Mini photoshoot with my funny little (almost) 3 year old

So, that whole catching up on the blog thing? 

Yeah, I'm only about 9 months behind.

But I really do want to keep this up especially with baby #2 coming... so I'm starting out with a new post and I'll (try to) go back and add older ones when I have the time. (Again, thank you back-dating!)

Anyway.... I take a billion pictures, we all know this.

But, I hardly ever take the time to just sit down and photograph Mikenna being Mikenna.

We do birthday shoots and I did a shoot in Santa Cruz this year, 

but she has so many funny expressions, quirks, little things I hope I never forget.

Like the fact that she will be the first to tell you she isn't 2, she's almost 3.

And the way she tries to debate anything and everything... she will make a fabulous lawyer someday.

And her voice, I have so many videos of her just talking. I hope I never forget that squeaky little voice of hers.

So, I decided to sit her down yesterday for 5 minutes in the dining room to capture a little bit of my almost 3 year old's personality. No props, no fun backdrops, just her.

I got a ton of pictures that I just love, all of them showing a piece of her personality.

My personal fave.

Silly girl.

Love this one too. Anyone who has seen her "pretty eyes," that's what's up with the head tilt.

A few of her many faces.

Oh, I love her. 

How could you not?

(And side note... can you believe she is starting preschool next week? I can't! This is going to be one emotional mess of a mama over here!!)

It's a BOY!

Well.... we had our ultrasound today, and it's a BOY!

WHAT?!

Tears were streaming down my face for the entire ultrasound, and as soon as we saw those little boy parts I was choking back the sobs. (Damn you pregnancy hormones.)

I have so many emotions and thoughts right now.

I'm excited for a new adventure, I feel so blessed to get to experience a son.

But I'm also nervous, I've got the pink and the tutus down, can I do cars and superheros?

Will I be a good mom to a boy?

Will I love him as much as I love Mikenna?

No matter what, I'm truly thankful, I always feel so much better after the 20 week ultrasound. 

Baby is completely healthy and I am thankful most of all for that. 

We can't wait to meet you cute boy... you look just like your sister so far!

...And I hope you enjoy her singing to you each day.

She loves you already.

living in a bathing suit.

This girl has spent alllll summer in a swimsuit.

If we aren't at the pool, she's outside playing in the sprinklers or her water table.

Those bleach blonde curls belong in the water anyway, don't ya think?

Keep bringin on these hot days, we are soakin em up!

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?