Just a Couple of Pictures

Here are just a couple of pictures my mom got on her camera in Cincinnati.

this one is pretty blurry but it is fun

Gracie looks like she is working her cuteness

of get Alex to help with her shoes

well done

Swim Lessons

Sorry this should have been posted earlier.

We finished swim lessons. Over all she did pretty good. I will be enrolling her for another session at some point but at least she has become acquainted with the pool before out vacation. I am still terrified of her with the pool so pray that we have a safe vacation.

our last fun time

our little certificate
it is good to know troy passed as well, i was so worried ;)

Dear Vacation

It has only been one day back in the real world and oh how I miss your long summer days.

I miss being in the pool at 10 am until lunch.
I miss my afternoon swims, the quiet readings, & chatting it up with the girls.
I miss our family dinners & the amazing deserts.
I actually miss the guys acting so crazy in the pool.
I miss seeing Gracie's face pressed up against the pool door after her nap.
Overall I miss you dear vacation, hopefully I can see you again soon.

Pictures to come.  I have over 500 of them and they are great!

7 Years

It has been 7 years since Troy and I walked down the aisle. It is always exciting to look back and see all the changes and struggles we have been threw together. It is amazing to see how God has blessed us and answered so many of our prayers. It has been fun to watch as we made the transition from husband and wife to also dad and mom. It has been such a blessing and we are truly grateful.

one of my favorite pictures

Molly, Julie, me, Lily, Jodi, Riika

the Schenk's

the Wilson's

in 7 years Alex & Taylor changed so much

the boys

Sweet Kisses

One thing Gracie loves to do right now is give kisses.  One morning before church she was extra lovey and giving them out like crazy.  Luckly my camera was just in reach.

rubbing noses

a full on kiss

my sweet girl gives slobbery kisses very often

so big

Although I see my daughter every day I just can't get over how much she has grown.  I use to be able to lay her horiazontal in her bed and she would not even touch the top or bottom.  Now she is almost as long as the bed. Crazy!

Park Pictures ~ Part 2

Here are a few more great pictures from the park in Cincinnati.

school house rock

Troy trying out the camera and really blowing it out

climbing

ready for the slide

The Big Transition

This might be a shock to most people out there but I am one of those moms who absolutely loved Gracie's Daycare. The ladies there have been so supportive of Gracie and me from the first day. I would refer anyone to them.

When I first took Gracie to daycare, like any mom I was worried. I wanted her to have the best care and get some good attention. I went there everyday during lunch to feed her and once I stopped nursing there were days I showed up just to see her. The ladies there were so good with her and loving. They were the ones I was constantly asking advice from. They kept me up on her daily activities, even what she ate. Most of the kids in Gracie's class are the some ones that have been with her from the beginning. I have gotten to watch them grow and watch Gracie make little friends.

When Troy and I decided to take Gracie out of daycare, it was a very hard decision and one that I postponed over and over again. If it weren't for the cost I am sure she would still be there, that is truly how much Troy and I both loved it. Although, I knew Gracie would never be affected by it, I sure was. I even cried when I wrote up her 2 weeks notice, I know I am such a sap sometimes.

None the less Gracie has made the transition from daycare to her Aunt Kristen's. Of course for Gracie this has been much better. She takes longer naps, which I love, it makes for a less grumpy evening and it has relieved us of a huge financial burden. In the end the big transition was not big for anyone but me.

Father's Day

This is a little late but here are some great shots from a wonderful Father's Day.

a couple of great shots with daddy