Back to the 757

The first week in August the girls and I spent a fun filled week at my parent's in Yorktown, VA (area code 757...for those of you who may have been confused by the post's title).  The week was filled with many exciting adventures including Charlotte's first trip to the movies.  My mom and sister took her to see the new Pooh movie.  They said her jaw dropped when they walked into the theater and her mouth remained open the entire hour and five minutes they were there.  It was a special treat.  We also spent a lot of time at the beach and pool, two of my most favorite ways to spend a summer day.  I think Charlotte inherited my love for the water.  She was so brave and was swimming in the ocean and pool all by herself...with a life jacket of course.  The girl's also had the special treat of spending time with  three of their great-grandmothers. It was a wonderful week and I came home feeling rejuvenated.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

Splashing in the waves.

 

 Playing in the water with Emma and Taylor.

 Building sand castles aka filling our bathing suit with sand.

 Emma enjoying some time in the shade.  She was a real trooper.

   Collecting shells...you would think she found gold.

  Charlotte climbing an old weathered tree that Tim and I had our 

engagement picture taken in.

 She may not be wearing a bathing suit but she was styling in that hat.

 The girls with Grandma Mattson. Charlotte was a little worried

she was going to take Emma home.

  Emma with Granny Abel.

 Emma with Gram (my grandmother).

 Charlotte is a little fish and loved the pool. 

I think it is time for swimming lessons.

Chit Chat

Emma has become quite the talker these days.  I think she is trying to compete with her big sister.  I have loved all of our little conversations recently. 

 

A Few Easter Pictures Found

Here are a few pictures that my sweet friend Amanda took of Charlotte in her Easter dress.  Isn't she talented!!! We took pictures of Emma also but she wasn't very happy.

Lake Gaston

Over the weekend we spent time with my extended family at Lake Gaston. Some dear friends of our family let us use their home on the lake. We are so grateful for their kindness. We spent time swimming in the warm lake water (it felt like bath water) and playing on the boat and jet ski. Charlotte has truly become a little fish this summer and loved swimming in the lake. She jumped off the dock several times with Tim and while she was a little scared she never cried. Both girls loved going on boat rides. Feeding the giant fish at the boat gas station was also a special treat. It was a very relaxing weekend. Hopefully this will become a family tradition. 

I am not sure who enjoyed the water more me or Charlotte.

 Enjoying a little swim with Poppy.

 Cooling off in my private pool.

 Faster!

 Feeding the huge carp.

 I am not sure I like this solid food.

 It's not so bad after all.

 Happy Birthday Poppy!

 A few smiles before bed.

 "I can hear your heart beat Poppy"

Little Emma

Our little Emma is getting so big.  She is cooing, laughing and smiling a ton.  She is a great baby and my heart overflows with love for her!!

I couldn't stay awake a minute longer...yes that is drool. 

 Happy baby!

 A little tummy time.

 Mommy you are so funny.

 Full of smiles.



Pool Time

Fun times at the pool with friends....a perfect way to spend a warm summer evening!

Happy Birthday America!

For the 4th of July we made the trek to Tutu and Pops' house. During our four days in Maryland we made visited a local farm where Charlotte was able to feed baby cows, see pigs, horses, chickens, ducks and a variety of other farm animals.  To this day she is still talking about the animals she got to see.  The remainder of the weekend was spent relaxing at home.  Charlotte spent almost every moment trying to catch fish in Pops' mini pond out back. We also had some great time with Tim's grandparents, which was a special treat. On our final day in Maryland we celebrated America's birthday with a wonderful meal and a few fireworks.  Happy Birthday America!

Emma hanging out while we fed the calves.

 Our family of four!

 Enjoying a little ice cream after feeding the calves.

 Charlotte was so excited to meet her first baby cow.

 Charlotte was a little scared to give the calf a bottle...they were a little aggressive.

  Peeking in on some turkeys...gobble, gobble.

 I am ready to go for a ride.

 Charlotte got to pick out chickens to take to Tutu and Pops' house.

 

 Cuddle time with Uncle Tim.

 "Hey cows"

 Tim with his grandad.

 Emma with her Tutu and Pops

 Charlotte holding her first sparkler.