DAF 2013

The kids and I headed south a couple of weekends ago to the Dogwood Azalea Festival in my hometown of Charleston, MO. Scott had to work this year and we missed him at this annual event. We enjoyed some of the festivities in town, but mainly played out in the country. 

Lila is in her element out there. I try to make her a girly girl, and she complies for the most part. For now. But she loves being outside, yelling loudly, and getting dirty. I lost the battle on the PJs outside, but it actually works in my favor. One less outfit I have to worry about her getting dirty. 

 My mom's irises are so pretty. Ours haven't bloomed yet and for some reason they are late every year. 

 Waiting for the parade to start on Saturday. He's really not sad, he's just doing everything in his power to not look at me. 

 She didn't much care for the parade at first. But she got into it when she realized there was candy involved. 

 I have a million pictures of them not looking at the camera. 

 Nate took this one - thank you!

 Again, no camera looks. 

 Thane joined the parade party. And stuck out his tongue a lot... 

 He just got 2 new teeth! First ones!

 Resting up between floats. 

 After lunch and a rest, we went down to Hamil's to get the race stuff out of the barn. 

 The kids blew dandelions...

 and played on the big lawn mower. 

 That Lila turned on all by herself. 

 It probably scared Nero because he had to come check it out. 

 Nate played galactic space shuttle, or something like that. 

 On Saturday night, we went down to Hamil & Sarah's to eat. Y'all. It was the first time I have eaten a meal down there since before my Nana went to the nursing home in 2002? (sorry if that's not right - around then). It was so special. I am so thankful that Hamil & Sarah live there. 

 As you can see, the kids and Wayne had a grand time playing around. 

 Makes my heart smile:) 

 Lila dressed up on a different day. Before she got into the mud up to her knees! 

 So peaceful here. St. Louis is where I live, but this will always be my home. 

Behind & Shopping

I've been a little under water lately and am way behind on blogging. I'll catch up sooner or later on the Dogwood Azalea Festival, our 12th anniversary, and lots of other Boyle events, but for now, just enjoy Lila's shopping experience on Friday. 

She took these shoes off the mannequin. Yes, she did. 

 Yes, we get a lot of looks from other store patrons. I don't care. 

 She loves it. And doesn't get too upset when we arrive home and she figures out we don't have her new glasses. 

Summer Loves

I'm pretty much lovin' the change in wardrobe due to the warmer weather. Give me capris and flip-flops over sweaters and boots any day. A few of my loves right now to go along with this theme...

This little store is in Columbus, GA. I'm not sure how I happened upon them and I have never been to their store in person. But I can tell ya, they do one heck of a job with online sales. And they have new arrivals like every day. Such cute stuff. I feel like some of their stuff is too young for me, and some of it more expensive that I'm willing to pay, but I love to look. And I've been able to make a smart selection from time to time. Check them out at Shop Bluedoor or on Facebook. 

www.shopbluedoor.com

I realize I'm very late to this trend. But since this type of shoe is still all the rage this year, I have been feeling compelled to try them out. Scott & I happened to be at the shoe store at the same time last weekend - how weird is that? (for us at least). We also had Lila in tow. While she was enjoying taking all the shoes off the rack to try them on (no harm in that, right?), I picked up a shoe similar to this one and tried it on. I really liked it! Scott didn't say anything until after I said, "They are kinda out of my comfort zone, but I think they look cute." He said,"I was hoping you would say that, but I know you don't ever like me to comment first." He has learned something over the years!! So I do kinda love them and am already kinda sorta hunting my next pair.

ladies-wedges-gallery.blogspot.com

And to go along with all these summer shoe decisions (so very important, ya know), don't leave home without this...Emily the New Yorker introduced me to this product several years ago and I always have a full container. Especially on business trips. Or at parties where you are standing up the entire time. It really does work!

www.band-aid.com

I am not being compensated for these loves. But would love to hear if you love anything today!

Happy 2nd Birthday Bluet!

Happy Happy 2nd Birthday to this little cutie...

We love you SO much and can't wait to see you very soon! 

WOTYC 2013

The SLCH CDC celebrates Week of the Young Child every April. I think it's such a fun week and the kids love it! Here is my baby girl in the parade yesterday. All grown up:(

Here is Nate's first WOTYC at the CDC, the same age as Lila is now. Hard to believe how much time has passed.  His room certainly looks a lot cleaner than Lila's looks right now. Ahem.

Lila got to meet Princess Jasmine at school yesterday as part of the festivities. Her teachers said she went right up to her, gave her a hug and sat in her lap. Wow! Such a contrast from Nate. She should be fun to take to Disney World. Not that Nate wasn't - he was just not a fan of characters:)

Outside Fun

It was a great weekend to be outside! I'm so thankful for Spring this year. The winter wasn't as tough as it was long, so we're glad for the change. Scott & the kids planted a few flowers into pots on Sunday afternoon. 

Lila got her haircut on Friday. She sat in the chair all by herself for the first time, crossed her legs, and watched the stylist's iPhone like a pro. She is so big. Too big.

She allowed me to take a jillion pictures of her. Nate? Not so much. I love the turn out of her feet here. So sweet.

Nate did let me take this one...

But went quickly back to work.

The Peach Family came over for dinner on Sunday night. Lila loves Avery. With a capital L.

These two hooligans play and play. And they fight like brother and sister:)

And while all this is going on, the big boys grill. So thankful that they are close!

Knob Rapids at Parker Creek Cabins

Now Open! Three beautiful rental cabins nestled in one of the most beautiful parts of Missouri. Located 3 miles north from Sam A. Baker State park on Hwy 143 in Patterson. 

Each cabin has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, sleeping 6-8 people. The spacious master bedroom has a queen size bed and closet. The second bedroom has a bunk bed, with lower full bed and upper twin bed. 

The kitchen is outfitted with all the modern conveniences needed for cooking delicious meals!

The living room has two full bed futons for extra sleeping space.

Spectacular Views! Mudlick Mountain has much to offer - hiking, exploring and nature seeking.

There is a small creek on the property. Perfect for little ones to play!

Canoes are available for rent at Sam A. Baker State Park. The St. Francis River is canoe friendly for the perfect Ozarks getaway! Call 573-856-4482 for rates today! Or just let me know you are interested and I'll hook you up with the right people:)

Like us on Facebook: Knob Rapids at Parker Creek Cabins

Sam A. Baker 2013

So I should be sharing beautiful photos from our awesome weekend, but alas, I have none. I did remember to take the camera, but never took it out of the bag, so you'll just have to imagine us having a great time.

It was the 32nd Sam A. Baker weekend and so much fun. This year was different, because for the first time ever, we did not stay at the park cabins. We stayed in the rental cabins that my parents built on their property this past year. They were and are wonderful. So clean and my Mom did a fabulous job outfitting them. Kudos to both my parents for their hard work in building something great. More pictures and details on the cabins to come soon.

Scott asked a few weeks ago what we would do with Lila for the day canoe trip. I said, "She's going of course!" The first year of life they don't have to go at all. The second year, they can go for a small stretch. and the third year, they are on their own. No special treatment:) Coming from a mother that does this once a year. Un-huh.

She did great and I think there are some pictures floating out there somewhere. If someone would take pity on me and send a few, that would be GREAT. Hamil, Sarah, Cathie, Robyn or Kurt.

Nate, Myra and Reid had a blast playing together. Nate was sad to come home and I totally related. It's the way I felt when I was a kid and Sam A. Baker weekend was over. So so happy and thankful to be sharing this experience with my children. I hope they always remember the specialness of this weekend.

A weekend that lasts less than 48 hours. And I'm already looking forward to next year.

Ten Things

1. The last few nights Lila has requested that I sing the Bob the Builder theme song as a lullaby.

2. The best Saturday of the year is just around the corner!

3. I've said "We shoulda done this sooner" no less than 438 times this week. Scott is gettin' kinda tired of it.

4. Nate asks me lots of questions about what he should build next, what should come next in his imaginary Lego story, and about what characters I think are coolest. You know what? I NEVER get the answer right. NEVER. I've turned it into kind of a game for myself:) Child is going to be an engineer some day. Mark my word.

5. I sorta felt like I was the one in school when I found out Nate had to make up a snow day. How dare them. The Friday before DAF no less!

6. Scott now insists on getting out the calculator when we need to give the kids a dose of Tylenol.

7. I think Kitty P has allergies too - she's been sleeping a lot more lately. Insert roll of Scott's eyes here.

8. I put the winter coats away. I challenge winter to return in April.

9. I'm going to Vegas for the first time in a few weeks. Crazy, right? Truth is, I have never had the desire to go, nor would I be going now if it weren't for work.

10. Why do I buy Cadbury eggs for the kids?

Good Friday

Nate was out of school for Good Friday, so after spending a lazy morning with Scott before he had to go to work, we headed to the Library Park for a picnic lunch. Seems Nate couldn't wait to take this bite.  

We were all so excited to be outside. Without coats. In fact we were outside so much this weekend that all of our allergies are paying us a visit. I guess I'll trade those for snow. Any day.

The sun felt so good on our faces. I encouraged Nate to close his eyes and bask in the sun. He got it. Sort of. Usually basking involves no talking. He had a hard time with that one.

Always on stage...Nate was acting out a play of sorts

A play that involved a little kitten. He told Lila to kneel down and meow like a kitten. Lo and behold, she did it.

'

I had to throw this one in there too - it's from Saturday night when we met up with the Hamil Corse and Page families for dinner at Bottleworks. My kids were all kinds of crazy (shocking) but it was so fun to be with them! You gotta love the Hero Factory sitting ON THE PLATE. Sigh.