Just Sunshine Around The House

One of the girls favorite toy when they were little babies was the Fisher Price Laugh and Learn House.  Of course, they wore it down and so we didn't have it anymore so off I went to Toys R Us and bought Caitlin her first "big" toy.  And she loves it too!! The funny thing is watching the girls play with it too and they don't even remember it.

Caitlin's second favorite toy - her sisters!

And, at night time when her daddy runs to the bathroom or kitchen, she starts to play with his favorite toy.

Kerri and Caitlin - a long hug goodbye... Our friend Kerri moved back to LA.  We will miss her but we know we will still see her.  We wish you the best in LA Kerri!!

Happy Birthday Daddy

Today is Daddy's 34th Birthday! It was a quiet - hanging around the house, going to play basketball, kind of day. Of course, he was loving hanging out with his baby sister!! His girls gave him lots of love (and of course were cranky from staying up so late the night before). We love you Daddy!!

Mikayla and Delilah kissing Daddy as he opens his gifts.

Caitlin showing her love by laughing at Daddy's silly faces.

Michael's 34th Birthday Party

Michael's birthday weekend started on Saturday morning.  While he thought I was going with all the girls to pick up a gift for him, I headed to the airport to pick up his lil' sister, Melissa, who was coming in from Atlanta just for the weekend.  He went to run some errands too so we all beat him back home.  Melissa was sitting on the couch when he walked in and needless to say, he was very excited to see her and was not expecting that!!  It was also the first time that Melissa has seen Caitlin in person.  Melissa came up at Christmas time but had to head back right before Caitlin's birthday.  Caitlin loves her Tia!!

Tia (Melissa) with Caitlin

Tia getting love from Mikayla and Delilah

Delilah all dressed up for Daddy's swim-western themed party

Caitlin participating with the dress-up (although it looks more like a sombrero on her head)

On Saturday evening, a lot of Michael's friends were able to come and celebrate his birthday with him.  Due to my procrastination and wishy-washiness (in addition to Michael's), I didn't send out an invite until 5 days prior to the party.  I was so happy some people were able to attend!! :-)  Originally, I wanted to do one of those bull-riding machines - but they rent for $1400 - so that was nixed!! Maybe for his 40th!

Rockin Out to Kirk Franklin and Toby Mac

For Mother's Day this year, my husband and daughters gave me the new Kirk Franklin cd.  Needless to say, we have found a few favorite songs.  The girls love rockin' out to "Be Still" with Toby Mac.  Poor Caitlin sleeps through this too!!

Who Loves You

Who needs toys when you got a dog!!!

Lake Tahoe

We were truly blessed with a free trip to Lake Tahoe. Our friend thought of us when her mom had 4 days/3 nights left at her week reservation. We stayed on the back side of Heavenly. It was truly a beautiful trip however, we wished the smoke from the California fires hadn't came rolling in. It wasn't until our last day there that we could finally see the other side of the lake. But we went to Emerald Bay and hiked down to Vikingsholm Castle. Daddy was struggling getting back up the hill with the stroller but the girls hiked on back up with their swimsuits and were big girls! We were going to go on the Heavenly Gondola but because of not being able to see to well, figured we would go another time when the air is better to see more.

Swinging in the Mountains

For the 4th of July weekend, we headed up to Pine Mountain Lake for, what seems to be, our annual summer getaway with the Newsom clan. We had three new guests with us this year (Caitlin, Popcorn, and the new Newsom puppy, Gwen). Although it was crazy and hectic, it was still a fun time with lots of memories. Including Mommy having a reason to get a new camera (more details to follow).

The cabin we stayed at had a creek in the back that the boys caught tadpoles in as well as a tire swing. Below is a video of Mr. Steve pushing the girls on the tire swing. I would have had a video of Michael and Mr. Steve on the swing - however I didn't have a camera at that time.

MORE PICS TO COME....

Last Swimming Lesson

Last year was the first year the girls truly enjoyed swimming... but of course with wingies. Now after a month of lessons, they can swim without the wingies. However, they can only swim to survive (or make it across the pool). So if mommy or daddy aren't in the pool with them, they wear either the life jacket or the wingies. Attached are some pics of their last session as well as some video.

Delilah getting her lesson

Delilah swimming to the edge

Mikayla swimming to Ms. Julia

Mikayla listening for what to do next.

Delilah Swimming Across the Pool

Mikayla Swimming Across the Pool