Sweet conversation

A little conversation I overheard this morning between our precious, little girl and her baby doll:

Come here, little baby, I'm gonna' be your mommy, okay? And I'll keep you safe. That's what mommies do, they take care of you, okay? They don't let you get lost and keep you safe. And if you want to make me happy, all you have to do is give me a hug, okay? Just give me a hug and say 'I love you', 'cause that's what makes a mommy happy. =)

Thursday date night

I love our family date nights! It's something we all look forward to. We had one last night. It started off with mexican at our ever-favorite "Rancho" and ended up at Thursday on the Square, a summer music festival that's held every Thursday night in downtown West Chester. It was a gorgeous night and we had so much fun!!
Me with my munchkins, all ready to go...
Ella was looking awfully cute and sassy!

Ella and Cade danced the night away. They looked so stinking cute out there, just dancing without a care in the world. Chris and I were laughing so hard!

Yum! Ice cream from Brusters and free popcorn!! Who can say no to that?!

Our beautiful girl

Daddy and his buddy

Cade looking like such a big boy! I don't think the smile ever left his sweet, little face. =)

Sign of the times

It's definitely a different day and age for these kids, growing up with cell phones and DVR!

Ella: "Hey, Mom, did you see that 'mercial?"
Me: "No, I didn't see it."
Ella: "Well, here. Here's the remote. Just turn back the tv and watch it!"

Ella: "Mom, can I watch Super Why?"
Me: "We'll have to look and see if it's on. I'm not sure it's time for it right now."
Ella: "Well, that's okay. Don't you have it taped on the TV?!"

Ella: "Hey, can we go eat at a restaurant tonight?"
Me: "We'll have to ask your daddy when he comes home."
Ella: "Silly Mom! Why don't you just send him a message on your phone!"

Ella: "Do you know how to make a red and orange cake?"
Me: "Not right off, but I could probably figure it out."
Ella: "Yeah, let's get your phone and look for a recipe!" haha! After that comment, I've been trying to drag my cookbooks out more often!

Sunday with family

We made it back to Mom and Dad's in the wee hours of the morning on Sunday. After a short night of sleep, we were up and at it again. Ella and Cade couldn't wait to get outside and go say hi to Duke...
I think this picture is so pretty. There's nothing like the country air and big, blue sky.

Swinging

Gram let Ella pick a lily...

Then we piled into the truck to head to Mamaw and Papaw's. Hands up on the roller coaster, Everybody! =)

The kiddos were so excited to see Payton!

Playing on the computer. This cracks me up! Look at Cade acting as though he understands it all. haha!

Hiding under the table...

Cousin love!

Aww, so sweet! This is the best I could get- these three do not stay still for long! =)

Evansville

We headed to Evansville on Saturday to spend the evening with family. Chad and April have a cookout every year around this time in memory of Baby Makenna. We were excited to get there. It seems like the times we get to relax and hang out with each other are so few and far between these days. Of course, you know where I headed as soon as we arrived...

I love this little girl! She is just a doll baby!

I'm pretty sure it had to be the hottest day of the year. The kiddos cooled off in the pool...

Action shot!

Chad manned the grill (poor guy!)...

...while Jason and I gave moral support =)

Ella and Lex enjoying their hot dogs

Time for cake! Celebrating children in Heaven and on Earth...

My Sis-in-law and me

Laila and Ella sharing a moment...

These are too precious!

Watching Lex open a birthday gift

It was good to see Jared and Katie Jo. We haven't seen them in forever. They must have had enough of us on vacation... =)

Proud Mama and Papa

Me and my little man

Carson and Cade dancing- they were too much!! I love this picture, because it looks like they were doing choreography. haha!

Laughing with Grammy and Pappaw

Ella said, "Mommy, take a picture of me holding Ami. He's my best buddy and really loves when I hold him!" I'm sure he does, Honey! haha!

What's a Lawyer get-together without some cornhole?

Synchronization. haha! I love it!

Thanks for having us, Chad and April! We had a great time!

Noodles!

Okay, so I realize these are more eating pictures, but they are too cute! Cade was having so much fun with his noodles tonight at dinner and, you know me, I couldn't help but snap some pictures. His excitement over his food was cracking us up!!

So silly!! I just love his spunky personality and the fact that his little life is all about having FUN!!

By the way, if you are looking for recipes to use up all those summer veggies, try ratatouille! It is so healthy and so delicious, plus it's kind of fun to say (at least Ella thinks so =) The kiddos loved it!

Pretty little lady

I see pictures like this and can't believe how fast this little girl is growing up! She is such a little lady and is so proud of her "new, pretty church dress". She put it on, spun around, and said, "Wow, Daddy is really going to love this! I just don't think I could be any prettier!" =)

Mmmm...

Our kiddos are really enjoying their fresh vegetables these days. They had yellow squash for the first time yesterday and both asked for seconds. Cade is crazy about fresh tomatoes, and they both LOVE corn on the cob! We had all three for dinner last night and they couldn't get enough.

Haha! I love this little face! We feel the same way, Buddy!

Cornhole, anyone? =)

Cade's "button"

Cade sure loves that belly button! We play this game at least a hundred times a day at this house, and every one is cuter than the last. =)

Lazy Sunday