Dinner at Maggiano's

Friday night we had a great dinner at Maggiano's.  It's definitely a favorite of many in the group...well that is except Thomas.  We always go to Maggiano's when Nana and Papa visit...it's tradition and I love traditions!

Catch Air

On Friday morning we headed to Catch Air for a bit of fun.  We climbed up and down and through tunnels and all sorts of things to have fun with Julia and Andrew.  This was Andrew's first time exploring and playing on all the equipment at Catch Air and he had a blast!

Julia really enjoyed having me and Papa climb up to the fort and play on top of the structure with her.

Andrew did such a fantastic job of navigating through the structure.  I was definitely amazed by what he was able to do.  Way to go Andrew!

This is one of my favorite photos from our visit with Nana and Papa Brown.  Papa was such a great sport and climbed through tunnels after Julia and Andrew with me.  Thanks for all the help...it's not easy keeping up with them.

Julia was all smiles as she was about to go down the slide.

Having fun playing in the ball pit.

Swimming and Playing Outside

We enjoyed our visit with Nana and Papa Brown and we got to do lots of fun stuff and I even got a few chances to relax on my own!  One day we hit the pool and we had it all to ourselves until shortly before we left.  It was a beautiful day but I guess everyone was getting ready for the beginning of school.

Andrew has enjoyed the baby pool this year.  If he's in his raft he can walk around and go where he wants and he loves the freedom.  It's been nice not having to hold him the entire time so I get a chance to do things with Julia too.

Taking a break and enjoying some goldfish.

Julia and Papa having fun on the playground.

Papa helping Andrew down the slide.

Julia had fun using all the chalk colors to make a rainbow.

Fishing Pole

Thomas enjoys fishing even though he rarely gets a chance to go nowadays.  He's wanted to buy Julia a fishing pole for a while and he finally did a few weeks ago.  Julia has done great while practicing casting in the house.  It looks like they are ready to go catch some fish.  

Julia got to test out the fishing pole for real last weekend while Thomas' parents were in town.  I decided to stay home and get some other things done instead.  They didn't catch anything but I guess they had fun anyways.

Jumping In

This summer we've been spending tons of time in the water.  Julia has really gotten brave and is now jumping in and going under.  I wanted to get her swim lessons this year but it never seemed to work out with our schedule and then I heard about a lady who does private lessons from a few girlfriends. I think we're going to go that route at the beginning of next spring so she has lots of time to practice what she's learned.  In the meantime we'll keep practicing at the pool on our own.  Way to go Julia!

Naptime

Julia still takes a nap but just not everyday...it depends on the days activities or how late she was up the night before.  The other day when I went to wake her up I just thought she looked so cute sleeping that I had to take a photo.  I sat and watched my beautiful little girl and wondered what she was dreaming about and thought about how lucky I am to have her as my daughter.  I really feel like the luckiest mommy in the world to have such a sweet girl.  She does some many kind things it just makes me smile.  I love being able to stay home with her and even though I know there are many good times ahead I wish I could freeze time for just a bit...I don't want my little girl to grow up quite yet.

Meltdown

I know it's not a happy and smiling photo but meltdowns happen.  I haven't taken a meltdown photo in almost two years so I thought it was time.  Julia was quite exhausted and that's usually when she has a meltdown.  I don't even remember why she was upset but it didn't last long.