Lola and mommy

So I think Lola actually looks quite a bit like me... 

Bunnies again

While we were up north Ryan caught 2 baby bunnies.. and of all places, in Miller's kennel. Not so much of a hunting dog. 

The girls were super excited to see the bunnies when we got home. Lots of squealing and picking up and holding.

Then at night we had to say good bye so they could go home to their mommy who missed them. 

Arcadia Daze fun

The girls and I made a spontaneous trip up north for arcadia daze and had so much fun - despite the long 4 hour drive. 

We left Thursday after work around 7 and Lola slept pretty much the entire way and Greta held out until about 10:30. She said she had too much to say to stop taking. Haha!

When we arrived about 11 pm, the girls woke up and were super excited to see grandma and Libby and Molly. So we went to bed late! 

Friday was a relaxing fun day. Walks with the dogs and nice David. Playing in the beach and at camp. Eating corn. And watching fireworks - Gretas 2nd time and Lola's first. They loved them. I did too! They were amazing! 

Saturday morning i decided to run the 5K with Lola. So proud I did it snd finished in decent time 36 minutes and that was finishing with Greta who wanted to run the last bit with us. Made me want to run more. 

Then we went to the craft show and got our faces painted. Checked out cool cars. Then back to the cottage for lunch and naps. 

Uncle David and I then worked the craft beer tent for a couple hours and mom and the girls had fun at camp. Greta even got to have 2 play dates with her friend. 

Sunday we went to church and then played and went to the parade. Which was good and the girls got lots of stuff! Mainly candy. 

Then it was time to load em up and move em out. Naps most of the way. A quick stop for old McDonald's as Greta calls it and home in 4 1/2 hours! 

The difference between two children

A container of sprinkles sits on the counter while mommy is in the shower

Child A: comes into the bathroom and begs to have some sprinklers. 

Child B: takes the container down and digs in herself 

I'll give you one guess which one child A and child B is. 

But the picture says it all! And she know she was busted she wouldn't even look at the camera. 

Lola 23 months

How can it be that in 1 month Lola will be 2 already? I can still remember driving to the hospital, anxiously awaiting her arrival. And her first latch and smile and cuddle. Truly a blessing. 

This past month she's turned into quite the little toddler. 

1. Uses pronouns and correctly - you, me, ours, yours. It's crazy!

2. Can count to 10

3. Knows almost all the alphabet and loves to sing the alphabet song.

4. Loves trolls- especially the dance party we have at the end

5. Full time in the blue room at school and loves it.

6. Has been doing a good job on the potty and even stayed dry during nap a few times and once at night

7. Still a great eater

8. Is a little fish in the pool

9. Knows how to throw a temper tantrum

10. Still a mama's girl

Week of Vacation

What a wonderful week of vacation we had!  Friday, the girls and I headed up north and picked up K&K on the way.  So we all trekked the 4 hours up there.  But was so great having K&K in the car to help out.  We only stopped once for lunch.  Then surprised Grandma because she didn't know K&K were coming.

Then much fun was had all week.

Craft Show in Manistee - an annual tradition mom and I started about 3 years ago (I think)

Followed by the Carnival in Manistee - also an annual tradition

Lots of fun at camp all week

Trips to the beach

Even some swimming - lots by Karle, some by Mary and Kahle and even a little by Lola and me

Sparklers and 4th of July Fun

Lots of bike rides and scootering

Fishing for the guys and K&K

Having the whole gang together - lots of laughs

Trips to Frankfort for perch and shopping

First full week at the Ark for Greta

Meeting new friends - love that one lives like 10 minutes from us!  And Greta and the little girl got along great.

A senior picture session with Emma - so fun!

Beautiful sunsets.

Sleeping in late

Friday morning - a week later - we packed up and headed home.  The girls were troopers and we only stopped to fill up with gas and then made it the rest of the way and they never got out or complained!

Such a great time and lots of great memories!

It takes village

"It takes a village to raise a child is a proverb which means that it takes an entire community to raise a child: A child has the best ability to become a healthy adult if the entire community takes an active role in contributing to the rearing of the child." Thanks Wikipedia! 

And I definitely agree. My girls are more loved and cared for than I could have ever imagined. I never have to worry if someone is watching them or has their best interest in mind. They will always help guide them, save them from jumping off a chair, hold their hand, correct them when needed, teach them, pray with them, and always love them. 

I would truly be lost without my village!

Ps - sorry didn't have pictures of everyone