Backyard Camping

On Saturday we did a little "Fisher" style camping and pitched a tent in our backyard for the girls. And we have the bug bites to prove it.

 Around the corner from our house is a trail, and we went for a 'hike' to check it out. We followed a creek and found a cute bridge that girls enjoyed throwing rocks in to see who could make the biggest splash.

Madison (2.5) & Lindsay  (4.5)

 Little Miss Sassy 'hiking'. Love the hand. LOL.

  Madison started out walking, but a ride on Daddy's shoulders are more fun!

The girls had a blast playing in the tent. We have had this tent for 8 years, and were shocked at the great condition it was in. Then remembered it had been used only 2 times. LOL.  

Got a log at the grocery store to roast some marshmallows for Smores. It took forever to get a flame going, especially with a breeze. We were finally able to get it going to roast one marshmallow at a time.

 Lindsay loved the roasting part ;)

Let's just say Madison liked hers a little more well-done...

MMMMM... we love smores!

After we ate our smores, we sat outside for awhile longer and watched Daddy pour water over the fire. The girls opted to sleep in their beds instead of the tent, and Mama and Daddy were just fine with that. We left the tent up for a couple days and the girls had fun playing 'camp out' with all their dollies!

Farewell Grandma Rosie

Last week my precious Grandma Rosie went home to meet Jesus face to face. What a blessing she has been to me and our whole family. She truly had a servants heart, and lived to serve God by giving her best to her husband, children and grandchildren. I don't think she ever met a stranger, and her home was always a warm place with a delicious home cooked meal ;)  Through the past few weeks and two trips to California, I wanted to share a few memories for Lulu and Maddie to remember their Gigi in the years to come. 

 Grandma Rosie and Me in the backyard... guess who I get my love of gardening from?

 Grandma taught me lots of things: to swim, to cook and to roller skate!

Grandma was one of my biggest fans and helped me all throughout college. I loved dropping in, sitting on a barstool talking to her while she created some magic in the kitchen.

Grandma was promoted to "Gigi" aka "Great Grandma" twice with the arrivals Lindsay and Madison. I treasure our weekly phone calls where we would swap recipes, gardening tips and she offered advice on growing a young family.

Gigi and Lindsay

Gigi and Madison

Here we were on her 74th birthday in April... we didn't know she had cancer then, only that she was slowing down (if that was possible!). She was so brave, from the diagnosis at the end of May until her passing only 6 weeks later.

I will miss you always, but take comfort in God's promise to us of eternal life paid by the blood of Jesus.  I know you are worshiping our Lord in heaven with Grandpa and your sisters and brothers, and  one day I will see you again. Love you always Grammy!

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Happy Daddy Day!

This year for Father's Day we went into NYC with the little ladies to celebrate the Best Daddy Ever!! Shamefully, we have been avoiding going into the city with the girls... I don't know why, maybe the breastfeeding, potty training and two nap schedule? We conquered our fear (had no other excuses) and drove to the city for the day. We had a totally fun, non-stressful and gorgeous time celebrating our favorite guy. 

Happy Father's Day! Daddy & his girlies opening gifts and cards. 

First up was the Natural History Museum. The girls had a blast checking out the animals; the Peoples exhibits did tend to scare them, (think masks and bones) so we walked past those rather quickly. Lindsay's favorite animal she told us later was the cheetah... she like the polka dot fur. Madison who has a great love for most animals, was enchanted by the baby rhinos and the otters...  

 Dinosaur Bones!

They are both looking at the camera and smiling normal?! 

 Herd of elephants!

We worked up quite a hunger in the museum, and we walked across the street to have brunch at Isabella's. Mama and Daddy were super excited to discover that a free adult-only beverage came with our entree; we chose Bellini's!! Jarrett had a Filet Benedict: Filet with onion ring and au povire sauce... so decadent and rich; I had the Goat Cheese Omelet with marinaded tomato... delish. 

Daddy's Girl, Lindsay ;) When we told her we were going to New York city, we were surprised that she was excited and remembered it from books we read and shows we've seen.  

 The girls felt very 'fancy' eating in the city, and couldn't wait to finish eating so they could go to Central Park!

We took a leisurely stroll through Central Park, and it was a gorgeous and hot day. I was surprised to see so many folks out sunbathing. I guess when you only have two real months of summer, and limited days without thunder storm clouds, people get out as much as possible. I was feeling quite motherly, and wanted to bust out my sunscreen and say to all the folks (and my 21 year old self)... "Skin Cancer! Wrinkles!! Wear a hat!" Party Pooper..LOL.

The girls heard the tinkling music of the Carousel in the park and couldn't wait to take a spin...

 Throwing pennies in the fountain... make a wish!

 We walked down to FAO Schwarts for fun...

Water painting...there was so many things to try!

Lindsay and Madison had their own "Big" movie moment when they took a spin on the Big Piano!

We looked out the window and what did we see? Madison Avenue. 

 We walked around the corner with Madison Grace to take a picture with her street namesake.

Madison pointing to Madison Ave.

On our way back to our car we stopped for a sweet treat, gelato at Grom. We had a Grom in Malibu, and have not had it since we moved. Yum Yum! Much different view though. We drove the hour drive home and thought, "Let's do this again at Christmas Time!!" We love our Daddy Bear and had so much fun celebrating the wonderful Father, Son, Brother and Husband you are.

Happy Father's Day, Jarrett and Papa! We love you so much! 

Daddy Daughter Date Night at Chick-fil-a

Last night I had a evening meeting for the Moms Club and Daddy took the girls on a fantastic date night! He asked his little ladies where they wanted to go, and Lindsay said, "Let's go to Chick-fil-a!" When they arrived, it just so happened to be Daddy Daughter Date Night... too adorable!! Here are a few pictures of their fun night...

Daddy and his Princesses

Jarrett said the place was decorated to be "fancy" with red table clothes, place mats and fun swag for the girls. They each received a tiny tiara, game and a stuffed "Eat more chickin" cow, not to mention a red or pink balloon. 

 Daddy and Princess Madison...

The girls each had their own chicken nugget meal, and ate all of it. I am thinking growth spurts? Of course, there is always room for peach milkshake!

 Daddy and Princess Lindsay (mid-bite!) What a special night with their Daddy... a great way to kick off celebrating our favorite guy this weekend!

Strawberry Picking

The little ladies and I went to the strawberry patch again this year to kick off summer! Boy, was it hot and humid. You can see in the pictures how red their little cheeks were and so sweaty.  We left with two pints of fresh strawberries and a great appreciation for all those who work in the fields to provide us with yummy fruit and vegetables! 

Strawberry Pickers

Before we went strawberry picking, we read one of our favorites, "The Big Hungry Bear and the Red Ripe Strawberry."

Lindsay ate almost as many as she put in her basket.

Madison was a serious berry picker... we had to clarify, only the RED ones!

Goofy Girls: Lila and Lindsay hammin' it up

When we got home the girls were eager to dive into those berries. They helped me wash them prep them for our favorite summertime dessert: Strawberry Shortcake!!

The girls helped me make gluten-free shortcakes, and Lindsay had the fun idea to make them bear-shaped in honor of the story.

MMmmm!! Maddie Gracie taking a swipe of whipped cream.

Last week the Princeton students went on break for summer, and things around Jarrett's office were finally slowing down. Daddy was pretty excited when he got home from work on the first day of his "summer" and saw a big bowl of strawberry shortcake waiting for him ;) Happy Summer!!