New Mexico Trip, Part 1

Last Wednesday we left for Cloudcroft, NM to have a week-long family vacation. It has been a WONDERFUL trip - The perfect mix of relaxation, fun & memory-making! This is our last day & we are sad to go...

Michael has loved playing on the porch with his cars & the weather has been PERFECT to do so!

I have spent lots of time catching up on my blogs & learning how to use my new computer

- fun, fun!

Mommom & Kate having tea :)

Andy, Michael & Grandpa George had a great time hiking & walking. Michael's favorite - throwing rocks at trees.

"Embrace the Camera"

I just discovered this fun photo "challenge" - I don't know this family but isn't that one of the joys of blogging? - One great blog leads you to another great blog, and so on. The "rules" of this challenge can be found here -

Me with my sweet boy - He is such a delight & brings so much joy to our home. His energy amazes me & he definitely keeps me on my toes. But he also keeps me laughing, smiling & enjoying the smallest details of life with childlike innocence.

Michael has enjoyed playing on my new "toy." I have been saving up / early birthday present.

I was a bit nervous about switching from PC to Mac. After much research & a few demos at the Apple store, we took the plunge. I'm thrilled to say that I LOVE it. And I've only had it a week! Haven't you noticed already that I'm blogging more?! Michael loves to play "letters" on starfall.com (Great alphabet/reading website for kids!)

We have had Matthew almost 3 months & it is official - we are attached. He is a wonderful dog. He is gentle with the kids & he definitely gives us a sense of "protection" which is a huge blessing after what happened in June. Andy has nicknamed him "Shadow" because he follows me EVERYWHERE. Not Andy, Michael or Kate, just me. It is funny, although sometimes a bit annoying. I didn't think I was ready for a dog but I am so glad he is part of our family!

Happy Birthday Daree!

Mommy made cupcakes for Daree's surprise birthday party last week!

Molly & Me - having fun with the birthday hats!

Happy Birthday Daree! Thanks for letting us celebrate with you!

Bath Time Fun!

I LOVE the water! I protest when Mommy takes me out of the tub! My favorite thing to do in the tub is splash!! It is SO fun!

Michael's Car Wash

Mommy copied this post from Candice's blog - She was laughing out loud!

Michael: Ok, just pull up right over here and I'll take care of everything.

Maddie: Dude, I'm getting some juice. Let me know when you're done.

Maddie: There's a spot right there.

Michael: Is there anything you don't notice?

Michael: Tire pressure looks good.

Maddie: Oh man! The cops found me!

Michael: Huh?

A Fun Visit!

Last week Mommy's friend (for 26 years) Candice & her 2 girls, Maddie & Audrey, came to visit for a few days. Mommy & Candice had a wonderful time catching up, while Maddie & I played really well together - really, there was very little refereeing from the mommies!! Audrey, 3 months old, slept most of the time, but she had lots of fun too!

Kate wanting Audrey to wake up & play!

I wanted to hold Audrey - she was a good sport :)

Maddie, Kate, Me & Audrey (Priceless look on Audrey's face! I think she has had enough of the group photo session :)

Sweet Audrey taking a nap

Hanging out with Audrey

Peach Orchard!

A few weeks ago, Mommy, Kate & I met some friends at a local peach orchard. It was hot, but we had lots of fun picking our own peaches! We came home with yummy peaches & blackberries too! Mommy made Pioneer Woman's Peach/Blackberry cobbler with some of them. It was SO good!

The girls had the right idea - resting in the shade!

I look so grown up in this picture!

Team Work! Carrying our box of peaches to the car!

New Post

Finally, I am writing on my Encouragement Blog for Moms again!

http://encouragedmom.wordpress.com

Look for new posts each week!

Thanks for reading!

Fun at Chick-fil-a