Today was a Fairy Tale...

This past Sunday, Lilly and I had a mommy and me date. The time had come for her raggedy, split-end, mullet-esque hair to get cut. So, after her nap, we headed to the mall for her first hair-cut, some shopping, and dinner. We had talked it up quite a bit the week prior such that she woke up from her nap ready to roll. "Go to the mall? Mommy and Lilly only. Daddy stay home with RayRay. Drive in mommy's car. Byebye Daddy! Mommy and me go to mall". While I'm not one for all the frills and glitter that comes along with being a girly girl and it certainly wasn't the thing I looked forward to most about having a daughter, when met with the reality and you see the pure joy that it brings to your daughters face...you're IN...hook, line and sinker.

The hair cut included a flower clip of her choosing, a glitter heart on her cheek, sparkles in her hair and a dance party/walk on the runway when she was all done. Cue "Today was a fairy tale" by Taylor Swift and  mom's tears started flowing... That's right. One of us cried at Lill's first hair cut and it was not the 2 year old. She did insist that I hold her hand though. Whatever you want, sweet girl. Whatever you want.

We then walked around the mall, with stops at Macy's and Bath and Body Works. She's going through a wash-my-hands phase so we made use of about 6 of their soap samples and then 8 of their anti-bacterial drops. Smelling like fruit, cookies and a fresh rain in the forest, we headed to Chipotle for dinner followed by a special ice cream treat. We walked through Nordies on our way out and Lill was lured by the shoes (she much be her Grandma Cyn's granddaughter...). We counted shoes until mommy insisted it was time to head home for bath and bed with our boys.

On her way in...the "before"

Holding hands :-)

Very concerned about the boy being held down by both parents while screaming during his hair cut...

Checking herself out in the mirror

Twirling to "Today was a fairy tale"

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!