Tuesday, July 31, 2012

The endless playground and sandy toes

One of my all time favorite places to be is at the beach.  The vast ocean, the amazing smell, the gleaming sun, the texture of the sand in toes, the salty air, endless playground and seeing glimpses of my Makers handy work everywhere.  However, with the littles it is so much work.  And while we were in Florida, I really wanted to spend that time with my family.  
But my aunt and uncle happened to be staying on the beach this year while we were there....so we got to do a double hit to be able to see them....and the girls got to see the beach, too. Adorned in matching cousin dresses from Grammy we were all set.
Zoe loved my aunt Lisa and cousin Megan...getting them to follow her into the water!
Of course Aunt Lauren is always up for anything, too!
Many, many pictures were had....including that with the grands!
Man, did I mention I love these girls!
...and giving them many kisses!
Sis and her love enjoyed it too!  
We adore capturing pictures of the little ones....some attempts of the cousins. 
Yep, that's my big girl, with her "capture your heart smile."
I love the wonder and awe new things bring the mind. 
Of course much thought and love went out to my own Beach!
The Lord blessed us with a beautiful sunset that Zoe spoke of for days to come. 
Don't want to leave...even after the sun has faded. 
Since all else was wet...and no change of clothes....we did a barefoot pull-up walk to the car.  The end of a great day and amazing trip to see our loved ones!




Monday, July 30, 2012

Retirement at two and under

My mom's parents live in an apartment in a retirement community.  This often gets us a lot of attention walking around with little ones.  I greatly enjoy seeing the joy it brings the faces of the older generations that rarely get to see such anymore.  Although for some reason, they always call Zoe a "he" even with the pink and dresses.....slowly that hair is coming in though!
Gigi had fun different toys!  Like an eleltic piano (I remember playing such when I went to visit her as a kid) adorned with pictures of Zoe that we gave her for Christmas.
 
Some fun reading times with Gigi....pretty captivating. 
Yummmy cherry treats!
Zoe had a blast pretending to put on make-up on everyone.
She even let GG-pa join in on the action....no one should be left out (not even men in their 80's). 
Of course the babies got attention, too, meeting more family for the first time!
Fun breakfast in the cafeteria each day....Zoe made herself at home, just kicking it.
More reading....
And dancing...
And silly play
And Toweeeee...
One morning the babies got special reading time from Aunt Lauren.
How sweet are they?
Poppy helped for some photo opts!
There is a beautiful park just across the street that we walked too.
The littles had napes, and I sat just long enough to notice HUGE storm clouds rolling in at a record pace.
Then we ran to try to beat them....I think I might have looked a little crazy doing such with a large pouch....but we made it safely in time to beat the down pour.
A couple more fun shots...
That's one specail lady right there!  And I am so blessed to still have her in my life and get to be a part of my girls life!  We love you GG!