Why, oh Why?

So, we're a little perplexed by our sweet, little Anna. As of late, she seems to prefer the floor to her bed. Apparently, I was unaware that many children this age seem to go through a similar stage. I am reassured by this, but still confused. I guess as long as she stays in her room, I am okay with her preference!

Isn't she the sweetest? Love her little, tiny face!

Partay!

What a beautiful day for parties! We had a graduation and birthday party today and loved spending so much time outdoors celebrating!!

Our neighbor Matt just graduated from Wright State with an engineering degree. We have really enjoyed getting to know Matt & Ally (and their dogs Belle & Chloe). Congratulations Matt!!

We also celebrated Landon's half birthday (he's 5 1/2). He wanted a pirate themed birthday party and the kids had fun going on a treasure hunt and making fun pirate crafts!

Deanna once again made an amazing cake. The pirate ship was so cool and tasted delicious! Happy Birthday Landon!

Father's Day '11

My family is blessed with loving, godly men in our lives. We had a nice day celebrating and honoring those men yesterday! I am so thankful for my husband, dad, father-in-law and grandfathers that have molded my life. What a blessing to have such great men to love me and take care of me!

I can't imagine doing this life without Ben. He is a wonderful husband and father to my girls.

Three generations! The girls adore their Papa!!

We are so thankful that we could spend Saturday with Grandpa Shepherd at the family wedding. We were able to hug him, give him a gift and tell him how much we LOVE him!

My dad... words seem inadequate. I love this man!!

Aunt Debbie's Wedding

On Saturday, we drove up to northern Ohio for Aunt Debbie's wedding. The girls were flower girls, Grammy was a bridesmaid and Papa a groomsmen. They had a beautiful small wedding on a lake. We had a nice time celebrating with Debbie and her new husband, Bill!

Burning some energy before the ceremony!

Claire the flower girl!

And... Anna the flower girl!

The beautiful bride and her son, Brian!

Grammy & Papa in the recessional!

Cute flower girls!

The bride and groom with the bride's father and siblings (Uncle John, Grammy, Aunt Debbie, Bill, Aunt Mary, Aunt Shari and Grandpa Shepherd).

We were able to take a pontoon boat ride after the ceremony!

Putt Putt Golf

Grammy & Papa took the girls miniature golfing recently. They had so much fun and have asked several times to go back!

Big Apple Adventure

It's time again for VBS!!! Our church is doing the Big Apple Adventure! Even though it is an EXHAUSTING week, it's so neat to witness the kids learning verses and interested in God's word!!!

The girls have so much fun singing and dancing to the music!

A busy, but fun week!

Fun with Friends

My best friend, Maria, was in town from Michigan so we met for lunch the other day. It was fun to chat with Maria and watch our kids play!

Silly kids!

A little more serious!

Fun times!!!

Bowling

I signed the girls up for the Kids Bowl Free program again this summer. You can't beat free and it's a great activity for them on a rainy or really hot day! We had fun going with our friends, Elliott and William!

I love how they're looking at each other!!

Change is HARD

Change is hard, especially when that change includes leaving behind a lifetime of memories. This is what my grandma is having to do as she leaves her home of 25 years and the home she shared with my sweet grandpa. He actually left us to meet Jesus in this home, so it will be hard to say goodbye for many reasons. My grandma is moving to a much smaller apartment at a retirement community so she's having to part with most of her material things. Please continue to pray for her as she makes this huge transition.

Today was our last lunch with Grandma McDowell at her house. Very sad for me (and her).

You can see ALL the moving boxes.

We love our time with her and look forward to the future!

Strawberries!

The girls and I picked strawberries today. It was a bit warm, but we had fun anyway!!!

Pick one...

Eat one!

Anna really got into this time... much improved from last year!

Showing off one of her "treasures" as she referred to the big, red strawberries!

Graduation

Uncle Steven graduated today from medical school. He is now officially a doctor!! We are so excited for him as he begins his residency in July and proud of his hard work throughout school. Congratulations, Dr. Baird!

Walk for Strays

We attended the annual 'SISCA Walk for Strays' again this year! It is such so much fun to see all the dogs and support a great cause at the same time. We love our dogs!!!

The greyhound rescue that I volunteer for, 'TEAM Greyhound Adoption of Ohio', had a booth to help promote greyhound adoption! There were a lot of greyhounds at the walk and every year we notice more and more greyhounds. So exciting!

Walking for strays!

Who's walking who here?!?!

Sophie loves to cool off in baby pools! We were told that many greyhound tracks use baby pools to help the dogs cool off after racing.

All three of my girls!