Potty Training, Cookies, A Doll House, Bible School, Taking Showers, Playdates and Benezette 2011!

They say that time just FLIES as you get older, and I'm totally convinced that children make time go even faster...especially when they're 2 years old and as lively as my Beamer!

I consider myself very lucky to LOVE my job, but I have to admit that I LOVE it even more during the summer months!

Lazy afternoons with my baby girl, eating popsicles and playing outside!

...and watching to see those popsicles turn your tongue silly colors! See!!??

And just because they're adorable...take a look at these pigs in flip flops! :)

****************************************************************************
The next order of business...

I'm very proud to report that Brooke Mackenzie Wray is POTTY TRAINED!
Potty training was my main goal of the summer and was accomplished rather quickly!

Brooke has always shown interest in the potty, but never consistently 'tried.'

My mom worked with her during the school year, and I started right away in the summer.

Brooke was ready to be a BIG GIRL and it didn't take long before she was only interested in 'big girl guccies' and turned off by diapers!

Great Job Sis! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!

You're such a BIG GIRL!

***************************************************************************

Looking for a fun summer evening activity?

Cover your counter tops with flour and cookie dough and let your little one roll it out and make a messy mess!

Find super fun cookie cutter shapes and decorate with icing and fun sprinkles!

I'm sorry that I don't have any photos of the final product, but those delicious cookies didn't last very long after being decorated!

Yummy!

*****************************************************************************

Our neighbors across the street are known for their great yard sales!

Although I've never been much of a yard sale shopper (even though it looks super fun!), these folks always seem to have great kids stuff! Lots of baby gear, clothes and toys for lots of lucky little kids!

A few weeks ago, they were setting up for another early Saturday morning sale, when we spotted this beautifully pink doll house on their porch.

Brooke caught sight of it and I knew instantly that it would have to be hers! ( I think I was more excited about it than she was!)

Zig was getting up early that Saturday to golf, so I asked him to go buy it, if it was still there when he left!

When Brooke and I got up that morning and walked downstairs, we saw this fabulously-girly doll house waiting for us!

"Oh....My....Goodness!"

I'm pretty sure we could get rid of all other toys in the playroom, since this is the only thing we play with anymore!

Although the doll house didn't come with any people or furniture, I've found that the Fisher Price doll house people are the perfect fit!

**************************************************************************
Vacation Bible School 2011 has been the first year that Brooke could actually take part and somewhat understand what was happening!

I have a growing fear of what it will be like to drop Brooke off at preschool for the first time in about a year, so we're practicing with things like Sunday School with Judy, Children's Church, and even Bible School!

Brooke and Ava

Brooke on the firetruck...
(Check the outfit...OMG!)

...decorating cookies for a snack...

...painting a beautiful sun-catcher cross...

During some the game-times, many of the littler ones played on the playground! These were some of Brooke's favorite times!

I love to see her making friends and being social!

Creative with her snacks!

Miss Maria ended each evening with a special prayer circle!

I love that she was brave enough to take part and hold hands with the other kiddos!

By the last evening, Brooke was feeling very independent!

Miss Allison was a great helper! She wanted to take care of Brooke and be her friend at Bible School!

*******************************************************************************

And just incase you weren't sure whether or not Brooke was a BIG GIRL or not, the proof is in the pictures!

Our days of tub-time and splashing are over...now replaced by the 'rain' in the shower!

Is she seriously this big already?

**************************************************************************

Beach babe!

All set and ready for a swim-date with Michelle and Malaina!

These girls have spent lots of time together, and it's so cool to see them play and just be friends....like the Mommies!

We're so thankful for our friendship with these ladies...

And especially for ice cream snacks!

...and ending the day with naked side-walk chalk! HA!

*************************************************************************
Benezette 2011!

On the road again!

I'm sorry to say that I hardly have any pictures of our 3rd trip to Benezette!

The kids were just so busy keeping US busy and spent more time running in circles...too busy to stop for pictures!

My family of 3 arrived in Benezette on Thursday and awaitedthe Dugan family arrival the next morning!

We spent our days playing in the pool, running in the sun, and even rolling down the hills on a SLIP-N-SLIDE!

Simple pleasures...splashing in the hot tub!

Our Aunt Meggie is just the best!

She really does think of everything!

She has prepared a huge tub full of crafts and games for the kids...

They finger painted, they made bead necklaces and belts, they dot painted masterpieces, went fishing in the pools, and terrorized each other with squirt guns!

Kept them busy and they had so much fun!

We were even a BIG GIRL in Benezette!

YAY Brookie!

On our last evening in the mountains, we all loaded up and went to the brand new Visitor's Center in Benezette!

What a beautiful facility!

There was a gift shop, an exploring room where kids could touch antlers and skin of woodsy animals, an observation room with binoculars and interactive Elk games, and even a 3-screen theater that taught us all about the life and migration of the Pennsylvania Elk population!

After we left the center, we walked the trails and looked for Elk!

When we spotted a Momma elk and her babies, Brooke hopped on Daddy's shoulders to see for herself!

"She's so beautiful!," Brooke said!

Heading home from the Visitor's Center...

3 characters...and they had an absolute blast together!

I can't believe that this has been the 3rd year we've taken Brooke to Benezette!

This annual Richard family trip is becomming quite the tradition!

Thanks, Nan and Pap for making it happen for all of us!

What a life!

This summer has been so wonderful...and there's LOTS more to come!