Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Daddies out there...especially ours! And a special Happy Father's Day to Grandpa, PaPa, and Grandpa Carl!

We love you!!
Your little Prince and Princess

P.S. For a special treat, head on over to my friend Lora's blog, My Blessed Life, and check out the video her hubby and kids made for Father's Day.

Happy Birthday Sis-in-Law!

Not only does this weekend mark the beginning of summer, and a celebration of fathers everywhere, it is also my sister-in-law's birthday. Unfortunately, distance keeps us from spending a lot of time together, but that ensures that we truly cherish the times we get to spend with her (and her family).

As I was thinking about what to say about my beloved "newest" sister, I kept thinking how much I wish our families lived closer so we could do every-day-type family stuff together...take the kids to the pool, have BBQs, put the girls in ballet together,have playdates and sleepovers, etc. We would have so much fun! Until that day comes (if it ever does) we will continue to work hard and plan much-anticipated get-togethers for our two families. (We're looking forward to a whole week with you all in July!)

I also realized that the way Little Man looks at Little Miss (with incredible awe and pride) and the way he follows her around (like she's the smartest, funniest, sweetest person he knows) is EXACTLY the way Hubby's face lights up when he talks about his "big sis." I truly hope my Little Miss and Little Man grow up to have the awesome relationship that Hubby has with his sis.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Anna!

P.S. I also realized we need more pictures of you...sorry for the slightly-outdated photo! But you always look amazing!

I May Have a Green Thumb Afterall

This summer I took on an enormous task. I planted some vegetables--eight tomato plants and two pepper plants, to be exact. Now, before all you seasoned gardeners begin laughing and mocking my timid attempt, let me explain. I do NOT have a green thumb. Some might even say it's more of a blackish shade.

I have killed every houseplant I have owned (all of which were given to me as I know better than to spend my own money on something that will inevitably meet its demise). Once I was given a cactus, and the giver even said, "it's so easy...you won't be able to kill it." They underestimated me.

But I figure now that I've managed to keep a dog alive for eight years, a daughter for four, and a son for almost two, maybe it's time to give plants another shot. Since we will hopefully be relocating in the next few months, I opted to try just a couple different plants in pots. I also purchased some flowering plants to spruce up our deck and front porch.

It's been almost two months and I'm happy to say, they are doing well. I was so excited, I had to share some pictures...

My Cosmos plant, blooming nicely in spite of my blackish thumb!

My tomato plant doing pretty well so far!

And the best part...my first homegrown tomato!

I can't wait to taste that first tomato. That is, if I can keep Little Man from picking it before then...he's so anxious to pull one off the vine.

You'll notice I didn't post any pics of my pepper plant. I'm afraid the bugs have made a buffet of the leaves and while the plant itself seems to be doing OK, there are no peppers showing up yet. I need to do some research and help my poor little pepper plants. If any of you gardeners have any tips or hints on getting rid of leaf-eating bugs (or anything else that might be the cause) I'd appreciate it.

I will keep you posted, and I'm sure I'll be posting what becomes of that first tomato...stay tuned!

Summer Fun

I know summer doesn't officially begin until this weekend, but since the weather warmed up (and the rain finally stopped!) we got an early jump on some summer fun. Here's what my crew has been up to...

A campfire wienie roast with Uncle Andy, Aunt Anna, and the cousins.

All the cousins ready for a ride on Uncle Andy's boat...safety first!

Little Miss catching birds-eye view from Uncle Andy's shoulders.

A special tea party hosted by Little Miss for all her "buddies"

And of course, what would summer be without an Elmo sprinkler?