Sweet Sixteen

This little munchkin is sixteen months old today!

Each day we are amazed at how cute and funny she is. Lately, some of her talents include:

Learning how to climb down the stairs

Hitting her sister

Eating pretty much anything put in front of her

Saying "mom-eeee"

Climbing onto,over, in and under everything she can find

Still with eight teeth

Pulling out every.last.item of clothing from her dresser

Taking one nap a day

Having tantrums

Learning how to open the door

Dumping the water out of the dog's dish

Love you baby girl!

Time for Tennis

This summer Rachel has been taking lessons with some of her friends.

Every Thursday we went to my friend Marne's neighborhood and she gave the girls lessons.

She was so patient with them-five six year olds that are easily distracted can be hard to handle.

Today was the last lesson for the summer.

They had a "mini" tournament and Rachel was the big winner!

Rachel and Marne.

Pringle Park

We have a new park in a town not too far from us that I have been hearing lots of good things about.The official name of the park is Gary Pirkle Park, but for some reason I want to call it Pringle Park, so that's what I am going with.  This morning, my friend Ashley invited me and the girls to join her and her girls at the park. So we went and checked it out.  The park is wonderful-the entire play area is covered! By a big wooden ceiling, with fans and air vents. There are lots of benches to sit and watch the kiddos play.

Kate, Catie, Keely and Rachel

Rebecca loved crawling into this thing

It was a great way to spend time with our friends.

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In other news--this little cutie had her 15 month checkup this morning.

We had my favorite doctor- Dr. Smiley. She is the nicest lady ever and takes lots of time with you. Rebecca didn't care for her too much- cried and fussed alot, but that is normal for her age.  She weighs 24 pounds and was 31 inches long. Rebecca checked out normal and we don't have to go back for three more months.

this was before church on Sunday-trying to get their picture, but Rebecca just wants to climb up an down the stairs- too busy for a photo session.

We are in the last two weeks before school starts and trying to squeeze in all the fun we can!

                                                             

I.N.K.

                                                                             
This morning we went for Rachel's tennis lesson and then drove over to Gainesville to meet some friends at the I.N.K. activity center.  It is a building with lots of rooms, each with a theme, and coordinating toys/equipment and the kids just pretend and play.  We hadn't been in about a year and Rachel seems to have fun everytime we go. So we went for a few hours and the girls had lots of fun.

Rebecca LOVED this slide. She figured out the stairs for herself and probably went down the slide at least fifty times!

This is the restaurant room- so cute.

At one of the train tables. They also have a big train the kids can climb on and ring the bell.

At the grocery store. Rebecca tried to push three or four buggies at once.

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And just a few pictures of Rebecca from this morning during tennis lessons. I let her roam around and explore.This morning it was so hot and humid. We were both dripping, but it didn't seem to bother her.

                                                                    

The Park and The Pool

                                                                        
This morning the girls and I met up with some of our friends at the park. The kids had fun running around and being crazy. For the longest time we were the only people there- it was lovely! Then a bus from a nearby daycare showed up and about fifty little four year olds took the place over! So time to go home.

Rebecca on the jungle gym

My friend Amanda's little girl- so adorable!

it has a big lake and we fed the fish and ducks

Rachel and Gigi-full of energy!

Then we headed home so Rebecca could get a nap. When she woke up we went to my friend's house and spent the afternoon at the neighborhood pool.

Rebecca wasn't too thrilled about the water.

this is what Rebecca wanted to do the entire time- walk up and down this path.

Rachel and Gigi on the waterslide.

It was a good day and full of fun with our friends!

                                                                     

Pool Party

                                                                           
Yesterday Rachel and I went to a birthday party for one of her friends. The party was at his grandparents house and they have a pool! And a playground, a garden, a beautiful yard, and were wonderful people too.
There were lots of kids there and all were having a lot of fun! It was the perfect day for a party.
     

This is the cute little monkey that was hanging out on the mailbox. The party was red, blue & white with lots of monkeys thrown in.

These monkeys were hanging around. Each kid got one to take home as part of their goody bag!

Rachel loves hers.

Drew- the birthday boy opening up his gifts.

Rachel and her friend Ava.

Rachel and I had a wonderful time! Thanks to Drew and Tosha for inviting us to the party!

                                                                     
                                  
             

Spa Day

For Mother's Day this year, Raphael and the girls gave me a gift certificate to a nearby hotel  called the Chateau Elan- that also happens to have a winery, golf course, and an incredible spa!  I invited my good friend Ashley to join me for the day and we had the best time.

It is so pretty and everything is plush and smells good too. i wanted to take lots of pictures, but thought I probably shouldn't. The bathroom area is crazy beautiful- chandeliers and waterfalls. It was just too much.  Anyways, Ashley and I both changed into our lovely robes and slippers and sipped on chilled cucumber water until our appointments. I went for a "salt glow" which is like a massage, but with salt instead of lotion. Ashley had a massage  and then we met up for lunch.

Here we are having lunch in our robes! It was so fun, and all the other ladies were in robes too. Ashely and I agreed  that we could do this every weekend and it would never get old. The food was fabulous of course.

After lunch, we had awhile before our next appointment, so we went to the "quiet room" it is a big room with comfy chairs, candles, pretty music playing and you are supposed to be quiet and enjoy the peacefullness. Well, for quite awhile we were the only ones in there, so of course we talked and talked. And then the door would open, and we would stop. And then back to talking some more. Finally, it was time for our pedicures.

In the bathroom/lockeroom there were these twisty sprial staircases and I kept wondering what was up there. Turned out that is where you go to get your nails done. It was the nicest nail room I have ever been in. Rose petals sprinkled in the water for your feet to soak and even on the chairs where we were sitting. Ashley and I sat next to each other and talked nonstop. I think our nail people thought we were crazy- we talked about alot of different topics in a hour. My toes look really good and I found a new nail color too.

                                                                         
After our nails were done, we went for "tea time" and enjoyed some tea, fruit and desserts. Then sadly, it was time to go. Big thanks to my husband for giving me such a wonderful gift- I loved every minute of it and can't wait to go again!
         

Pug Playdate

We have the nicest mail lady. Her name is Miss Sharon and she has been delivering our mail for the past four years. She is so sweet- she would give Rachel candy and dog treats for Lola. When Rebecca was born, she put a "Best Big Sister"ribbon in the mailbox for Rachel. She always has a smile and a kind word to say.

                                                                 
Right after we moved here, she saw me out in the yard with Lola. Sharon told me that she has two pugs of her own- Frank and Precious.  We have been talking about getting the pugs together ever since, and finally this past Sunday, we did it!

Rachel and Frank

It was so cute to see three pugs running around and playing. Frank and Precious are BIG pugs- Close to thirty pounds. Makes Lola look skinny!

Trying to get all three together for a group photo-ha!

Rebecca loved Frank- she kept trying to hug him and chased him all around.

Raphael was trying to bribe them to sit and look at the camera with some cheese.

The three amigos!

It was fun and I think Lola had a good time. Happy weekend!