The most beautiful place in America...

At least in my book!  We just got back from our annual Traverse City vacation with the Ferrier's. Another awesome week in the books; beautiful weather, delicious food (and wine!), gorgeous sunsets and the best company! Lill was certainly spoiled as she was outside nearly every waking hour and practically ate her weight in shrimp. Ray enjoyed all the fresh air and the attention of new friends.

Although a history making storm tried to rain on our parade on the first night, we were only out of power for one night and didn't let it get us down!

I have the fondest memories of summer vacations Up North and it just makes my heart smile so big knowing that Lill and Ray will get to make their own memories and experience all the wonders that is #puremichigan over the coming years :-)

Sunrise walks with the kiddos. Long gone are the days of sleeping in on vacation

A serious game of soccer on the beach!

Watermelon on the beach...sweet summertime

An afternoon on the boat

Ana 9, Lilly 2, Deegan 6

Fishtown

Happy Half Birthday, to you!

Our sweet, smiley, big boy is a already a half of a year old! He's sitting up, grabbing at everything and anything he can get his hands on; our food, mommy's hair, Lilly's toys...you name it! He's still not the most consistent when it comes to sleeping (naps or nighttime) but he's happy as can be whenever he is awake. He likes standing up, either by our assistance or in his activity center/jumper. He's a bit of a momma's boy which is flattering as ever but can be quite frustrating when he wakes in the middle of the night and refuses to be comforted by Corey. He enjoys being outside and going on walks in the stroller and loves getting loved on (it's near impossible not to kiss those chunky cheeks) by everyone, including Tyler (but mommy tries to keep those kisses to a minimum).

He's in the 90th percentile for height (28 inches) and 93rd percentile for weight (21 lbs 1 oz) and has four teeth (two on the top right of his mouth have recently come in).

He's tried all sorts of foods...avocado, cucumbers, celery, sweet potatoes, pickles, toast and carrots. He wasn't much of a fan of zucchini or squash and unfortunately had his first stomach bug this last month. Luckily it only took him a little over a day to bounce back to his normal self!

Thankful for our freedom (and neighbor ER doctors)

Fourth of July is a special time in Webster Groves. Our beloved little All-American town bands together as a community and puts one heck of a good time. Parties, parades and smiling faces; what's not to love?!

To top it all off, some dear friends of ours came in town to visit for the weekend. Justin, a great friend of ours from Chicago who now lives in New York came and stayed with us and one of Corey's college roommates and his super fun wife came to visit (but stayed with his sister who we successfully recruited to also live in WG!). Much of the weekend was spent poolside with a beer in hand. We also got out to dinner sans kids one night and hosted a BBQ on the 4th. It wasn't the most relaxing weekend we've ever had but it certainly was one of the most fun here in STL.

The morning for the 4th was more eventful than we had imagined. Around 9:15, Lill picked up a glass and instead of placing it back down gently, decided to drop it on the ground...shattering it into a thousand pieces. Unfortunately, one of those pieces managed to give her a pretty big cut on her leg. We applied pressure immediately but it didn't seem that the blood was stopping any time soon. Not having any idea how bad it really was or what to do in an emergency, I chose to run across the street to seek the advice of our neighbor (who happens to be an ER doctor). Just what I dreaded; she was going to need stitches. The amazing part?! "Let me see what I have upstairs, I can probably just take care of it for you now".  WHAT?! I've said it before that we've lucked out in the neighbor department but this just took it to a whole new level. I'm happy to report that Lill was a champ, three stitches and a popsicle later and we were back to our regularly scheduled activities....the Webster Groves Fourth of July Parade, of course! An eventful day to say the least :-)  #Merica!

Pool Party!

Loved having J-danny to visit!

Post stitches...our brave little gal!

Watching the parade with Tay

Bubble bus!

Enjoying the parade

The beautiful Budweiser Clydesdales!

Ode to Dads

We sure lucked out in the Dad department, the Grandpa department and the Father-in-law department! This year we got to spend Father's Day with all of the very special male figures in our lives. Since moving away from home ten years ago (I can't be that old, can I?!), it's rare that I get to spend the day with my own Daddeo. Usually a phone call or card have to do. Luckily that was not the case this year as my parents were in town for Lilly's 2nd birthday party.

I also got to spend the day with the very best man I could have ever imagined to be the father of my children. He amazes me every day with his dedication, support, enthusiasm and creative parenting techniques.

Oh, and we had dinner at Carolyn and Jim's...and PawPaw Jim deserves to be celebrated to for all he does for us, our kiddos and fur baby, Ty.

Per Corey's request, we started the day at Grant's Farm. It's like a mini zoo/petting farm, with free admission and a beer garden with free beer. You read that right...FREE. BEER. Oh, and free samples of the new Long Island Iced Tea product.  Thank you, Anheuser Busch, for making Stevo's day....er, make that year, with all of the FREE stuff.  We got in a little afternoon swim before heading over to Corey's parents for a delicious dinner. All-in-all, a wonderful day celebrating the ridiculously amazing men in our lives.

Up close and personal with the animals on the tram ride from the parking lot to the farm

This beauty greeted us when we arrived

Feeding the llamas

Daddy's girl

Cheers, Daddeo!