New Jersey Shore

Reading her books at 11:30 PM at Granny's house. She did not want to sleep after we arrived in New Jersey!

The next morning before heading to the shore house.

E collected acorns all week.

I love hydrangea's and thought these were so pretty



I love this picture so much! Elle wanted to WALK, not ride in her stroller, on the boardwalk!


Granny, Gigi, and Grandpa Rich

Such a big girl


Running from mommy!

Elle and my cousin Becca

"I want to big like you!!"

Elle with Alex and Aidan



Abby, Aidan, Becca, Alex and Elle



Jumping some little waves

Mommy is FREEZING!

Sand booty

Working away with her bucket!





Aidan and Gigi

Chillin'




We just got back from an excellent vacation in Ocean City, NJ. We got to spend lots of time with my mom (Gigi), Rich, Bonnie, my nephew Aidan, Granny, and lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. Elle and Granny had never met and they sure hit it off. They played every morning since we were the early risers. She would read to E and sing Old McDonald (E's new favorite song!) and Elle would say "E I E I"...we are still working on the "O"! The weather was not that great but I'll take it now that I am back in the 100 plus degree heat. It is awful here in Dallas!! I never get used to it! Back to the shore....
We went to the beach a couple of times and Elle just loved the water. She just plopped right down in the water and started splashing away. The water was 65 degrees so I was not too fond of getting wet but I did it for my little girl. We even went out to where the itty bitty waves were and jumped a few. She is such a daredevil. She was pushing my hand off of hers as to say "let me go women!!"
She loved hanging out with our cousins. She was the youngest, by a couple of years, and it was a little sad to watch her try to be part of the group. She, at one point, was standing in the background while they were all playing outside and was acting as if she were in their conversation and laughing every time they laughed. Hysterical! They were all very sweet to her and I totally understand the whole "we don't want to play with a baby" scenario. I was the worst about it when I was little.
It was hard to say goodbye but we can not wait to see everyone again! I hope it is not another several years from now!

Abilene weekend

Miles, Elle and I headed to Abilene for the weekend on Friday. I was one of six hostesses for my friends Kim's baby shower on Saturday so we thought we would make a family trip out of it. We got to my dad and Marsha's house that night around 9:30. I purposely did not give Elle an afternoon nap hoping she would sleep in the car. Didn't happen and we had a fussy baby most of the way to Abilene. Of course once we turned on the lake road to go to my dad's house she fell asleep (5 minutes before arriving at the house!) Go figure! BUt, she slept great that night and woke up at 8:30 the next morning. I was able to get ready for the shower and daddy got to visit with my dad, Marsha, Bonnie and Dave.
The shower was so sweet and it was so great to see Kim with a pregnant belly. She looked fantastic and was just glowing. I know that is very cliche but she truly was! I ran out of the door with out my camera so hopefully I will get some pictures from someone that was at the shower!
Later that afternoon, I went and picked up Elle and we went back into town to meet up with my friends from high school. We had yet to meet everyones kiddos so this was the perfect opportunity. We went to Liz's parents house and met up with Bridget and her daughter Sofie, Misty and her little boy James (she is also expecting a little girl at the end of the month), Sherry and her little boy Harrison and Liz and her mom Carol. We had such a great afternoon! The mommies had some wine and caught up on each others lives. The kids got along so well and had a blast in the pool! It couldn't have gone any better.



Liz, me, Elle, Sherry and Harrison

Sweet James

Liz and Harrison

Sherry and Misty's baby, James

Bridget and Sofie

Elle playing with the dog's ball

Sofie and James giving kisses



James with mommy, Misty, enjoying some fruit

The whole gang

Harrison and James

The Liz we all know and love! She was cracking us up the whole time!

This is her idea of babysitting!!


Watching Carol get the pool ready

Playing in the soap suds

Elle and Sofie were so great together!

Talking it up!



We went back to Papi's house and met up with more family. My grandmother, Susan, Corey and Ally were now out there so we got to visit with them. Elle and Ally had a great time playing together in the yard. I love that Elle is at the age to interact with her cousins. We have so much to look forward to!
Sunday, we got to go with Bonnie and Dave to see their sweet little baby. Marsha gave Bonnie a sonogram and we all watched as Baby Williams kicked, rubbed his/her eyes and did summer saults in Bonnies belly. It was so amazing! Thanks Bonnie and Dave for letting us come along! We can not wait to meet your sweet baby!
Elle had her first boat ride when we got back to the house. She looked so grown up in her life jacket! She loved the boat ride and even got in the water. She dd not want to get out! She cried once we had to get back in the boat and head back to the house. She is a water baby, that is for sure!!
It was a fantastic weekend with family and good friends. We miss everyone already!




Elle and Ally playing

Charley had a great time! He did so well off of his leash and with Jake and Josey.


Elle was wearing the balls from Ladderball as a necklace!

doing squats :)

About to get on the boat

Such a big girl

Let's go!

Sweet cousins

Ally's ready to go too!