Hal & Friends (Pre-K year)

One of my favorite things as a mother is to watch Hallie have fun, laugh and make believe with friends. I love looking back through old photos of my younger years and pointing out friends that I remember. I hope she enjoys these pictures for many years to come. I sure do because most of them make me laugh! She's a born leader and clearly not afraid to have a little fun....

2014-2015 was the year of the new smile. It showed up out of the blue and stuck around for quite some time. At one point it became so frequently used that Riley and I began coaching her on how to smile with her eyes open. It never worked though. ;) As you will see, most of her pal pics display this interesting and hilarious grin.....

Birthday parties galore this past year! I must say....I kinda love them! Who doesn't love presents, a theme, a cake and lots of kiddos laughing their heads off....

This right here......oh my......

Ha! Ha! Ha!!!!!!

The bonus that comes along with these wonderful friends is the friendships I've gained in knowing their mommas. Friends make life so full!

Happy Birthday America

I'm certain I sound like a broken record but I'll say it once more. Holidays with two kiddos is just double the fun! And double the memories! Independence Day 2015 brought lots of red, white and blue cuties, lots of water balloons, LOTS OF FOOD and lots of laughs. Nanny and Papa had everyone out for an All-American lunch. Very 4th of July-ish and oh so delicious! The girls swam and popped at least 200 water balloons....half of which they attempted to pop on us adults. Failed attempts thank goodness....

 

Nanny came up with some pretty memorable family games in the backyard. We actually did more laughing than playing. The highlight of the afternoon was the family pillowcase race. Laughs galore!! And thank goodness for videos to watch over and over and over. ;)

After we returned home it was naps and recovery time from the heat. That evening was spent in the little backyard pool naked. Well, Bella was the only naked one....

My little firecrackers sure make life fun! Especially extra special holidays!

Hallie's First Sleepover

My plan to bottle her up and keep her little bitty forever just hasn't panned out thus far. She continues to grow. She keeps getting older. My pleas for her to stay little just don't work. Rats. I suppose if she must grow up on me she may as well have a ton of fun while doing so. Her BFF Kadence invited her down the street for her first big sleepover. What a big girl thing to do! She was thrilled. Gathered up her clothes, toothbrush and a Hungry Hungry Hippo game that she was dying to try out.

 

We strolled down the street as she excitedly rolled her little suitcase behind her....

I hear the girls watched Annie....

And caught plenty of zzzzzzz's...

Donuts for breakfast after a night of fun!!!

Her first sleepover caught me off guard and I was pleasantly surprised that she stayed the entire night without getting scared. Love my girl and her zest for life. ;)

Daddy's Little Farm Girls

The milder summer temps this year made for some beautiful (and tolerable) evenings out at the farm. Riley would love nothing more than to have a couple of farm lovin' buddies to enjoy the outdoors with. I'm pretty partial to those peaceful evenings out in the wide open. It's just something about the expansive sky and fields as far as the eye can see....brings things back into perspective. It reminds me what's most important in this crazy busy life....

 

I give Riley a hard time about not appreciating my picture-taking and documenting. I often tell him "someday you will treasure these pictures that help you remember." I'd put money on his appreciating this picture someday when he's old and gray.....

These babies love the outdoors....

Hallie and daddy like to keep me on my toes. She's already shooting a rifle and learning all about gun safety. She's a tough chick. Not scared one bit.

He's loving every minute of this.....

Nanny and Papa sure don't mind having their girls out for a visit...

Lord, I don't deserve these three....