See Sadie Walk!

On Sunday, July 11, my cousin, Stephanie, offered to watch the kiddos for Andrew and I so that we could go out to celebrate our 7th anniversary. We had such a great time going to see a movie and getting a yummy dinner. We didn't realize it, but it had been since before Sadie was born that we had last gone on a date. Sad, but true. Anyhow, we came home in time to put the kids down to bed only to be able to witness Sadie taking her first steps! It's always so crazy to see a baby take their first steps....thinking that not long ago they were totally helpless and unable to do anything for themselves. So I hope you enjoy this video of Sadie's big accomplishment.

Independence Day

This year we didn't have any special plans for the 4th of July. In the past, Parker has not been so fond of fireworks and we sorta figured that Sadie might be the same way. Also, we have made attempts to go to fireworks shows here in Colorado Springs in previous years only to end up driving for hours just trying to find a parking spot....in vain, I might add. I'm sure as the kids get older it will be easier and more fun to make this particular holiday a really special time, but this year we just decided to stay home. As it turned out, we were really glad that we hadn't made plans to away from home because that evening an Oklahoma-style hail storm came through and dumped ping pong sized hail on us followed by rain throughout the evening. Sometimes being a party pooper pays off!

Father's Day 2010!

In June, we also celebrated Father's Day! We had just finished painting the house and were to exhausted to celebrate too much, but I did get some cute pics of Andrew and the kids.

Home makeover - Phase 1

We were quite busy in the month of June. First, Andrew's cousin, Sage, along with Sage's friend, Jeremiah, were here in Colorado Springs with us for about a week. We really enjoyed having them here! Then, my parents and niece, Cortnee, came to visit. Mom and Dad are always helpful with our various "fix-it" projects, and this time we had a doozy. The outside of our house needed a new paint job, and Andrew was super pumped for us to do it ourselves. I will admit.....I was extremely apprehensive about the whole task, but it ended up not being so bad. Not that I will ever voluntarily do it again, but whatever.

Here is Dad working on the front of the house....

This made me SOOOOOOOO nervous!

Taking a break. Sonic, take us away.....

Dad doing....something. I think he smelled one too many paint fumes.

While Andrew, Dad, and I were outside painting for hours at a time, Mom was inside watching all the kids and even had time to make some homemade ice cream! YUM!

When we started, we had planned to paint the entire house ourselves. However, one side of the house was going to be quite the challenge. Not only did it have some of the highest parts of the house to reach, the ground below (where the ladder would sit) is all landscaping rock, and oh yeah, has an extreme downhill slope. Not exactly the safest scenario imaginable. After thinking it over, we I decided to have some professionals come out to do that one side, and I am SO glad that we I did.

Andrew and Dad even made new shutters for the front windows!

When all was said and done, our house went from this....(sorry about the old pic....R.I.P. Jeep)

To this!

Mother's Day

The day after Sadie's birthday party was Mother's Day, May 9. What I haven't mentioned until now is that the evening of Sadie's actual birthday, May 7, I came down with the worst case of the stomach flu I have ever had. So I went through Sadie's party, Mother's Day, and having company in town feeling pretty terrible. Fortunately, by the end of the weekend I was starting to feel better, and we had a fun time with Andrew's family. Here is a picture of the group minus me....

 ....and one of our family. I am one lucky wife and momma!

Party for our Princess

Since Sadie's birthday was on a Friday, we planned her birthday party for the next afternoon, Saturday, May 8th. We were super excited to welcome Andrew's dad and grandparents from out-of-state, as well as some great friends from here in Colorado Springs. Sadie, whose name actually means "Princess", was all dressed up in a special onesie and crown handmade just for her by my cousin, Stephanie.

  

The birthday girl with some of her guests.

 

I didn't really want to give the party a theme, but I did decide that I wanted to go p-i-n-k! So we had chocolate cupcakes with pink icing, pink lemonade, and strawberry fruit dip with strawberries and apples.

 

Daddy and his little girl....

Busy opening presents....

 Getting some help from brother...

What's in there?

After presents, it was time for the best part of any first birthday party. And, might I add, the only time I allow things to get so messy!

Checking it out....

And it was all downhill from there!

The all important "after" bath.

With her hand on her face proof that she was all tuckered out, the party was a huge success!

Back in the game!

So for the last 3 months we have been having some computer and internet difficulties. However, as of today, I am happy to report that we have resolved all issues! I have a lot to catch you up on, so I will be starting back up where I left off. Stay tuned....