Our first big family trip . . . .

Last week Chris, Addilyn and I flew to Vermont to spend five days with my sister and her family.  I was anxiously awaiting meeting my new niece Annabelle Kate, and spend time with my niece and nephew.  I was nervous about flying with Addilyn and how she'd do away from home as she hasn't been away from our house since she was super tiny.  She did awesome and we had such a great time.  I wish we were back! 

Meeting sweet Annie was wonderful. She is beautiful and perfect.  I loved the baby snuggles. It's hard to believe that seven months ago, Addilyn was this tiny.

Addilyn could not be more loved by her cousins.  They kind of thought Addilyn was this new "toy" and wanted to take turns doing everything like feeding her, making her crawl or hugging her.  

It was super sweet and so fun to watch them play together.  The last time we were together Addilyn was so tiny.  I was afraid Lena would crush her and she didn't really respond to them.  But this time was so different.  Every morning we'd walk up from the basement and Addilyn would start shaking and laughing as we were going up the stairs, so excited to see Travis and Lena.  It was so funny!

I don't think there are any two kids more affectionate than my niece and nephew.  I can't even count the times a day they'd voluntarily give me a huge hug and kiss and tell me they love me.  They wanted to hug and love on Addilyn non stop.  When I was pregnant with Addilyn, Chris and I would pray that she'd be affection like her cousins.  I wish she could be around them all the time so it would rub off on her. 

We'll go ahead and call this "kissing" them back for now. 

My sister and I have always been close and I consider her my best friend.  But since having a baby our friendship has meant even more to me as I really don't know what I'd do without her.  I should be embarrassed at the amount of times I call or text her and how much I've appreciated her encouragement as a new mom.

I've loved spending time with her and her kids, but spending time with her now that I have my own baby is even better.  It's so fun watching her love on Addilyn and get to go through the same phase of life together.

One of my favorite parts about our time there was after all the kids went to bed.  Whenever Lauren and Jim come to visit they stay with my parents and we spent a lot of time there with my brother and his wife too.  We rarely get to spend time with them alone and it was such a treat.  Sitting around their living room, drinking wine, snuggling my sleeping niece and having quality conversations.  

 

I could not be a luckier aunt to have these sweet babies in my life.  I could not love them more!

 

 

Eating a lime at lunch.

 And my favorite picture of the whole trip . . . .

Can we please go back? Or better yet . . . my sister really needs to move here. 

I don't understand

skirt:  tjmaxx   tank: shadeclothing  maternity   vest: loft    necklace: groopdealz 

I don't understand how I'm supposed to sleep comfortably in my bed after finding a tick crawling on me the other night while in bed, and then another one on our wall the next day.   And I don't understand why I felt the need to take a picture of it and share it with you.  I'm sorry.  It really it too disgusting.  

I don't understand why my belly has started growing sideways instead of straight out.  Isn't that the wrong way?  I don't understand why last week I lost more than a handful of followers and how to not let that bother me a little. I don't understand how I am supposed to have energy after school when it is in the upper 80's outside and I'm in an non air conditioned classroom with 21 sweaty, restless kids who are ready for summer, with a pregnant belly that makes me even more sweaty and tired.   I don't understand why all shows end in May.  I would much prefer 90210, Modern Family and Parks and Recreation to continue throughout the summer.  Speaking of tv shows, I don't understand why Netflix sucks me in with the first two seasons of shows like Sister Wives and Hart of Dixie, but doesn't have the rest of the seasons available.    I don't understand why my sister has to go back to Vermont after visiting this weekend.  Wishing she could stay! and I don't understand why I forgot to pick a winner for the Target giftcard giveaway.  Congratulations to Deborah Rose!  Email me at katiejvale@yahoo.com and Lindsay and I will get you your prize.  

Missing . . .

Missing taking pictures in my backyard this day because my neighbor was outside. 

BUT I'm sure you're happy for a change in scenery.  Welcome my front porch.  

dress: old navy   necklace: wild about jewelry   boots: dsw

Missing training for a race, like this half marathon.  BUT do not miss the hours I spent training.

Missing my summer tan.  BUT am looking forward to so many things this Fall and Winter.

Missing Molly being a puppy. BUT don't miss the potty training and chewing.

Missing my sister. BUT I am so excited because I will see her in a week.  

Missing our vacation to Mexico last year.

Who am I kidding? There is no BUT to that one.  I want to go back right now. 

Happy Wednesday!
Thank goodness we're about half way through the week.
This weeks seems way too long!

Linking up to: what we wore  pleated poppy

DIY Sailboat Tee

tee: made myself  skirt: old navy  bracelets: target

After making this painted neon tee, I was excited to find another project similar.
This was cheap, easy and I love how it turned out.
I also love that I can wear it with a maxi skirt or with jeans.

To make it even better, I got to do it with Lauren and Lauren last week.  

We followed this tutorial and it took about a half hour. 

All you need is a white t-shirt, freezer paper and paint. 

You make a sailboat pattern on the freezer paper and iron it on to your tee. 

Then using your acrylic paint you paint your sailboat. 

Let it dry, then peel off your paper!

And that's it!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Sunday Funday  C.R.A.F.T.
Craft-O-Maniac  YOLO Mondays
Whimsy Wednesday