My Cookie Lovin' Girl

Lainey has become quite a little chef. She loves to stand on a chair and help me cook. At any given point in the day, if I ask her what she would like to eat, she says, "cookie." I have to admit that I almost always agree with her. (Don't worry...we don't indulge) So, this day we decided to combine the two loves and bake some chocolate chip cookies. Nothing better. Such a look of accomplishment in the picture above.

Can't wait to dive in.

Entertaining herself while waiting for the cookies to bake. I know it looks like she is cleaning up but trust me, this was all about splashing in the water.

Stirring the dough and sneaking a few bites in between.

First Day of Creation Corner

What a big day for our girl. Our church has a Christian School complete with a preschool called Creation Corner. Lainey is attending there one day per week this year. Lainey was thrilled this morning to see all the kids and walked calmly into her classroom and began playing with dolls. Mommy was trying to hold it together asking myself, "why am I doing this?"

Jamie and I peeked in the window to make sure she was doing ok for quite some time and I managed to pull it together when I saw she was doing so well.

I am seeing clients one day a week and was happy to have this option for Lainey to be in the same building as Jamie spending time with new friends. It was also wonderful to receive cell phone pictures of she and her classmates throughout the day from my sweet husband who was teased relentlessly for being outside her door a little too much!

At the end of the day her teachers reported that Lainey was born for preschool. She was a great student and participated in all of their activities which made her mommy so proud. Way to go baby girl!

Splishin' and a Splashin'

An afternoon at Splash City The nice and calm toddler pool

Ball with daddy

How on earth does she know to do this?

Taking it easy

Random Summer Fun

A recent trip to the zoo Lainey's new favorite, the sea lion show

Our big girl

Watching the chimpanzees

We had a great visit from some of our Pisgah youth recently. This picture was taken at the arch after our unsuccessful attempt to go to the top. Unfortunately, they were sold out of tickets that night, but we made the most of it with a walk through the Lewis and Clark Museum of Westward Expansion. Sorry girls!

Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory complete with balloon animals from our waiter.

We love you girls and are so glad you came for a visit!

Lainey showing off her pretty pony tail.

Uncle Seth came for a visit too. I wish I had taken more pictures. We had a great time dorm room shopping, catching up on some good movie rentals, and spending time together. We love you Seth and can't wait to hear all about life in Louisianna.

A day at the Science Center.

One of my most favorite 24 hours of the summer. Kimberlee and I met in Columbia for a night of scrapbooking, talking, eating and great bonding. It was such a great night and I can't wait to do it again soon...very soon!

I heart my sister.

A few weeks ago I had a glorious visit from two of my dearest SBU friends, Brittany and Lindsey . Lindsey is expecting her first baby girl this winter and Lainey and I got to meet Brittany's little Silas for the first time. Such a wonderful visit and I'm so glad you girls were able to come. My only regret is not getting a picture of the 3 of us together. I guess after you have little ones, the pictures become all about them!

Silas and Lainey playing in the sand. Smiling the whole time.