Happy Eight Birthday Amelia Rose

Every year when my kids are approaching another birthday, I get very emotional and nostalgic. I look back at the previous year - what did we do, how did we celebrate it, did i take enough pictures (always a no!), what will they remember most? it seems like the year has flown by, but it passes just the same as the others - one day at a time. Today we celebrated this girlie - hard for me to believe she is now eight. I wonder what she will remember about her year of being seven - that she was able to master riding her bike with no training wheels? that she broke her arm on the monkey bars? that she finally put her face in the water and began to try to swim? that we went to lunch at Fitz's and Chuck E Cheese for an arcade day? That I drug her around this entire campus taking pic of her trying to capture THE picture? Only time will tell what she remembers. What I want to remember is how much more I loved this girl than even the day before. How she's such an animal lover, sleeps with a different stuffed animal each night, how some things come so easy for her and other things she really struggles with. I want to remember her sweet giggle, her lisp and her hatred of anything that would contain her hair. She has big dreams right now - she wants a puppy, another kitten. a bird, guinea pig or a hamster. Today she asked me to help her design a swimsuit that turns into a mermaid tail. Amelia is also a night owl, always trying to stay up late. She is independent, smart, relentless, inquisitive, she is colorful and imaginative and she loves facts. Getting her to read a chapter book can be quite a task, but give her a book on facts? she can get lost in those! NATGEO's kids almanac, books on animal facts, continents, the solar system - she loves it. And she's a wee bit of a TV and video gaming junkie - she comes by it honestly. One of her favorite shows this year was Cosmos. She would spout facts for days afterwards. She definitely has an opinion on what she wears now, if her shoes match her outfit and has ditched her dress up clothes for a red devil costume. When I asked her if she would be wearing her last two dress up costumes this summer, she hesitated with her answer. She then quietly replied "if you want me to." She is very hesitant to express her opinion if it will hurt your feelings. She has always loved music, but now she's establishing her own taste. She recognizes who is singing on the radio and asks for "her" music to be put on her ipod.  Seven has been a wonderful year, full of memories. It makes me wonder, what will eight bring?

Free bowling, shoe shopping and Willoughby farms!

every summer we sign up for the free bowling program! this was our first time going this summer - always lots of fun. The kids are pretty good too! 

For Amelia's birthday she received a new pair of Toms. We tried several sizes and styles, but her foot is in a weird stage right now, so we opted to skip the toms and get some Chucks!! they are absolutely adorable, and I assured Amelia - they go with EVERYTHING! And what would you expect an animal lover to pick out but black flocked cheetah print chucks. that's my girl! 

This is willoughby farms - there was a lot of new animals to see, lots of things to climb on and areas to explore! we are coming back here when we have a little more time!! we did squeeze in a hike though! 

Whitaker Music Festival, take 2!

First day of my staycation  - i have 14 days (nights too) free from work!!! I am excited to have some time with my family!! So we decided to take another trip to the Missouri Botanical Gardens! This time Darrin and Amelia were able to join me and Lucas, plus the Harris kids!! The music was a blue grass/americana group! they were great!! It was pretty crowded, but with all the great weather we have had this summer, I'm not surprised!!! I hope the great weather stays!!!

Goodbye old friend

It's with a very sad and heavy heart that i share this - we had to put our beloved dog to sleep today. His hips and legs finally gave up on him. Victor Hugo Griffon was as much a part of our family as the rest of us! He was an incredible dog & a gentle giant. He tolerated the kids, never growling or biting anyone. He would have been 12 in august. He was loved greatly and will be missed even more.