celebrating...

On Tuesday we celebrated mommy's 9th anniversary of turning 29. Although it was mommy's day, I got to benefit. Daddy tried to sneak balloons into the house the night before, but I saw... and gave the secret away.

I helped mommy open presents and then we took a trip to the dentist.




After we visited Dr. Mike, we headed to Laguna for a walk on the bluffs. Well, actually, it was more like an obstacle course for me....

with hanging....


stairs...


balancing...


and a few moments for "cheese."




We ate at the delicious Zinc Cafe for lunch.


After a good nap and bath, Mimi and Beau came over and mommy and daddy went to dinner and a movie. But before they left, daddy had a sweet surprise.




Another benefit for me.... and Beau.


Here's to another year of fun, healthy and happy year!

first day of {parent and me} preschool.

Monday was the first day of parent and me preschool for Avery and me. It was a fun morning filled with crafts, puzzles, toys, outside playtime and snack time.






No, I didn't snap the picture during a blink.... on the way home, I turned around to check on my silent baby only to see her eating mangoes with her eyes closed.



We are looking forward to a lot of fun and learning at preschool!

perfecting the self-portrait...

autumn.

I call it "ready for Fall." Sean calls it "rushing summer." I have to admit that by the time Sept 1st rolls around, I am very ready for Fall. I'm not sure if it's because I'm ready for the cool down in weather or the change in decorations around our house or the feel-good holidays that are approaching. What I do know is that once Labor Day weekend has come and gone, you can bet there will be some autumn decorations around my home.






Mimi, Avery and I took a trip up to Roger's Gardens, one of my most favorite places to "get inspired." Looks like they are ready for Fall, too.








Ten more days until the official start of Fall!


How excited are you?!

beginning and end.

What a day yesterday was! We started the day with "Elmo" being interrupted for a severe weather warning. I thought, yeah, right. An hour later, we had a spectacular (for Southern California) thunder, lightening and hail storm. It was so fun to sit with Avery under the covered patio and watch and talk about the storm. As she held the pea-sized hail, she said over and over, "This is exciting." When she heard thunder, she said, "Oooooo, under." It was a fun morning!



The end of the day was spent picking carrots from our garden. A few months ago, Archer and I planted carrot seeds. Yesterday, we pulled them up. It was a fun surprise to see all the shapes, sizes and colors of our carrots.







Someone else wanted in on the fun.






Only in Southern California....

the home stretch.

Our summer went out with a bang.... here are some of the things we made sure to fit in before our summer ended!

We visited the OC fair with some dear friends. It was Avery's first time and as you can guess from the photos, she had so much fun!



Cruising around with her buddies, {two of} the Jennings' girls


Giddy up. Mom learned a lesson about pony rides at the fair. Don't ask your two year old if she wants to go on a pony ride before you ask how much it is... but I have to say her smile during the entire ride was definitely worth $10.


First fair ride- LOVED it!


Another ride...


An OC Fair must.... corn on the cob.


We also took a train ride down to Tommy Pastrami, San Diego. Mommy, Avery, Mimi, Auntie Kelly, Archer, Beau and the Davenport fam rode the Coaster to downtown San Diego to visit Papa and Uncle Timmy. What a fun way to travel... and you can't beat the ocean view for most of the hour long ride.




Could not get Beau and Avery to take their eyes off of Uncle Timmy...


Visited Mommy's BFF, Heather in Atlanta


Bride and Groom to be


After a fun visit in Atlanta, we loaded everyone in the car, including Roxy and headed to Hilton Head, SC for The Big Day.


Someone found some "princess shoes."


A Hilton Head sunset with Daddy.


A stroll with Mommy after eating at the famous Salty Dog Cafe


Lots and lots of pool time!


After Hilton Head, we drove to Orlando to visit Auntie Jennifer, Uncle Doug and Siena for a couple days.

Someone found the cool spot in the house- smart cookie!




Keepin' cool in the pool.


More play time for the cousins.


A little late and a little early....


We wrapped up summer time festivities with a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's for a Labor Day BBQ.

Avery is a Scooter loving little girl....


She rode the tricycle for the first time by herself.


Wearing big cousin, Conor's hat


Avers and Scooter relaxing on the hammock.


Can't forget the backyard fun...lots of buns... mommy's personal favorite.


We made a lot of fun memories this summer. We hope you did, too!