little fish.

remember that post at the beginning of the summer of the girl who preferred to sit on the side of the pool and just watch and splash. well, that didn't last long! :)

fourth fun.

from the fourth of july. it's still july. i get a break. :)

the beach.

what's not to love about the beach? every one in our family loves it. but we all love it for different reasons. this trip neither one of a kids actually went in the water. avery just wants to run. literally, just run back and forth. blake just wants to dig and loves getting messy. although, he did enjoy running and chasing the ball. mark likes to collect hermit crabs. and me. well, i'd really just like to lay there in the water (and take pictures). i admit i see pictures of kids running out of the ocean and looking so happy and care free and want my kids to do the same. but, that's just not them or their personality. these photos are very true to the way they are. i love the beach and i love them even more! 

yes, we had a swimsuit change because those swim diapers just don't really stand the test when it comes to poo. but, we're always prepared! :)

he did enjoy some yoga beachside.

but mainly stuck to digging in the sand. 

avery was quite the poser when i asked to take her picture. sassy much?

it's always nice to sit and have snacks too under the tent! 

we met some sweet friends too this trip! their daughter loved the water and running in and out of the ocean! her and blake are the same age!


she is also pregnant and due in october so these two babies will be even closer in age! she told me she would be wearing a bikini. guess, i can cross wearing a bikini to the beach off my pregnancy bucket list! sorry if you were just blinded! :)

four years old.

it's official. i have a four year old! i still don't know how it happened but it did. the past year her personality has continued to grow and blossom. sounds so cliche, i know. she's a bit of a silly one. she's a little more opinionated. she asks a million questions (even when she knows the answers). she's still sweet and has a beautiful heart. she's got some sassy in her. okay, she's got a lot a sassy in her. she's bossy and can boss you around without you even realizing what is going on. she's kind and cares for her little brother tremendously. she's a tester and likes to push the limits to see what she can get away with. some days i spend telling her all day what she can't do. it's not fun but it's necessary. then the next is yes ma'am's and helping hands. she's still a cuddler. she tips the scale at 29 lbs and is still my half pint. running. that is her thing. she is a great runner. i see triathlons in her future since she loves to swim and bike as well. she's still girly and loves to accessorize her outfits. all in all she is a genuinely sweet kid and with an incredibly sweet disposition. i couldn't be more proud of the little girl she is becoming. 

the night before she turned 4 we had a sitter for blake and took her out for dinner and bowling. 

the day she turned 4 was a saturday. i went to the grocery store in the morning and wanted to put balloons in her room as a surprise. i wasn't too quiet and think i woke up her.  it was 6 something in the morning. i should add she insisted on putting on her crown and boa. it balances out the superman pajamas of her brothers. here you have her first morning as a 4 year old. 

her present was waiting outside for her. 

don't look too thrilled about turning 4. ;)