Squeezing Every Last Drop Out of Summer

I can't believe it's mid August! I'm over 37 weeks now and according to my doctor the baby is in position. I'm a centimeter dilated though I've felt like I've been a centimeter dilated since I had Lily. Haha. It's weird to think how our family will change. Last night we went to the playground because it was a nice night and I feel like the kids have been cooped up a bit. It was nice all being together. The kids were so happy. Jack was proud of himself showing me how he can do the monkey bars. Lily scaled a rock wall that I'm pretty sure was designed for kids five and older. It scared me! Then we went to the famous sunflower field on Calkins Road and let them explore. They loved that the sunflowers (some of them) were as big as their heads.

I can't believe he is going to be five soon!

Fearless

Check out Indiana

This is one of my favorite pictures! I love the smile on his face.

Not to be outdone by her big brother...

Calkins Rd. Sunflower Field

Deciding whether the sunflowers were really bigger than their heads.

We told Lily to pose next to her brother. I like how she links arms.

Full Term! Me and my kiddos.

Happy Anniversary to Us...

*Note to self: We need more pictures of us together. :)

It's never lost on me how lucky I am to have such an amazing guy for a husband. He's a true partner and friend. He's an incredible dad who is patient and kind. He tells me I look beautiful even when I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, swollen and alternating two outfits that actually fit. He works so hard to provide for us and rarely complains. He is also brilliantly smart. And, he's not bad on the eyes either. Haha. I think actions speak louder than words though so just this week here are some examples of what makes me love this guy:

1. The other day he was teaching Jack about the solar system and rocket ships and boosters and the atmosphere. Then he went on to teach Jack about the Greek alphabet. I'm not sure what the correlation was between the two. But, I love that he encourages the kids to learn and grow and doesn't baby them.

2. When he comes home from work after a long day he takes Lily up to change her because the thought of me walking up the stairs just one more time and hoisting her onto the changing table is exhausting.

3. He indulges my to-do lists and set up the bassinet last night--which, trust me, was much more complicated than it sounds.

4. When I had a complete meltdown over the fact that I continue to pack on weight with this baby he says, "Carrie, you're pregnant and you look great."

5. He cleaned the playroom up while I went to the store last night because just bending over right now is a feat in itself. I can mop floors and wash countertops but the actual picking up of the toys is a huge task!

6. He puts the kids down every night and when he can't, they get upset. They love their dad.

Life has been a bit crazy lately and I expect it to get even crazier (in a good way). So, I think it's important to take a break and wish ourselves a happy anniversary. Woohoo!

It Takes A Village...

While we were off at our Syracuse wedding, Toni and Dave came to stay with the kiddos. It was a great relief for us. They know Jack and Lily and their routine so there is a comfort level for both us and the kids. I have been lax lately and forgot to get some pictures. But, I have been told almost every day since the wedding weekend something about their visit. While Toni and Dave were here they also, along with Steve and Kate, took the kids to Roseland Water Park in Canandaigua. Here are some of the gems I've heard in the last few weeks. I figure if I can't share pictures, at least I can share words:

Jack

• "Mom, when are we going to go back to Roseland Water Park? They have a lazy river there and it's so relaxing. You would looooove it."
• "Mom, Grandma Toni is a chicken. She wouldn't go on the water slides."
• "Mom, Aunt Kate didn't want to go backwards down the water slide but I told the girl to put us backwards and she did."
• "When can I go fly a delta plane to Memphis?"
• "Mom, Grandpa Dave and I went down the Hernit Crane (?) together and it was soo fast."
• "Mom, Grandpa Dave and Steve and Kate and I all went down together on the green slide. That was sooooooooo FUN!"
• "Lily had to go to urgent care because she got stung four times by one bee. Lily didn't like the bees. Me and Kate did the right thing to help Lily when she got stung by the bee. The stuff we needed tasted like cherries." ??
• "Sometimes some things smell good when there's a little but they smell really bad when there's alot...like perfume. Aunt Kate told me so."
• Grandma Toni and I LOVE to do projects.

Lily

• In response to David saying they were going to Wegmans for lunch yesterday..."Ok, but let's eat inside where there are no bees."
• "I'm going to fly JetPink to Memphis."
• This isn't my bed. This is Grandma Toni's bed.
• Grandpa Dave forgot the Delta cookies.

There are more. They obviously had a great time and loved having so much family around. Thank you everyone for giving David and I some peace of mind and for taking such great care of the kids. We are always so grateful for the help! And, we love that the kids love their grandparents and aunts and uncles so much. :)

Taryn and Dave's Wedding

Taryn and Dave's wedding was amazing. They did such a great job planning every last detail...especially from London! The band was awesome, the cocktail reception was awesome, the cake, the food...everything. I didn't manage to get many pictures (in fact I think David snapped most of these)because I was too busy soaking it all in. Taryn was a gorgeous bride but that kind of went without saying. Much love to you both!

Beautiful Bride!

The way the place was set up the band was above us! It was AWESOME!

Looking pretty happy!

Taryn's Shower

We had a lovely shower for Tarbear. Here are some of my favorite pics! Her colors were royal purple and green. Judging from her lovely gifts I bet she is whipping up scones and fish and chips for Dave right this very moment.

These cookies not only looked beautiful but they tasted amazing. There were all different shades of purple, white and green.

Tar had a crew of helpers with her gifts.

Wouldn't be a "Tracy" shower without some Waterford!

Not only does she know her way around a hospital floor but she also has mad notekeeping skills.

The groom's family

Mom and daughter

Delaney and Ben...So Sweet!

I love how my aunt is looking on in the background.

So happy for the bride!

Can you see the resemblance? :)

My Aunt Margaret, Dad's cousin Kathy, and Aunt Mary. When they were little they shared a home between two families. I forget the number of children between the two families...I want to say over 12 at least.

Sisters!

May Visit

We had a blast visiting with Erin, Bob and the kids. It's been awhile since I've seen Nathan and Vivian. They are growing up so quickly. Jack and Lily played so nicely with them. Here are some pictures that the talented Mrs. May sent my way. I love getting photos from her! I wish I could make some of them bigger. Lily was particularly smitten with "Naphan." They also loved when Erin brought cake pops from Starbucks. Hopefully we can all get together again soon.