My Birthday

I officially had the best birthday EVER this year. I can remember growing up wanting to spend my birthday with friends and always wanting my birthday to be a BIG deal. You have such high expectations of what is of course the best, most important day of the year. As a mom I have changed my views on so many things...my birthday being one. I suddenly don't feel the need for a huge party or some extravagant day. Don't get me wrong it is wonderful and of course fun to celebrate a birthday, but I suddenly realize I need one thing on my birthday...to spend the day with my husband and children (family too). I woke up on my birthday to a quiet house...the girls still asleep and Ricky already at work. I was relaxing not quite ready to start the day when I hear a perfect little voice say, "Happy Birthday Mommy". My sweet ONLY 3 year old Bella woke up and the first thing she said to me was Happy Birthday. Okay, maybe this seems simple...but for me....that was all I needed. Ricky had a half-day so we spent the afternoon at the beach together and had dinner at my parents with my family. It was perfect. It was a wonderful start to which is sure to be my best year yet.

Schreier wedding

Last weekend we had a Schreier Family wedding.  The girls had so much fun and danced until 10:30.  They wanted to stay...but I was TOO tired.  Party animals.

Cousins

Allie, Lexie, Riley and Bella

Dancing with Daddy

Dancing girls....all night long.

Grandpa Rick, Gracie, Brody, Lexie, Grandma Donna, Mason, Riley, Allie and Bella

Happy 4th of July

It was so HOT on 4th of July we spent much of our time inside playing....but the girls were dressed for the day!  They ended up staying up for the fireworks and loved them! 

Summer visit

A few weeks ago my cousin Kristi and her daughter Adeline were in town from NYC visiting family and we were able to get together. Her daughter is a month older then Gracie and she is expecting her second, a boy this fall. It is pretty cool our kids are close in age. Wish she lived closer...but it is fun to get together when we can. Here are some pictures of the three girls playing.

Dance Recital 2012

Bella had her first dance recital last weekend so I thought I would share some pics because she was so darn cute.  The first picture shows her getting ready...she loved the curlers.  In the second picture she is holding her first medal. Wow was she proud...but not as proud as Ricky and I. The best part of her recital was watching her dance on stage so independent and with absolutely no fear. When she was finished the first thing she said to me was..."can I dance on stage again?" So awesome! I swear she has not stopped dancing this whole week. The worst part about the recital, Bella suddenly had this CRAZY idea that she didn't need to hold my hand when her friends were around. Okay, it may seem like nothing but it is a very big something. She is three. I deserve a few more years before she is too cool for me.  Ugh…she is growing way too quickly.

I will try to upload the video of the rehersal soon.

My new favorite... 

I am pretty sure I will be taking this same picture in about 13 years when Bella gets her license.  Yikes...

Strawberry Fest Cont.

Bella loved this trampoline.  She has no fear...she went so high I could barely watch.  She wanted to go again.  She is my little daredevil.