Splashing Around

If you haven't noticed yet, Chloe and I are very busy - especially in the summer. Yesterday we took the opportunity to have some fun at the water park near our house. It's lovingly called "The Splash Pad" because it's a park full of sprinklers, fountains, and hoses that shoot water. It's perfect for young children because it's not a pool where a parent has to worry about their child swimming in another child's urine or other water-related accidents. I'm pretty sure C would move there if she could. Her expressions and squeals of sheer delight say only one thing: "This is the coolest place EVER!"

Let the Summer Begin!

A picture of C climbing on the rocks at the zoo.

Last Tuesday was the first Bible study for the mom's group I organize and today was our first outing to the zoo! We're doing a 6 week Beth Moore study called "Living Free: Learning how to pray God's Word" and I'm so excited to begin! A few years ago I did the Breaking Free Bible study and this is a follow-up / best of / shorter version of that study along with another called "Praying God's Word." Lately I've really been feeling like I need some balance in my life. Now that summer is here, Chloe and I basically use the house for lunch and nap time and then we're gone the rest of the day. That arrangement is perfect for C as it keeps her busy and having fun all day; however, as a result, I am not getting anything else done at home! With a constant pile of laundry, the mess in the kitchen, a whole to-do list that never gets checked, I feel overwhelmed and chaotic in my life. It really is time to figure out a different way of enjoying the summer along with still getting stuff done at home.
For our outing, we traveled to the zoo! It's such a fun environment and Chloe really enjoys looking at all the animals. We got to see the "Sparky the Sea Lion Show" and C was giggling the whole time! After the show, we picnicked and watched an interactive story time called "The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs." Since it was inching toward nap time, we headed out for the car. On our way, we spotted a carousel and the girls got so excited, we had to take them for a ride. The carousel is 95 years old and is still in wonderful condition. It went a bit fast for my liking (I think I'm still a bit nauseous) but Chloe LOVED it!

Is is Becca or Mommy?

I got my hair chopped off last weekend and after arriving home from the salon, my little peanut didn't recognize me. She thought I was my sister! Even this weekend we were at my parents' house and Will was giving C a bath. I walked in the bathroom to grab something and C shouts out, "Becca!" Um.. not quite. I am your mother. You know, the one who was in labor for 2 days. The one who nursed you until you were almost a year old. Remember me?
Here's a before pic of me and the hubby at the International Justice Mission Twin Cities Benefit:


And here's one of us at my cousin's wedding this past Saturday. Do I really look that different?

Mommy and C playing at the park before the reception:

First Haircut

Before the haircut


The has finally come for C to get her first haircut! As much as a milestone it was to get rid of the fuzzy little baby hair she has had since day 1, her new haircut is really cute and looks healthier! She did a great job sitting in the salon chair, looking at the "wish" (i.e. the fish) on her cape, and trusting the stylist. Of course, she moved around a bit especially when another little boy walked into the salon, but I am so proud of her for not being scared of someone cutting her hair. Yeah!!

During the haircut

and an after photo of the back:

Gotta have a play space!

The great thing about having a split level house is that in the summer, we hang out downstairs where it's nice and cool and in the winter, we keep warm upstairs. With the very hot summer weather upon us, this morning Chloe and I were busy setting up her new play area in the bottom level of our house. Tuesday a friend and I took the girls (the one pictured with C on the four wheeler in the pic below) to IKEA to purchase a table, chairs and a rug for the new space and later that day, I very easily put them together. This morning, I had the chance to dig through my closet of teacher supplies (yes, I have a whole closet for this stuff - and it's full) to find fun books, whiteboards, markers, and the laminated alphabet to include in C's new area. While it's still under construction as we have to get rid of some "junk" we don't use anymore, I am very pleased with C's area of the family room. Once we get rid of the other stuff in that room, I'll be able to expand her play area to include more toys and books (and I'm also in the market for a play kitchen). Let me know if you have suggestions for storage!


The alphabet which I used command strips to adhere to the wall:


A picture of her rug where she can drive her car and tractor:

Our Garden

As I mentioned before, I have started a garden! Now to realize how big of a deal this is to me, one must realize that I have had one or two (indoor) plants in my entire life and killed both of them in a matter of days. Let's hope my outdoor luck is a bit better :)
It all started with two little tomato plants last year that I attempted to grow in a grow bag. One plant sprouted a bunch of little cherry tomatoes and the other, well, I think we got about 3 worthy of eating tomatoes out of the whole plant. So this year, I have increased my probability of success by planting 11 tomato plants (so far, I still have nine more that I'm not sure what to do with): two romas and nine early growth. During our little outing to the Home Depot nursery, I also purchased a few gerber daisies and planted them in our yard along with a large hanging plant that I separated into two.

Here's a pic of my tomato garden on the south side of the house:

And one of the gerberas:

And, just for fun, one of my "helper" cleaning off her feet:

Play Time!

Chloe and I absolutely adore play dates! My friend has a daughter who is only 25 days younger than C and they are best friends already! C gets really excited when I say we get to play she'll talk about her the whole way to the play date. The girls are so cute with each other too. They love to give hugs to greet one another and then when it's time to leave, they embrace again. Seriously, it couldn't get cuter! I also have the chance to watch Chloe's friend occasionally while her mom is at work. Sometimes it makes me wish we had twins because it's almost easier with two the same age. They have the same schedule and they are also great play mates! This picture was taken at their house this evening while Will and I were out on a date (I took him on a date to see the new Star Trek movie). Aren't they just adorable?