Funny how every day feels a little bit like Independence Day when you are living with a toddler. Littlemiss Ellejay is totally at that age where she is continually stretching her wings, testing limits and striving for control in every way possible. And her mama and daddy and continually practicing our patience, taking deep breaths and looking for any way possible to let her proudly soar and explore. We strive on a daily basis to find ways to say YES and let her little free spirit be, well just that, free....all the while, teaching her boundaries that, often times, unfortunately include no.
Holidays are becoming so much more fun, just as I knew they would. It's inevitable that kids just make you more fun.... I feel like it's literally my job now, to see to it that we have traditions, that we create memories and that we enjoy every minute while doing it, like it or not!! And as it turns out... I do like it! I actually love it!! Seeing and experiencing the world through your childs' eyes is pretty much the best thing ever!
Nope... you don't have give me much of an excuse or twist my arm to dress her up like a ridiculously adorable sailor for church. It's just more fun to sing the patriotic hymns when you look the part!
We have come to LOVE our neighborhood tradition of the 4th of July breakfast and party in the park. It's such an All-American celebration!
It shouldn't have seemed any surprise that Leah and one of her newest besties were dressed just alike in celebration of America! Sometimes I think her mama and I might have been separated at birth... just in a different decade. Oh how I love these girlies!!
Once again, CJ and his buddy BD (with a little help from SL's finest) took charge of providing the best waterslide in town.... 200 feet of pure bliss!
It has become quite an event that seems to bring more and more out every year!! This year the line for the slide seemed longer than ever before!!
Leah was very patient to wait her turn... just like everyone else.
And when it was all said and done... it was totally worth the wait!!
Mama & Baby Brother avoided the slide this year...due the our current "state of being" and instead enjoyed lots of shade time with some of my besties!! I love my neighborhood for lots and lots of reasons (great view, nice people, street parties, beautiful park nearby, etc) but these ladies (minus a couple) are one of the biggest reasons....they are my morning walking crew, my Thursday night tennis buddies, the ones who loan me a cup of sugar when I need it and the ones who leave treats on my doorstep when I need it most!! ♥
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| Me, Deedee, Gina & Jane |
My little family.... hot, wet, tired and loving every minute of it!!
And look at the difference a year makes....
It's still a little hard to believe that next year we will be a family of FOUR with two little pieces of my heart sitting by that sign!
It makes me feel a bit like as some of us are rapidly gaining our independence, others of us are quickly losing it.
(but gladly, I might add)
Happy 4th of July!
(a little late)
