A Simple Summer...to Cherish

As summer is nearing it's end - too quickly like it always does, I've been desperately trying to squeeze in some fun summer activities before the coolness of fall sets in. The past 3 months have gone by like a flash, and I feel like we've hardly taken advantage of the warm weather. So anyway, every week (IN MY MIND) I plan picnics in the park, day trips to the beach, a dinner drive down to the Maryland bay....Uh, let's just say my summer activities itinerary has extended to include the occasional evening walk around the block, and handing James a plate of chicken to grill for dinner. Woo-hoo how festive! So, although we haven't had any exotic vacations, badminton tournaments, or thrown a luai for our friends - we have savored simple










little things this summer. Lots of precious family get togethers, visits with dear old friends, cheering for the USA in the Olympics, and of course lots of evenings just on the couch basking in the smiles & squeals from our little Gracie.

We thank you Lord for contenting us with the simple things in life!

So...to conclude. We were actually spontaneous today and decided while driving home from an errand, to make a stop at Marsh Creek State Park. We had a blanket in the backseat, Grace was sleeping, how could we go wrong? Well...a few minutes after taking her out of the carseat and snapping some pictures, she realized "I don't want to be here", and let us know quite vocally. Let's just say our little stop by the lake was a quick one.

"Mom, Dad - Take me home. Now. You have T-Minus 5 seconds before I start crying." We are starting to recognize this look....

Long Time...No Post, again.

Well, it has become quite obvious to myself and others that I would receive the "Loser Blogger of the Year" award if there was such a thing. Like my failed attempt at being a scrapbooker, which I thought was the creative muse that had been missing all my life, blogging has fallen to the wayside along with half done cross-stitch projects, empty scrapbooks, and 9 trillion loose pictures that are awaiting albums or frames.... So here are some pictures of the past 6 weeks. Grace will be 12 weeks on Wednesday. Can't believe how much she's changed already! She continues to get more and more smiley each week - we love it. However, this chicky is a high maintenance gal. She loves being walked around and paid attention to - ALOT. Up until about 2 weeks ago, perish the thought of leaving her in a swing or bouncy seat to entertain herself for a few minutes! No way jose! However, she is now starting to "make nice" with her little dangling animal friends in the bouncy seat. It is a great releif for Mama & Dada who were getting worried we'd have permanant foot tracks in our carpet as we'd do laps around the house with her in the evening. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer...adios until the next post! 2009? Kidding.

First visit with Aunt Mary

Summer evening at Janelle & Dustin's

Falling asleep on Grandma PhippsFirst visit with Uncle Brad!