The doorbell rang.

This is what I saw when the door opened.

(Don't worry. You weren't left unattended. I was watching from the front window.)

I am really going to miss my day lily bouquets when the summer blooms fade.

The Daddy Salon

Olivia,

One evening long ago, you begged me to paint your toe nails.

I remember being incredibly busy.

Daddy couldn't think about his princess going polish-less, and he agreed to make your wish come true.

Needless to say, he has been painting your nails ever since.

I love this bonding ritual that the two of you share. And...I love your sweet piggies!

There's A First Time For Everything

Andrew and Olivia

We always try to teach you two that you should always try new things

Today, mom decided to try something new.

After close to 13 years of mowing the grass myself, I finally got help from Mom.

See, it's not so bad. Mom was even smiling.

Well, at least until she broke the mower The mower was fixed with ease and Mom did an amazing job with the yard. Maybe I should try doing the laundry... Maybe next year.

Weekend in Review

On Saturday, we woke up early and headed to our fabulous zoo.

We spent a long portion of the morning watching the penguins and their keepers. We also experienced the stingray exhibit (We have been studying the Ocean and the animals that call it home). Olivia, you were really nervous, but quickly warmed up to these friendly ocean creatures.

We watched the Sea Lion Show; rode the zoo train; bought stuffed baby penguins; and visited the Primate and Reptile Houses.

It was hot...St. Louis hot!

Play-Time

Andrew, this gator is one of your favorite toys of all time.

It has been packed away for years, but you managed to sweet-talk me into letting you relive childhood memories of working on the gator.

As I was making dinner, I heard you say, "Wow! I have broken like all of these rules today!"

I love the fact that you can read.

And...yes, you broke all of the gator rules.

Olivia, you visited the eye doctor for the first time this week.

When I tucked you in this evening, this is what I saw... Eye Doctor Pretend Play...L-O-V-E it! Keep playing! Reality will creep up on you far too soon.

He Loves Me!

Andrew, A few days ago you picked me this beautiful yellow day lily from our front yard.

I recited, "He loves me; he loves me not; he loves me; he loves me NOT?!"

Your resulting expression was absolutely priceless.

You asked, "Mom, can I borrow that flower for a minute?"

When you returned a few minutes later, I noticed that you had added a petal.

Beaming...you said, "Mom, do it again!"

HE LOVES ME! I love you too Andrew!

Story Time with Belle

I just stumbled across photos of Belle's Story Time Garden

which just so happened to make My Favorite 10 Magical Moments at Disney list. I am pretty confident that it did not made Andrew's list.

I immediately recognized Belle as the female lead character in the movie, Fireproof.

She had such a sincere sweetness about her.

I couldn't help but pray, "God I hope others sense You when they meet me."

Daddy started the day snuggling these babies

(Hannah and Two-Baby).He ended the day snuggling this baby. Yep...his day got better...much better! Thankfully, she has a long time before she leaves for college.

(Toy Story 3)

The Weekend in Review

We had a Toy Story Father's Day Weekend.

We made cupcakes resembling the aliens in the movie, hit a few garage sales, worked in the yard/garden, went to the races, and watched Toy Story 3 at the theatre.

(We all cried during the movie. However, it was by far my favorite, and I loved the first one.)We had a BLAST at the races with Grandpa H and Uncle Dale.

It was a great weekend celebrating our fathers...including our Heavenly Father.

We are blessed beyond belief!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!10 Things that I Love about My Dad:

by: Andrew

1.) He takes me to breakfast every Friday.

2.) He goes to work so he can buy me food.

3.) He swims with me.

4.) He plays with me.

5.) He wrestles and pillow fights with me.

6.) He takes me to Monster Jam.

7.) He teaches church.

8.) He reads books to me.

9.) He takes me to the fireworks tent.

10,) He rides roller coasters and fun rides with me.

(I had to stop him at 10. His list could have went on and on.)

10 Things that I Love about My Dad:

by: Olivia 1.) He wrestles.

2.) He goes swimming with me.

3.) He plays dolls with me.

4.) Because I love him.

5.) He takes us to CiCi's Pizza.

6.) He reads me my Bible.

7.) Cause he got the dog.

8.) He loves me.

9.) He gets us doughnuts.

10.) He always takes us to church.

Like father...like son...like daughter! We love you daddy!

Missing Daddy...Really Missing Daddy

Andrew,

When I tucked you in this evening, you were intensely searching for Pittsburgh in your atlas (which just so happens to be one of your favorite books).

Daddy has been traveling ALL week, and we are all REALLY missing him.

Hurry home Daddy!

Every Little Girl Needs a Hannah...

to twirl and laugh with her in a beautiful garden. Thanking God for Hannah this morning and every morning!

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Grandma treated us to a morning at "Shaw's Garden".

The garden holds a lot of childhood memories for her, and she is creating similar memories for her grandchildren.

We rode the tram, completed a maze, played in the beautiful fountains, fed the gigantic coy, and explored the children's area.

We finished with lunch at a restaurant on The Hill.

A beautiful morning spent with lovely people in a breathe-taking garden.

The Crown Spa

Grandma has pretend make-up in her play room.

During our visit, the 2 of you pretended to own and operate The Crown Spa.

Here is a photo of your first clientand your second client.

(gotta love my lazy eye)

Client #1 returned the next day... You are looking at a fabulous grandma who is very likely to strangle her favorite daughter.

The Crown Spa is looking for more clients!

Weekend Re-Cap

We had a really calm, quiet weekend.

You made robots with our recycling and a little (A LOT) duct tape.We also celebrated with Dan by attending his graduation party.

We ALL love this sweet, smart, God-loving gentleman.

Some swimming, shopping, church activities, planting corn with Grandpa H., and a b-day party....

Yep...that about sums up our weekend.