Blueberry Picking

This week has been incredibly busy around our house. But, among all the chaos we did manage to squeeze in some fun. The weather during the day here has been hot, but the mornings have actually been cool and enjoyable. So, the other day we got out the door as early as we could and went blueberry picking!

We had a wonderful time. 

David went right to work picking the blueberries to fill his bucket. 

As he worked, he would often reward himself with a "taste" of his haul- usually the majority of what he had picked.
Thankfully, Ryan had another bucket to fill.

Rachael had a great time too! As she watched her Daddy and brother pick blueberries, she picked flower.


Such a cutie in her sunhat.



The end result was Daddy's bucket full of blueberries and David's pretty much the way it was when we got there. Someone ate them all.

Meeting Parker James

This weekend we finally got to meet baby Parker James!! We were all so excited as we loaded up and settled in for a six hour drive North. David couldn't wait to "hooold" little Parker and give big hugs to his Uncle Michael and Aunt Nicole.

As soon as we walked in the door David wanted to "see Pa-ka, hooold Pa-ka". So we set him up in the big, comfy chair and place Parker in his lap. David loved it. Just as he does with his baby sister, David was so gently and showered Parker with kisses all weekend long.

All three cousins! So precious. 

Interestingly, Rachael would get concerned every time Parker cried. Maybe it's her maternal instinct already kicking in?

David and Rachael brought a few gifts for Parker. David happily assisted with the opening of the presents.


He couldn't wait for Parker to play with the toys he gave him.



On Saturday, Uncle Michael took us back down to the creek we visited back in January for the Gender Reveal Party, but this time David could really play in it! He had the best time throwing rocks and stick in the water.





Rachael had a great time too! She loved watching her big brother splashing in the water, had a chance to taste some rocks, and thought it was hilarious when Mama was trying not to fall down as we were crossing the creek.





And, of course, Bogie enjoyed himself too. Anywhere there is water, Bogie is happy.



We had a wonderful time all weekend visiting with one another and getting to know Parker. 

Hopscotch

We taught David how to play hopscotch. He added the last step all by himself. He is so funny!

SHE DID IT, SHE DID IT!

Just this afternoon Rachael started really crawling. We were all four enjoying some family time outside this afternoon. Rachael and I were sitting on a blanket in the shade playing. I mentioned to Ryan that whenever she gets her hands coordinated with her knees she is going to off. Not a minute or two later, there she was crawling away. 

This is not a video of her very first time [I have that in my mind], but it's shortly after. Her goal for this crawl: her brother's water cup.

All that hard work deserves a drink- from her own cup. 

I'm so proud of my baby girl! She has reached a major milestone. I love watching her grow and learn new things everyday. 

Beach Trip

These last two weeks have been full of sun, sand, and fun for us. We went to the beach with my family and had a great time! Of the 1200+ picture Ryan and I took, these are the ones that tell the story of our trip the best. I will probably post more over the next few days though. 

Rachael's sweet, little feet touching the sand for the first time. 

She seemed to really like it. 

David had a fantastic time playing in the sand and ocean.

He even learned how to swim in the pool with Ma!

After a few days, Rachael found that she REALLY liked the sand. I had to keep a paci in her mouth...

or this would happen- 

David had a great time playing in the pool with his big cousin, Ricky.

And Rachael adored her playtime with her sweet cousin, Cate.




And, of course, Bogie had a wonderful time. He LOVES to go to the beach.




All four cousins enjoying some morning cartoons.

Rachael checking out the ocean with Aunt Laureen.
 



David enjoying some sand-digging time with Big Daddy.



David loved fishing with Uncle Rich off the beach even though they didn't catch much. David wasn't too sure about the big fish Uncle Rich and Ryan caught offshore [as you can tell by his face].



Mama's beach babies.



All of us after a boat ride to lunch.




David had a run-in with a crab.



Bogie caught a fish.



Rachael took naps.




My precious family. I know I say it all the time, but-- I am beyond blessed!

Rachael is on the move, sort of.

Rachael crawled this morning for the first time!! She only moved a little bit, but still it was a success. She was trying to get to David's water cup, even though hers was right next to her. Ryan and I were both watching her when she did it. It was so exciting! 

She also crawled a little in David's room this afternoon working to get to one of his trucks.

I hate to laugh at her, but she gets so frustrated when she can't remember how she made herself move. I know it won't be long until she is zooming all over the house!

Sorry I don't have any videos or pictures of Rachael actually crawling, she caught me off guard. Hopefully, I will have some to share soon.  

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

We celebrated Father's Day on Sunday. It wasn't the most relaxing day for Ryan since he was having to drive us all home from our two week long stay at the beach. But, he got to be with his family, in a very small space, for a loooong time, so surely he enjoyed that! 

After we got home, unloaded the car, put away what had to be put away, and ate dinner it was time for us to thank Ryan for being such a wonderful Daddy!

A card from David.

And a card from Rachael.





And a special picture with the BEST DADDY in the whole world.

Happy Father's Day. Love, your two silly babies.

Check out what Rachael learned to do today!!

[And is Bogie not the best dog or what?!]

Happy 8 Months, Rachael!

Happy 8 months to my most beautiful baby girl. She continues to grow and change daily. She is working very hard at crawling. She is sooo close! She is a sweetheart and has an interesting sense of humor developing. She is pretty sure her brother hung the moon, which I hope is a feeling that will last for years to come. 

Moving Into The Big Bathtub

Well, Baby Girl continues to grow faster than I would like. This week she has been learning how to navigate the bathtub without being confined to the whale tub as she has been for a while. 

Totally enjoying her freedom

And of course, David is very sweet with his little sister playing and reading the bath book to her.







And what is Rachael's favorite bath toy?

A big, yellow cup



And if that wasn't cute enough...