It's hot!

I love summer. I actually love hot weather as well. Usually, NC does not hit the 100 mark and camp out for 2 months though. UGH. These hot days have been almost as dreary as rainy days b/c we can't stay outside longer than 20 minutes before melting. So..... to ward off "in home blues," we have tried to get inventive with fun things to do inside.  Too bad we don't have a pool! ha

He may be the cutest train conductor there ever has been!

Clearly, Jane was not happy to be aboard. ha

She is looking so grown-up these days!

Even though the DOT probably does not want my help, this masking tape road works great for hot wheels! ha Thanks to the Moore county library; we had homes, stores, and restaurants. The weight was a tunnel... always have to have a tunnel! ha

The parking garage

Getting ready for tomorrow's Opening Ceremonies!!! Go Team USA!!

Can't forget to show a little Uncle Paul love! wink We will be cheering for South Africa as well!

Fun days in the Sun

Bring on the beach! And after last night, Susanna and Ryan are ready to go in style! wink Randy and Lauren hosted a wonderful beach themed party last night in honor of the future Mr. and Mrs. Binkley! Thankfully, the weather held out for most of the evening; and we got to enjoy great food and fun games. I only got a few pictures when we arrived, so I didn't get pictures of everyone and everything I wanted to.  I was nursing during the "Do you know your Boo?" game, so no pictures of that. frown It was pretty hilarious to watch though, and of course the couple of 35 married years won the prize! Way to "know your boo," Pops and ZZ! ha I hope we get to make many beach memories with R & S!!!

Beautiful in pink

Mr. and Mrs. Binkley and the future Mr. and Mrs. Binkley!

I think this is a great picture! Pretty sisters...

Best Friends

New monogrammed towels

Yes, you can squeeze her if you like! wink

Love love love this picture!

Welcome to double digits, Jane - O!!

She crawled into Ceilidh's lap the other day to "read" her a book. So cute!

I am TROUBLE now! wink I get into EVERYTHING! Cruising is her latest trick.

I'm 10 months old!

" I would rather jump out!"

He asked me to take a "no smile" picture of him! ha

Creeping up on one year....

I have already gotten to the point this year, that I am scheduling things for September and October. Every time I flip to, or past September; my heart flutters a bit. My *just* born baby (wink), is turning 1 in exactly two months. Happy 10 months, baby Jane!!!! Not to mention I will be starting my last year in the twenties, but I am not going there today! HA She has just exploded with personality and mobility this last month. It is so much fun to watch. I will admit though, it makes my mommy heart heavy.

We have been talking about it for a few weeks, but last night I got enough courage to actually go through with it. ha We officially moved Jane to her own room. We had a little trouble getting her crib out of our room, so I had plenty of time to second guess our decision. wink We have to do it at some point, so last night we took the plunge. I most definitely missed being able to look over and see that adorable little body sleeping, and the ease of her proximity when I had to get to her in the middle of the night. I did enjoy though, being able to talk above a whisper and actually use my OWN bathroom before bedtime for the first time in 10 months! HA This has been a rite of passage so to speak, for all three of our kiddos. By the time my mommy heart settles from this, I will be on to prepping for the big ONE! I just can't believe it...

Adding to the fun....

If you have never seen "In the Land of Blood and Honey," let me warn you it is heavy. Heartbreaking. And really hard to watch at times.  Though I am glad to have seen it, you can imagine my excitement when an anticipated text gave me some reprieve from the sadness. I had the phone glued to my hand ALL DAY, ready to read the exciting news of whether Baby Collins would be wearing blue or pink. Lydia will finally get to buy frills and bows!!!! Baby Collins is a girl! Zion and her daddy were SO convinced she was a girl; and they were right!!! ha

I am so happy for the Collins' Family. ALL children are such a gift that I am just thankful new life has been added to their family. I do have to say though, it is very exciting she is a girl. I know Lydia has wanted a girl for probably longer than I have even known her! ha So Baby girl Collins, we love you already! If you need any help navigating all these boys around here; Ceilidh and Jane are here to help! 

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July (a day late)! ha We had loads of fun (and HEAT) this year! Even though Andrew was on-call, he only got one phone call the whole day! woohoo! I forgot my camera yesterday morning, but Jane got to experience her first Carthage July 4th parade. That is a big deal, my friends! Graeme was so excited about all the fire trucks, he was almost hoarse from "beeeeeeeeeeeeeping" with the trucks as they drove by! HA If you have never been to the Carthage parade, you are missing out! When I say fire trucks; I don't mean just 5 or so. I mean like 35 or so! We comment every year, that we hope a fire doesn't break out on July 4th in Moore County, b/c there would be no fire trucks available! ha Poor Ceilidh didn't have quite as much fun, as she got stung by her first bee waiting for the parade to start. frown Thankfully, the welp has subsided and the gobs of candy being thrown at her helped dry her tears. wink

Later that evening, we went to Pops and ZZ for a cookout; and watched the fireworks at the Fair Barn. We had a lot of fun yesterday, even if it was VERY hot and late when we got home. Ceilidh slept until 9am this morning. That is unheard of in this household! ha Thanks to all who fought for our right to be a nation! You were brave men. Happy Birthday, America!

Notice the missing strawberries on the flag cookie? That culprit is just too cute! ha

Jane wore Ceilidh's first July 4th dress!

A little bean bag toss with ZZ holding the bucket. She is a brave woman! ha

These two are pure silliness!

Along with jumpy houses, face painting, and fire trucks; they had pony rides as well!