the mcdonalds: July 2009

July 31, 2009

Heat Wave

Since it is still TOO hot to do anything around here, I am going to cheat and link to my friends Elizabeth and Erin's blogs. They (and their babies) and Claire all came over for a visit this past week. While I was handing out the popsicles and sunscreen, they managed to get some great pictures of the kiddos. The trip was cut short due to heat and other circumstances so I am suggesting a re-do in the fall! We gals are more rainy day-tea-journal-good book-kind of girls anyway! Enjoy!

Little Biker Babe

Ellie's First Camping Trip

There are TOO many great memories from our fun camping trip with neighbors (Tyler, Tabitha, Ivy, Owen and baby Kayleb (and dog Violet)) for me to mention. So instead of trying, I will just share the photos. Needless to say, Ellie LOVES LOVES LOVES camping as much as I did when I was her age. There will be many more camping adventures for sure!

Happy Fam

Playing in the tent

Goin' Fishin'

Jiffy Pop...MMMMM!

Tabitha, Tyler, and baby Kayleb

Bummer, here comes a thunder storm! Everyone out of the lake!

Being silly with Owen

Pancakes for breakfast

She looks ready to go!

More Smores please!

Good friends around the campfire

Playing in the dirt...a camping tradition for sure!

Ellie learned to ride her new bike!

July 21, 2009

Tid Bits

Ellie helping Dan air out the tent for camping (Clearly Mommy was NOT in charge of hair, outfit, etc. this day! Seriously, Dan. Yikes!)

She is all girl!

What a goofball!

Here is Ellie showing her batting skills...

July 16, 2009

Where the Green Grass Grows

I'm gonna live where the green grass grows Watch my corn pop up in rows Every night be tucked in close to you Raise our kids where the good Lord's blessed Point our rockin' chairs towards the west And plant our dreams where the peaceful river cools Where the green grass grows -Tim McGraw

Today I smelled the grass. Seriously. I actually got to lay on a towel on our new, perfectly green lawn and smell the grass. I love the smell of freshly cut grass in the summer but ironically, this is the first time in my marriage that I have been able to indulge in this simple pleasure! We lived first in an apartment and then in the Milton home (which had no back yard) so I never was able to enjoy the private space to relax in such a way. I lay there for almost an hour today and listened to airplanes, flying bugs, a lawn mower, a few kids playing somewhere in the park on the other side of our fence, and Jaxie's jaw smacking as she tried to catch the flying bugs. It was music to my ears! Summertime. Relax. Be lazy. Lovin' it! And when I wasn't relaxing in our back yard, I was of course having fun with our little darling daughter and my handsome husband of 5 years! Here are some pictures:

At Lake Tapps

Ellie being a kid in our new backyard

Ellie and Jaxie saying "Good night." Jaxie slept in the play tent in Ellie's room :) Seriously cute.

The Lord has certainly blessed us here! Goodnight and love to all, Ang

July 7, 2009

More From the 4th

Here are a few more pictures from the 4th of July. We spent the afternoon and evening at Matt's sister's house in Steilacom. She has the most beautiful property that overlooks the Puget Sound. As you can see from the pictures, Ellie had the time of her life! There was more food (especially goodies) than I can possibly name or remember and Ellie got to help make the homemade ice cream, hold her first sparkler, jump on a trampoline, stay up until 11:30, and make several new BFF's. :) Dan had to work :( so we missed him very much but it was a great time with Nana, Papa, Auntie Tara, Uncle Matt, and all of Matt's family. Enjoy!

Check out the view!

Ellie churns the ice cream...

..."flipping" off of Mommy (new favorite skill)

...and now showing her yoga moves...what a show off!

First sparkler

Happy Birthday Papa Jerry!

Ellie and Uncle Matt

Ellie and new BFF's :)

Eating dinner with Nana

Ellie and Addy...seriously beautiful little gals!

She looks totally miserable doesn't she? Would you believe she is the youngest by 3 years? This gal is ALL about the older kids!

Blake (ring bearer in Tara and Matt's wedding) already trying out the ol' yawn and stretch maneuver!

Ellie, me, Auntie Tara and Uncle Matt

July 3, 2009

Little Noise Makers

Today was our annual Kiddie 4th of July Celebration. All of Ellie's little play date friends came to our house to eat treats, make messes, and have a blast! The kids were so stinkin' adorable in their red/white/blue. The highlight was our mini Independence Day parade and then firecracker popsicles. We had so much fun with all our friends...thanks everyone!

(This is my favorite picture. I always say Ellie is adorable but she is BEAUTIFUL in this picture!)