Pool Party!

A few weeks ago, Tiffany invited us over to her Dad's for a swim--and it was one of the most fun afternoons we've ever had. You know those just perfect days--this was one of them! The kids had so much fun and we played for hours--literally! We left at 3 pm and Lola passed out before we could even get out of the neighborhood :)

Tiff made a great lunch for the kids and for us.
Being silly & funny, as usual.




Love this one of Tiff & Preseton-sweet kisses.
Preston shared the love with his girl Lola, too. I think his mom approves :)

Um, looks like I already posted these--oh well! Too hard to delet on Blogger!

After a few hours pool side, they still wanted to play some more indoors!

+ Loving Mary +

Yesterday, we told Lola that she was going to be able to bring Mary flowers before Mass. Lola visits with Mary every Mass, but today was extra special. August 15 is the day on the Church's calendar that we celebrate Mary's Assumption into heaven--body & soul. We wanted Lola to bring her something special as a symbol of our love for her.

Last night, while we were laying in bed talking about how she was going to bring Mary flowers, she was quick to add: "I give her kiss. I give her hug." And then, when we were getting out of the car this morning and said: "Ok, we're going to go see Mary now." she was quick to also add: "I see Jesus." It amazes us that at such a young, tender age, she is already able to connect the two. I do not recall "learning" about my faith so much as since I can remember, I've know it. That is our hope for her--that she never recalls a time when she didn't know the love our faith provides.
The "kiss"



The "hug"

Our sweet girl.
She wanted to make sure she said hello to St. Francis as well.



As always, we run into Papa at some point during 10 AM Mass. What a blessing to still have him, so full of life. That OUR grandparents know Lola and she knows them is something we treasure.

Brats & Corn

Just a simple meal on the grill tonight--Brats & Corn on the cob--but it always tastes better when shared with great friends :) And to top it off--Ice Cream at Sam & Jake's for dessert! Thanks Tom :)

Ellyana & Lola--sometimes sharing isn't easy at 3 & 2 years old--but they usually do a pretty good job!
A beautiful mommy & a sweet, precious baby--Alissa & Kyleena.

She is perfect--hardly ever makes a peep and they can take her ANYWHERE!
Got to get used to holding a baby again!
Lola in motion--super fast!

Choo-Choo Johnny's

Tiff had the great idea of taking Lola & Preston to Choo-Choo Johnny's in Frankfort for lunch, so we met them there this afternoon. Their theme is "meals on train wheels"--and what kid at this age doesn't love the "choo-choo train"?! They loved watching the choo-choo go by and bring the food. They even got to ride a "choo-choo" together.
Preston, right after Lola gave him a smooch. Ha!
They had an amazing Lionel set-up.
Straining to see the choo-choo that went around the entire joint.


Here's our meal!
Pics while eating don't turn out the best, but they're still so adorable!

Such buddies.

Her new favorite spot.

That would be hanging out in Mommy & Daddy's bed.

Puppies!

Grammy & Brittany had a litter of 11--yes, 11!--Great Dane puppies 4 weeks ago. They are such beautiful dogs--if we had a big yard and I wasn't highly allergic, we'd be welcoming a new puppy home. Instead, Lola has to settle for just being able to play with them, which she really enjoyed doing on Grammy's lawn last week. She is so unbelievably gentle with them (and babies). She was petting them and counting them and telling us their colors and giving them kisses. So sweet.

If you or anyone you know are interested in a new puppy, let me know. While they are big, the are a highly recommended breed for children because they are so docile.

Sight Words

We started working on sight words before the summer, then kind of let it fall by the wayside--we got too busy enjoying all the fun that comes with the sun! As fall is approaching, we're gearing up again for "school"--and have a new addition to the academy.

We took down her shapes (Lola actually cried when she realized what we were doing)--since she has them down, we can just continue to reinforce them through puzzles, etc. In their place, we put up the sight words that are in volume 1 of her Preschool Prep Company series. Shockingly, she remembers about half of them! It won't be long before she has them mastered and we can start using the readers she got from Nonna & Papa for her birthday!

"Lola, where is 'of'?"