I was amazed at a pregnant Aunt Crystal who was quite a trooper walking around the park on such a hot day! Checking out the peacock

Lainey was telling this pony quite a story

A family pose on a very hot day

Flying with uncle Jamie

Grandma and Grandpa stopped in for the night on their way to North Carolina.

Having a blast jumping off of the ottoman onto the pillows.

Silas is a brave little guy...no fear at all as he jumped. Lainey kind of eased her way onto the pillows.

So glad they were able to come. It was great to have them for a visit!

Happy Father's Day

We had a wonderful day celebrating Jamie. Lainey and I picked out a new golf bag for dada and she was thrilled to give it to him. She walked around the house chanting "dada pres" (her abbreviation for present, of course!) Trying to figure this thing out!

Lainey insisted I take a picture of the painting she made for dada. Such a little artist.

Happy Father's Day Jamie. You are a wonderful daddy.

Vacation for Two

Jamie and I just got back from a cruise to the Bahamas. It was a relaxing week with some great sunshine, beaches, and quality time together. Lainey spent the week with her grandparents and had a great time. The picture above was taken on our formal night. I happen to think the best part about a cruise (aside from the gorgeous beaches) is that you get to play dress up. I can't help it...I'm a girly girl at heart. On the deck of the ship docked in Key West. We loved this port and would like to spend more time here. It was just a charming, cozy place.

This was quite a hike from the ship, but fun to see.

Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West.

A sunrise in Nassau, Bahamas

Alright... bring on the mall cop jokes! We took a segway tour in Nassau and it was a really good time. We toured around the island and went through a botanical garden.

Gotta love all the safety gear they made us wear!

Not exactly sure what this big scary thing is...but it has a nice tropical feel to it!

In Miami, where we boarded the ship