If you need a good laugh :)

Presenting the unedited version of Abby and Taylor.  Hilarious.

Wordless Wednesday - Levi gives kisses

Levi has learned how to gives kisses and it's the sweetest thing. Ever. 

Even with the drool :)

Father's Day Fun

Before bed last night, Abby summed up our weekend quite well ... "We watched a lot of baseball Mama!"  Thank goodness she loves it and loves going because we did spend a lot of time at the ballpark this weekend.  Friday ... Saturday ... Sunday (might as well throw some tball in there too)  :)  

It's been so nice enjoying baseball with friends and family this season.  Sharing this journey with the ones we love is special.  So happy to spend time with all of you this weekend ... time spent together creates a lifetime of memories.  (Missed you Gary and Gini, looking forward to a visit soon!)

Yesterday being Father's Day, was an extra special day at the ballpark.  The kids were invited to play catch on the field prior to the game and loved every minute of it!  Levi took it all in at first ... he just stood there and looked way out into the outfield seats. Abby wanted to play catch with Daddy right away and show off her new tball skills.   

Abby took a break from playing catch to chase a small, white butterfly in the outfield. (Top: Bottom Left pic) It was quite funny ... she was persistent she would catch it, but of course the butterfly was just too quick for her little feet. :)

Abby was excited to play with Taylor and Tucker too.  These three are like three peas in a pod.  They are the sweetest friends.  This morning Abby informed me that Taylor was her boyfriend.  And so it begins. 

Levi wanted to play catch too, just with a bigger ball.  He kicked it, threw it, and chased it all over the place.  

Having so much fun :)

Daddy and his girl ...

and his boy ...  :)

It was a great day to spend with family.  Having help with the kids, enjoying their company, and taking in a beautiful day at the yard made for a perfect Father's Day!  

Happy Father's Day to my hubs, my Daddy, and my father-in-law!  You all are the BEST!! :)

Wordless Wednesday - All Things Silly :)

Abby was so excited about her new googles that she wore them most of the day :)

It must be a boy thing ... or a wild baby thing.  Either way, Levi just loves putting food in his hair!

And this just made Mama laugh :)

All things strawberry ...

The kids and I met up with some friends at the Strawberry Festival this past weekend for some "strawberry" fun!  It was a great way to follow a rainy day that kept us inside most of the day.  The kids hung out together eating their strawberries, while the adults sipped on some strawberry wine.  

Abby had her face painted, helped make homemade strawberry ice cream, and the kiddos washed rags the old fashioned way.  After all that hard work, they enjoyed sno cones together.  Meanwhile, little man was all over the place... waving and saying hi to everyone he walked up to.  At one point, an older man joked "what does that little guy have in that cup of his?" Levi was quite lively and happy, but I promise we didn't share any of our wine. :)

So blessed to have found such great friends in Baltimore ... thanks for a fun time Hines family! :)

Some people were just meant to be family.

At different times in your life, you cross paths with people that were just meant to be family.  People that you instantly form an unexplainable bond ... a bond that is sure to last a lifetime.  Growing up I had best friends that might as well been family.  We did everything together, spent time with each others families, and formed friendships that would last forever.  Distance, time, and grown up responsibilities sometimes get in the way of these friendships, but when we do get the time to catch up, it's just like it's always been.  We've built those bonds that will last a lifetime ... we were meant to be family.  

Then there are friends that Jim and I met in Florida, that made us feel like we weren't so far from home.  Quickly becoming our "Florida Family," we were so blessed for their friendship, help, and continued support.  It may have been a different time in our life, but the same bond was created ... a bond that will last a lifetime ... we were meant to be family.

Over the winter we received the news that our friends would be moving.  Moving?! No!!!!! Then we found out they were moving to Baltimore and we were ecstatic with the news!  After all, if they were going to move, at least they were moving to a place where we spend much of our time.  I must say... now that they are here and as happy as we are for them, it's made us realize that we won't have any family in Florida when we return home.

God places people in our lives that are special ... and those special people were just meant to be family. 

Much success on our road trip for our first visit to the Brancas :)

Abby was quite excited!

The new house is beautiful.  It's in an area much like my parents, providing a nice getaway from city living.  Peaceful, calming, and so pretty!  We went for a nice walk, played in GRASS!, made rice krispie treats and a huge mess, and enjoyed time with some awesome people.  (missed you Danny and Stephen!)

Thank you Branca family for always making us feel so welcome in your home.  Thank you for making us feel like part of your family. :)

P.S.  Don't you love that picture of Levi getting revenge on his sister????