Family of Girls

Growing up it was just me, my mama, and my 2 older sisters. 

My sisters started out being more like parents (they are 10 and 12 years older than me)...

...but they've become my best friends.

It was a little crazy, a little emotional, and very dramatic growing up with all women, but I wouldn't change it for anything. 

I have 3 amazing, strong women who have all made me who I am today.

I'm lucky to have my sisters to call anytime I need someone, and I can't wait to give Mikenna a sibling for that reason.

They are my rocks during the hard times, my people to call when I'm in the "new baby trenches," and they can always make me laugh when I need it the most. 

I am so lucky to have them... I hope my babies will love each other as much as I love my sisters someday!

Swim Lessons

We put our little fishy in swim lessons this year!

She LOVES the water, always has.

I wasn't too sure how lessons would work this young, especially with me in the pool with her, but she amazed me as usual.

 By the end of the two weeks she was jumping in on her own and swimming to me, or to the edge.

 Just about the only thing she wanted to do was climb out and jump back in.

And she did, over and over and over.

This brave little chick was even the first in her class to jump off the diving board. 

She loved every second of it.

She has been a little more cautious of the water this year, so I'm so glad we put her in these lessons.

She is able to swim to the edge and climb out, which is all I wanted for her safety!

She did so well that 2 of the teachers even recommended putting her on the swim team in a couple years!

I don't know about that... but I am so excited to see what her future holds.

It seems no matter what physical challenge is in front of her, she crushes it.

She will definitely be an amazing athlete someday, no matter what she chooses to do. 

Now if you need us for the rest of the summer, we'll be in the pool!

Fourth of July

One of our newest traditions is spending the 4th of July at Titi and Unco's house.

We all buy tons of fireworks, BBQ, play some kickball, and once it's dark Unco puts on the BEST fireworks show... complete with a full narrative for each and every firework.

Doesn't he look excited?

Really though... he makes the whole show.

Mikenna loves anything that requires staying up past bedtime, so naturally she's always game for a good 4th of July party... especially if there's cupcakes.

"Hey Kenna, did you eat one of the cupcakes without asking?"

"Umm.... nope!"

We went crazy and let her play with sparklers this year.

I know, I know... livin on the edge.

Don't worry though, I put it in a red cup so she wouldn't burn her fingers.

(Thanks pinterest, you're always there to help with my crazy overprotective parenting tendencies.)

After burning up the street with 10,000 sparklers it was time for the real fireworks.

Ryan helped out Master Randy during our show...

And miss Kenna had a blast. She sat patiently with Titi watching every one.

And clapping after every one, naturally.

Hooray America! And holidays!

Graeagle Vacay

Every year around the 4th of July we head to Graeagle.

It's kinda like Tahoe, only so much nicer.

They put on an amazing fireworks show and have a really fun parade on the weekend of the 4th.

Heather and Randy and the boys joined us in our house this year which made it even more fun!

We stayed on the golf course and the kids spent most of their days playing outside (including Ryan.)

Grammy bought Mikenna her own set of golf clubs this year so she played right along with Daddy.

We're working on her form... but she can definitely hit the ball!

Saturday night we headed out for fireworks and had an awesome spot to see them.

However we got there really early and had a while to wait.

But we kept ourselves entertained. 

GLOW STICKS! Best entertainment ever.

Don't let that face fool you... Jala loves it.

The boys worked hard on their "blue steel" look while we were there.

...and here's typical Kenna and Daddy.

Love them.

We stayed up way too late, then woke up and headed to the parade the next morning. 

Prego and nauseous mama was not feeling so hot so didn't take any pictures :(

<insert imaginary marching bands and cars and Mikenna looking excited here>

My little boo was so worn out.

She even fell asleep that night while I was reading stories (that NEVER happens)

The next couple days were lazy days.

We did a whole lot of laying around, taking walks...

...and crab walking through the house.

On Monday, our last full day, just the 3 of us went out to breakfast (my newest craving),

played by the pond and fed the ducks...

...and then watched Beauty and the Beast together with popcorn before bed.

It's so nice having so much time with all of us together.

Can everyday be vacation? Please?

Summa Summa Summatime

It's gettin pretty hot around here...

I'm much more of a winter person, I'm NOT fun to be around when I'm hot (just ask Ryan).

However... there is something about summer that makes me feel like a kid again.

I just want to spend my days in the water.

And late summer evenings... I live for those.

We have been spending just about everyday in our swimsuits.

And we've already eaten our way through a few boxes of popsicles, tons of corn on the cob, and more watermelons than I can count.

We've stayed up late playing in the water table, and woken up early to head to the pool or a splash park.

Is there any better way to kick off summer?

My Little Gymnast

Mikenna loves, and I mean LOVES gymnastics.

She's always been an extremely active kid, and I knew when she started walking/climbing everything in sight that it was probably something she would enjoy.

We started classes at Tricks in Granite Bay when she was 18 months old and it has been her favorite thing to do ever since!

We were out of town for her first Gymnastics show so I was beyond excited for her Spring show!

Daddy went in to work late so he could come with us and watch (aka be my photographer... thanks babe!)

Because she isn't 3 yet she does a mommy and me class so I get to join in on the fun.

The show started with a parade.

Then there was an obstacle course set up for them to show off everything they have learned, followed by some trampoline time.

My little independent thing wanted to do everything herself. (shocking)

Mr. Andrew was there to help the kids walk backwards on a large balance beam but Kenna insisted on doing it without his help. (and she did it!)

I have seen a huge difference in her confidence and abilities since we started.

She will try anything once, and she keeps trying until she masters it. 

She loves her coach, Mr. Andrew. He is a huge reason we stuck with the gym.

He is so good with all the kids and Kenna really trusts him. 

At the end of the show the kids got to step up and get a ribbon.

As outgoing as she is, she always gets a little shy in front of a lot of people.

I love that shy face.

We were those crazy parents that stuck around to take a million pictures and take in the moment... we are just so proud of our girl!

To My Favorite Girl at Two and a Half

Two and a half years old already, how is that possible?

Miss Mikenna, you have brought so much joy to everyone around you.

You are becoming funnier by the day.

You love to tell jokes and will do anything to make us laugh.

You are stubborn and strong, yet you want to make everyone happy.

You are my mini, 100%. (even if you do look like your Daddy)

You are constantly thinking and asking questions, you are so curious about everything.

You are shy and quiet in new situations, but you quickly open up and will chat anyone's ear off.

You have a love for all things girly, but you also love to play and wrestle with Daddy.

You are more than I could have ever hoped for... I only hope we can give you everything you deserve.

You will be something amazing someday, there is no doubt about it.

I can already see the drive in your eyes.

No matter where you go or what you do, I hope you never try to change who you are.

You are such an amazing little human already, there is nothing in this world more incredible than watching you grow.

We love you to the moon and back, sweet girl.