Summer Fun

What a fun and busy week we've had so far enjoying the warmth that has finally hit our region. We have been blessed with a wonderful group of friends who join us in our shenanigans and also relished in a little fun on our own. 

We've played in the pool, painted our sidewalks, jammed to our own music, created masterpieces with chalk, visited the library and even rode a ferry boat across the Ohio River to get ice cream. 

Given we have only been out of school a week or so, I can only imagine the fun that still lay ahead for us this summer.

Camping!

About two months ago, we got up the courage to reserve a camping site at a nearby park. Even though we booked the camping trip so far out, I admit that when the time approached I got nervous. Full of anxiety, unable to think through the logistics type nervous. After all, we weren't "camping" like a lot of people do these days, with the plush lifestyle of a camper or pop-up. Nope. We planned on pitching a tent, cooking food over a fire and entertaining two young kids with lots of love and nature.

At last the day was here. In fact, Elliana had a countdown going on for several days and was far more excited about the camping trip than she was about any of the last day of school activities that same day. Our car had been loaded the night before and every two minutes after school, Elliana asked when Daddy would be home so that we could head out. Yes, she was VERY VERY excited. And, witnessing that excitement in her helped erase my fears and concerns about the trip. After all, I take delight in my children and get excited merely by helping them to get excited. :)

Excited to be on our way!

 I admit. Upon getting to the campground, I was less than thrilled. The ground was muddy, Grandma & Papa had cancelled on us leaving us without some crucial supplies and the adult assistance I was so desperately needing to maintain my sanity. Elliana unexpectedly said something along the lines of "Thank you Lord for not raining anymore! I LOVE camping and am so excited to be here!"  Well, that was the reminder I needed to suck it up and remember this trip wasn't about me and what I wanted. We were doing it for her, for Maya and for our family. Those things are FAR more important than my own expectations or even fears.

Elliana helping Daddy set up the tent

 While Daddy and Elliana pitched the tent, Maya and I played in the mud, chased a frog around the campsite and just enjoyed being outdoors. Randomly Elliana and Maya would squeal in delight, just at the excitement of the new adventure and run into each others arms.  I had to let go of my worries, my expectations and even my disappointment or I would miss out on the beauty of it all. The beauty of Elliana and Daddy working together. The beauty of Maya trying to jump like the frog. The miracle of Elliana being okay with getting a little muddy and even learning to enjoy it.

Never before have I seen the girls so excited to just BE with us. No television, no toys even. Just hanging out and talking as a family. I'm so glad I didn't let my worry take away this opportunity.

The rain held off until overnight, allowing us to even have a campfire before heading to bed. During most of the campfire though, Elliana kept saying she was tired and wanted to go to bed. She had been asking since we set up the tent, as she was just SO excited to sleep outdoors. And boy what a good sleeper she was! All the way through the night she slept, through the cries of Maya, the karaoke singer a few campsites down and the steady rainfall on our tent.

Sometime around 4 am we decided we would likely pack up and go home during the day Saturday so that we could sleep in our own beds the next night. Maya was a great little camper, just not a great sleeper. And, that's okay. We did it! We conquered our worries, even when things didn't go as planned. And boy what fun we had doing so!

Butterfly Bonanza

Yesterday we spent the morning at the annual Butterfly Show that visits Cincinnati once a year. Elliana talks about these trips all year long, and was thrilled to learn that the butterflies had gone through the chrysalis cycle and were ready to fly around her. And, on a very different note, I LOVE that my 4-year old talks about "chrysalis" and can explain it completely :)

And, because a picture says a thousand words, here are a LOT of pictures

Elliana and Maya 

Jay & Elliana eager to see the butterflies

Trying her hand at getting a butterfly

Maya loving the butterflies flying all around her

Group Shot!

 The memories created yesterday will fill our hearts until the butterflies surround us again next year.

Last Day of Preschool

Last week, Elliana wrapped up her first year of preschool. My goodness, what growth this girl has had the past year! Both physically and emotionally, I have witnessed my precious little baby grow into a precious little girl, full of love, laughter and personality. I cried the first day of preschool, the way Elliana eagerly waved goodbye and ran into a new adventure, full of excitement and possibility.

Twenty six letters later, lots of art projects and an abundance of learning songs, Elliana has now completed her three year old preschool and is eager and ready for the many adventures ahead of her!

Zoo Blooms

I know it was a month ago, but life got in the way of blogging and

documenting our lives. And isn't having a fun filled life the very

best reason to not be updating the blog? :)

It's no secret my favorite flower is the tulip. Something about the
stubbornness of the flower, the way it is stays strong through the
spring frost, the vibrant colors, the ability to see them only a few
weeks a year, all truly amaze me and have always captured my
attention. Our local zoo has an abundance of tulips each spring, and I
make it a point (sometimes rather stubbornly) to get my family to the
zoo to experience the tulips in full bloom.

Maya and Elliana hanging with the tortoise

And so, a few of my favorite photos from our family day at the zoo.

All so Mommy can experience her favorite flowers, with her favorite

people. What a lucky woman I am!

14 Months...

Maya, you are so full of life, curiosity and adventure. Daily, you make us laugh with your smiles, running hugs and many, many attempts at jumping without your feet ever leaving the ground. This past month, you began shaking your head yes and no to answer any question we ask you. It constantly amazes me how much you understand at such a young age, and communicate with us using so little words.

Maya has developed a love for all things Disney, particularly Mickey and Minnie Mouse. She shrieks in delight when she sees a Disney character and often carries stuffed dolls around with her at any given time. Maya, I love that you talk to your babies, pat them on the back and say, "BAAABBBY!!!"

Always trying to keep up with the big kids around you, at just 14 months you already scale our playground ladder and slide down the slide without even holding a hand.  In so many ways, you are growing up way too fast!

You love being outdoors, hiking and just exploring nature. During our last trip to the mountains, you insisted on hiking along with us, even though your legs are just a fraction of the size of us.

I love you sweet girl. I love your laugh, your rosy little cheeks and your constant craving for the life all around you. I hope that all of the bruises you keep aquiring are short-lived and the adventure you crave lasts a lifetime. :) May you always know how very very much you are loved!

Smoky Mountains Getaway

Last week we were blessed with a wonderful getaway to the Smoky Mountains. I refrain from saying "Gatlinburg" as we don't even venture into the crowded tourist town, although we frequently stay within that foothills of that region.

This past trip we rented a cozy little chalet with room to spread out and cook our own meals. We packed lunches, spent an abundance of time in the mountains, just soaking up nature and adventure.

Daddy and Maya hiking

Elliana standing in the roots of a a giant tree :) 

I've said it before and I'll say it again (likely with every new Spring when we rediscover the joys of hiking), something magical happens when we hike as a family. The fresh air, the sights and sounds of a new place, the exhilaration of striving toward a goal. 

On this hike, we were blessed with a rare sighting of an American Black Bear high in the tree right near our hiking path. We snapped a few photos, marveled in the awe (TJ and I more than the girls) and kept on hiking.

Black Bear high up in the tree along our hike

Somewhere along the hike, Maya's head began to be less steady. And she quickly fell asleep, all snuggled up to TJ. Of course, I couldn't help but take photos of that too. Something just so precious about babies....especially sleeping babies. 

Completely Passed Out! 

 We ate out of the back of TJ's car and talked about our favorite parts of the hike. Elliana shouted, "EVERYTHING!" and a woman passing by commented on how wise she was at such a young age. :)

Maya's expression is saying, "Don't touch me, I'm eating!"

The next day, we woke up early and began hiking again. What a wonderful thing it was when we realized Maya discovered her own shadow and would laugh out loud when it moved while she did.  And lucky for me, I was able to photograph that discovery. :) 

Hiking may not be glamourous or expensive, but it always has and always will be priceless for this family of ours.