The middle of nowhere and the best pants in the world

Is this not the sweetest picture? I can't get over her face!  A few weeks ago we went to a BBQ for Chris' work and it was quite the drive to the middle of nowhere.  We almost turned around after 20 minutes as Addilyn was hysterically crying the entire time, which is unlike her these days in the car and we figured something must be wrong.  Thankfully we kept going because she snapped out of it when we got there, especially after seeing the horses.  She walked right up to them and said, "You horses hungry? You wanna eat?"  

pants: jcpenney   top: loft  

I bought these pants about a month ago from JcPenney and I love them.  They felt perfect for a BBQ and they could not be more comfortable.  Like most pants they are too long and I plan on hemming them but who knows when I'll actually follow through on that.  

It made me want to live on a farm in the middle of nowhere.  It is so open and beautiful!  And Addilyn just loved walking around.  I'm sure glad we didn't turn around!

Happy 2nd birthday Addilyn Jane!

Two years ago today we were given the sweetest gift.  You were so worth the years of praying and waiting and were better than I could have imagined.  Some days I can't even imagine our life without you and feel like you've been here forever, and other days I so vividly remember bringing you home and starting our life as a family of three.  
You have become so funny and silly.  You say the funniest things and make us laugh all the time. You are completely obsessed with anything sweet and would be thrilled to eat candy every minute of every day.  You love being outside.  At the park, the forest preserve, anywhere where you can explore and climb or run around.  You are pretty fearless when it comes to things like jumping in the water, trying new things or anything active.  You're timid and shy around new people and although you've done so much better in the nursery at church I think you'd be happy to not go there at all.   You're much more of a snuggler and will sit on my lap and cuddle in the mornings, after your nap and once in awhile some other times.  You like playing with legos and blocks, although toys don't entertain you for all too long.  You are happy to sit and read books with me, mostly before bedtime.  You love playing "tickle robot" with daddy and will move your arms up and down like a robot and talk in a deep voice saying "I am tickle robot."  You love your cousins and you often ask to play with them and get so excited when we say we are going to see them (which is quite often).  You also love Thursdays when we watch Aaliyah and think she is the best.  
You are super petite and have these tiny little legs.  Sometimes when you're running around I look at them and am surprised they carry you around!  Your hair is getting longer and you have these adorable little random curls in the back.  You get your share of time outs, but thankfully are pretty good saying I'm sorry after, sometimes even saying "sorry God" on your own and often throwing "sorry Molly" in there even though she has nothing to do with it most times.  You are not a fan of sitting in the cart on errands, eating well or waiting your turn.  Your favorite phrases these days are "no, not yet," "ummmmm," "booyah," and "yea I know."
You bring us so much joy.  There are so many days of the week where your dad and I lay in bed and talk about how funny and cute you are and how lucky we are that you are ours.  
Being a mom is sure hard work, but I am so thankful that God picked me for the job.  I can't imagine life without you and am so thankful for the little life the last two years.  

And because I can't talk about your birthday without watching this video (and crying).  Sweet Addilyn Jane you are the biggest blessing in our life and we are so thankful for you. 

Can't wait to celebrate you all day tomorrow and at your party on Saturday!

love, 
your mom

Addi meets the ocean

The second half of our Florida trip we stayed in a house near the beach with Chris' family.  This was Addilyn's first time seeing the ocean and I'm not sure she cared about it a ton.  She was a way bigger fan of the pool because she loved jumping in off the sides.  The water was ridiculously warm and really clear.  It was so hot when we were there, that it almost would've been nice if it was a little colder.  

She did like playing in the sand and throwing rocks in the water and finding shells.  But we didn't last too long any of the days we were there.  I can't really blame her.  The pool is way cleaner and easier for me! But the ocean sure was beautiful and I'm so glad we got to go. 

Our holiday weekend

We had such a great Fourth of July weekend.  It was wonderful.  After a handful of holidays this last year spent with Addilyn or I sick, this one was perfect.  We were healthy and happy and had a wonderful weekend.  Friday night I went to the fireworks with my mom, sister and niece and nephew. We figured it just wasn't worth it to keep Addilyn up so late as she does not do well on little sleep and does not make up for it in the morning! Maybe next year!  I have to say it was so nice to just be there with Travis and Lena and focus some time on them and not chasing Addilyn around.  

 Saturday morning we met my mom, sister and family at their new house and ate donuts, then walked to the parade.  It was a short parade, but lots of candy for the kids and nice that it wasn't too long.  We went home, played some and then Addilyn took a long nap!

Saturday night we went to a friends' house for dinner and the kids played with sparklers, which made me a little nervous but Addilyn loved it!

I'm so thankful for such a great weekend and so much time with our family!  

4th of July dress

 dress: old navy

I got this for $10 at Old Navy and love it.  I've worn it multiple times and it was perfect for the 4th of July!  I'm currently sitting on my couch, watching Friday Night Lights.  Just finished a bowl of Reese's peanut butter ice cream after a wonderful weekend.  I have a ton of cute pictures that I can't wait to go through, as well as so many from Florida.  The last two weeks have felt so much like summer, with our vacation and then the fourth and I've loved all the family time we've had.  Loved the time we've had with Addilyn's cousin and our siblings.  So maybe one nap time this week I'll choose to go through pictures instead of something much more appealing like reading a book outside or taking a nap myself.  Hope you had a great weekend!