Happy July

In July we flew back to PA for, my niece, Natalie’s wedding.  It was a beautiful ceremony and everyone in the wedding party held up so well considering the unbearable heat and humidity.

Well, except Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth was one of two flower girls, and I don’t blame her one bit for being a little moody.  Under four layers of organza and satin skirt with unfamiliar sweat dripping down her body and gnats sticking to her, she wasn’t quite herself.

The day before at rehearsal, she was fabulous.  At the wedding with the heat and having so many people shower her with attention, she almost melted (down).  She refused to walk the aisle, so Mommy had to carry her…but we did it!

She was very happy to see everyone and loved having Nick spin her around in circles (the breeze probably felt good!).

Here she is with all of her cousins (except the bride and a bridesmaid).

And with Mommy and Daddy.

And with Mom Mom.  She was trying so hard to be a good girl and smile even though she was totally overheating at this point…

My brother and sister-in-law came to pick her up after the cocktail hour and before the reception.  The original plan was to hike around Audubon’s park or Valley Forge Historical Park, but I recommended cooling her off.  So they went to our hotel and got her into the pool.  I’m learning there should always be a backup plan! 

The long weekend home was filled with lots of activities.  A party at Bobby’s, a rehearsal dinner, and just getting together with both families as often as possible.

I thought this was cute, though.  While at Carol’s house, Elizabeth wanted to share her toys with Seamus, so she showed him how to use her computer…

And she loves car, truck, trains, and tractors so when Uncle Joe let her play on his tractor she was in heaven!

Back at home Elizabeth took a yogurt bath one day.  She soaked up her napkin with her yogurt and then proceeded to rub it on her arms and face.  The next big skin cream product?!  Maybe!

Elizabeth enjoys being in Steph’s room while she is playing her guitar.  One day she dragged a bunch of toys into Steph’s room.

Then she proceeded to drive her train around Steph’s guitar while she played.

I’m so grateful that Steph is such a patient and loving person!

I went for a walk around our lake one night at sunset.  This is just one picture of that beautiful evening.  I love our open skies and the silhouette of the mountain range.

We moved our business early this month.  We took the suites just next door to us so we can double our space.  Although we just moved next door, it still amazes me how much time, effort, and money, a move takes.

We even put Elizabeth to work…

And Steph helps out during the Olde Town festival watching Elizabeth for us since we usually have the store open for business.  Here they are on the Scrumptious Pig.

Thank you Christopher for loaning us Thomas the Train!  Our nephew Christopher has sent us all of his Thomas train tracks, trains, a book, and all sorts of goodies for Elizabeth to play with.  He was keeping them for his kids but wanted to share with Eliz when he found out how much she loved Thomas.

We have set up multiple track designs in several different rooms.  It became a game for the three adults to see who could come up with the largest and most interesting designs!  Ha!

Have I told you that we have coyotes in the area?  And we’ll see them walking through the “back yard”? 

We’ve had this beautiful young one come through for several days now.  We’ve even woken up to find him sleeping among the trees behind our house.  He’s so healthy looking and we love seeing him.  We just keep having conversations with Elizabeth about wildlife and not petting any dogs unless she asks permission first, etc etc.

One day I heard our neighbors break out into huge laughter while I was inside the house.  That’s when I realized my “Naked Baby” had gone outside…with her fireman’s hat on…and nothing else.  She picked up a broom to help her Daddy and that’s when our neighbors couldn’t contain themselves any longer.

Who could blame them?  It was a hysterical sight to see her out there sweeping…

More pictures and videos on the July WebAlbum.