What's up Wednesday - October?!

So I blogged a total of 3 times in October so far (counting this post) and two of them were this link up.  Ha.

I am joining this fun "What's up Wednesday" link up on the last Wednesday of the month with some of my FAVORITE bloggers.  Mix and Match Family, Pinterest Told Me To and the Larson Lingo.

What we are eating this week...

NEXT week we are getting back on track with our meal planning (i.e. I'm actually going to be more diligent with this).  But this week hasn't been TOO bad....

Monday - I seriously don't remember Monday (OMG!  Losing my mind)

Tuesday - Jimmy made the kids fish sticks and I stood up eating a few

Wednesday (tonight!) - I was a little more on teh ball and took a delicious brown sugar salmon HyVee freezer meal out of the freezer and into the fridge before work.  It was DELICIOUS!  And Maddie even ate lots of green beans (crazy!)

Thursday - Pot Roast from the 1/2 cow we bought

Friday - CostCo pizza and hot dogs at our Royals party

Saturday - Soup at a neighbors house before we trick or treat!

What I'm reminiscing about...

It doesn't seem possible that this will be our THIRD Halloween in this house.

Two years ago, we had a Charlie Brown (and gang) and only went to a few houses because our 15 month old was, well 15 months old. (I was also pregnant, but had no idea I was!)

Last year, we dressed up as Toy Story characters...but Maddie was almost 4 months old and it was COLD!  But still - she was sooooo little!

And this year?  Two full blown kids/ninja turtles who cannot wait to trick or treat and a handful of neighbors to FINALLY hang out with.

What I'm loving...

Last month I said I was loving that the Royals were headed to the playoffs.  And guess what?!?  The won the playoffs and are currently in the WORLD SERIES versus the Mets!  How awesome!?

What's super fun is that I got to go to the game where they won and were headed to the World Series with work and sat in the Crown Club again.  Seriously amazing!!!!

Even better when another coworker that gets a ticket that night is a good friend.  Amy and I had a blast!!!  Was so cool being there for the win and so close to see all the players kids and families come down!!

What we've been up to....

WHEN.DOES.LIFE.SLOW.DOWN?

Someone please clue me in.  Or wait.....DON'T.  Because I think the answer is "in about 20 years" when your kids are grown.  I mean for heaven's sake.  The madness has just begun, huh?

Work has been crazy for both Jimmy and I.  He has traveled a few times, I traveled to NY in the last month, he's still coaching football (ALMOST over!) constantly, we are staying busy with social events, church and everything in between dealing with fall in general.

In summary, a lot (which more recap posts to come on that because I don't want to miss out on these recaps!).  But life is good - crazy, but good.  And Maddie got boots with the fur and they are amazing.

What I'm dreading...

I'm dreading the now with our THREENAGER.  Charlie man.  Whew.  He's exhausting us all!!

I posted this picture on Instagram this morning with the following caption.

"Charlie: age 3.25. The age when parenting got much harder.  Send advice.  Send prayers.  Send booze.  The attitude, fighting, crying, screaming with us starts at 5am and starts back up at 5pm.  Last 3 days have made me want to run away to my own island".

Of course, my friends were so amazing and commented that 3 is HARD and all of those with kiddos the same age are going through it too or if their kids are older it has gotten better.  But my oh my.  I'm dreading what this next 3/4 of a year looks like if we really have to wait until when he turns 4 for it to get better!!

What I've been working on....

Attempting to find balance in all the madness.

But the unfinished paint in Charlie's room (nope, still not done...) and the painted furniture that just needs a seal WILL be done next week because we are having visitors come stay with us - YEAH!!  Wassingers.  Cannot wait!  But get it done!

What I'm excited about...

Halloween!!

The kiddos both have school parties on Friday afternoon, but my work also has our annual "spooktacular" where all the kids come in and trick or treat around the office. I gave Charlie the option and he said he really wanted to go to my work (which I wasn't too surprised because he thinks the only thing I do is trick or treat and hang out with Slugger - Royals mascot - at work because those are the only two times he has been there!).  So we are skipping school parties and partying at the stock exchange!

Saturday will be busy with our neighborhood fun and parade before trick or treating and a little dinner with Kate's family (Charlie's BFF that lives down the street)...then trick or treating. 

I am excited that we will be participating in the teal pumpkin project this year as well and have some non-food/candy items for those kids with food allergies.  Very neat!

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What I'm watching/reading...

Lately I have been super busy with work so I haven't been able to read a ton (other than all my presentations and spreadsheets- ha!).  But I have been keeping up on my DVR.

Nashville is so good!  And Blood & Oil - I'm really liking.

But Scandal took a whole new turn and I cannot wait to see where that AND How to Get Away with Murder end up - AHHH!!

Oh and we have had the Royals games on constantly - duh.

What I'm listening to...

Just a little bit of everything these days!

What I'm wearing...

So I finally gave in - and got Stitch Fix!!!

I know right?  A little late to the game.  I actually just decided to bite the bullet and sign up when one of my new coworkers EVERYDAY I told her that he clothes were cute and asked where she got that shirt and she said "from stitch fix".  

I got it the Monday I got back from NY and was so excited I tried everything on immediately even though I had a ton to do to unpack, etc.  I really liked a lot of the clothes (didn't take a picture of everything).  A few things to note: the jeans they sent were too big and far too expensive for what I'd pay (unless they were a perfect fit!).  I got 3 shirts/sweaters.  I ended up keeping this one:

But I also really like this navy sweater - like a LOT.  I debated keeping it, but just couldn't decide if I liked the buttons on the back or not (all the way down) and at $70...if I didn't love it and want to wear it like every week...then nope!  These are the awkward pictures that I sent my sister to get her advice! My final item was a necklace, which I wasn't a huge fan of!

Overall?  I ended up ordering another one that is coming in a few weeks.  I liked just trying them on in my house and it was a good variety.  I liked mostly everything that my stylist picked out...but the price.  So I gave that feedback and we will see what she comes up with next time.  The shirt that I did keep was actually a size up from what I put for shirts because she said others had said that it ran small - which it did so I really appreciated that!!!

What I'm doing this weekend...

I already have said this a few times - but Friday night Royals party, Saturday is Halloween...but what I haven't mentioned is that on Sunday we are hosting a little post-Halloween get together with my Pi Phi college friends.  The last time I had all these girlies and their kids over, this was the picture we got.  I'm interested to see what this looks like on Sunday - but the kids are SO much bigger now and there are SO many more!!!!

(Little Luke on the far right just turned TWO!)

And POSSIBLY celebrating a World Series win!?!!?

What I'm looking forward to next month....

November!  I love November!

1. Royals WORLD SERIES (crossing fingers for a WIN!!!)
2. Visit from some good friends and their kiddos
3. Checking out the new Breakout KC with the Carter adult clan
4. Celebrating my sister's birthday
5. THANKSGIVING - I LOVE Thanksgiving! (and Christmas shopping)

Also looking forward to getting back on track with working out daily (have been kind of, but not as consistently as I'd like) and eating better.  And with our finances/budget.  Have to get it in check again, especially with the holidays coming up!!

What else is new...

Let's just stick to nothing new for a little bit, OK!?

Bonus: Favorite Thanksgiving recipe?

Ok this might sound like a weird one, I know...but seriously.  It's my favorite thing my mom makes ever.  Jimmy thinks it is so weird, but again, I love it.  Cheese on jello and all.

Apricot-Orange Jello salad.

Check out a version of the recipe here (minus the nuts).  It's not exactly like my mom's recipe that has been passed down but it's so dang delicious.

Photo credit

GO ROYALS (again!)

What's up Wednesday - from September (and on a Sunday)!

Ok - so yeah, I missed the official last Wednesday of September.  But yeah, last Wednesday I was busy - so sue me.  This link up is too much fun not to do (and I figured if Sarah can do hers a day late, I can do mine a few late too - right?!  Thanks Sarah!)

I am joining this fun "What's up Wednesday" link up on the last Wednesday of the month with some of my FAVORITE bloggers.  Mix and Match Family, Pinterest Told Me To and the Larson Lingo.

What we are eating this week...

Hahahahaha.

I'm skipping this one.  This week we either had peanut butter sandwiches, soup and macaroni.

Dad was out of town, so sue me!

What I'm reminiscing about...

How can it already be October again??

It's hard to believe how fast a year has gone and how we had a tiny little baby girl and a little tow year old boy.  This is a picture of my sister and I with our kiddos at our church festival last year.  

Now we have these two crazies running around the pumpkin patch!!!

AND a FIFTEEN month old (today).  Sheesh - I need to keep up on my monthly posts.  That sweet girl keeps getting older and bigger and sweeter.  Love her so much!!!!

What I'm loving...

Who doesn't love fall?  

I am already loving all the football, cooler mornings, sweaters, jeans and boots and cute kids clothes (because yes, my kids grow like weeds!). 

I'm also loving the Royal's headed to the playoffs!!!  Can you believe it?  Maybe we will have another Blue October like we did last year.  I need to get Charlie a new Royal's shirt though because his fits Maddie now!

What we've been up to....

Oh my - I did a post to sum up the last month.  But luckily, things have somewhat slowed down and I've gotten a second to breathe.  I'm enjoying the breaths because when Halloween hits, the next thing you know it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas - AHHH!!!  Time flies!!

Also, I've been having some fun being part of the Skinny Mom Resident Mom program and thinking of some fun blog posts to write for that program and Skinnymom.com.  Check out my post that was published last month about working out at home here!

What I'm dreading...

While I do love fall - I really despise putting coats on and off my kiddos.  So yeah, that's what I'm dreading right now.  

But at least they have cute fall clothes, right??  Maddie's boots kill me (awesome hand me down from a neighbor!)

What I've been working on....

Is it sad that we are STILL trying to get Charlie's room painted?   Yes, his "big boy" car room is still in progress.  All we need to do now is just put the seal on the furniture and move it in.  I'm having issues with the hardware though because some of them are like 6 inches wide and for the hardware I want for the drawers that is hard to find and no time to go hunting for it!

However, he doesn't seem to mind  :)

What I'm excited about...

The holidays and spending time this fall with good friends and family.  

Speaking of!  I got to meet Landon Ryan, my best friend, Lauren's new son on Sunday.  He's perfect and so sweet and I'm just so happy for her and David.  She's such a wonderful mom!  I can't wait to help spoil this sweet boy!!

What I'm watching/reading...

You know what fall means??!?!  That means new shows!!

It was a great couple weeks of awesome shows.

I'm loving my favorites still -

How to get away with murder, Scandal and Nashville

With a few new shows that I like - 

Blood & Oil and Quantico on Sunday nights.

And I am still reading - which I love.  My neighborhood has a woman's bible study/book club and I'm reading along with them this amazing book 

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What I'm listening to...

Pandora at work....

Either Megan Trainor station or I'm loving Old Dominion lately.

My favorite of their songs???  This one.....

Listen to it here

Reminds me just exactly of Jimmy and I's love story when we first met....

What I'm wearing...

I'm breaking out all my fall gear again.  I need to go through my closet this weekend and bring out all the stuff I'm not so fond of anymore (or doesn't fit, etc.) and donate it.  And then maybe make room for a few new pieces of fall clothes.  Think that's ok?  I do!!

But the BLARDIGAN.  Yes, you read that right - a cardigan that is blanket soft.  It's the softest thing EVER.  You need one.  From Nordstrom.

My mom got it for me for my birthday and it's just perfect to wear with cooler weather.  

What I'm doing did this weekend...

Ha.  SO I changed this one because I'm a little behind and the weekend pretty much already happened.

So nice to have a low key and not jam packed weekend.

Friday night, I went to a movie by myself (read more about that here), while Jimmy and the kiddos spent some time together after he was gone all week!

Yesterday, we woke up, Charlie through a huge fit....so he and Jimmy stayed home while Maddie and I ran some errands. Then lunch, naps and the pumpkin patch!!  My mom and dad had just got back in town that night and I cooked us all pot roast and they came over to see us!

Sunday?  Up and off to church - Charlie has been BEGGING to go to church everyday this week and even throwing huge fits about not going.  I think I figured out it's because his classroom has a toy that he's obsessed with. But he tells me it's because he wants to learn about Jesus.

In the afternoon?  I went to go see Lauren and baby Landon, then went grocery shopping and then hung out with my littles while I cut all the veggies and fruit for the week.  And they ate and watched videos.  And made a mess like normal.....it was a sweet, sweet weekend.

What I'm looking forward to next month....

October.  What is there not to look forward to?

1. Royals playoff streak (crossing fingers for World Series!)
2. Jimmy's football team (getting to go to a few more games!)
3. All the fun that Halloween and fall have to bring
4. Hosting a neighborhood mom's group scarf exchange!
5. A fun blogger scarf exchange (thanks for telling me about it, Sarah!)
6. A new hire starting at work - that will hopefully mean some relief for me
7. My bike race/ride next weekend in NYC to raise money for Autism - I'm pumped!
8. Friend from high school's baby shower AND wedding dress shopping with my sister!!!

What else is new...

Maddie and Charlie have been LOVING each other so much lately.  Even this weekend they were just playing outside on our patio together..while Jimmy and I were inside getting dinner ready (and keeping a close eye on them through the windows).  It's so sweet.  Saturday night at bed time, Charlie started crying because he told me he wanted to keep playing with Maddie.  How sweet?  I just love them.

And then Charlie told me he wanted another baby in our house - and that he would name it Alcides Escobar (his favorite Royal's player...hahahaha)

But seriously - these two are the best and I love seeing their relationship blossom!

Bonus: Favorite Halloween tradition?

I have really liked the neighborhood Halloween costume parade we have gone to the last few years.

 But my favorite Halloween tradition is our family Halloween costumes and Halloween cards we send out!  It's a little bittersweet this year because we have always had coordinating costumes for all three dogs.  I haven't blogged about it here yet, but we said goodbye to Milly and Willy in June, so I'm sad they aren't going to be in the picture this year, but I know they will be laughing at us in doggy heaven.

2014 / 2013 / 2012 / 2011 / 2010 / 2009

This year?  Charlie has requested to be Minions and Despicable Me 2 characters.  I somewhat had my act together on costumes, but Charlie wanting to be Gru from Despicable Me 2 is not easy!!!!  So this morning I convinced him to change his mind - and we are all now going to be ninja turtles.  SO much easier and the Amazon attire is on it's way.  That's how we roll!

Think this.....

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What's up Wednesday? JULY!

July is almost over.  That means that both my kiddos are almost another year older.  Sheesh!  This summer sure went fast!!

I am joining this fun (and final) "What's up Wednesday" link up on the last Wednesday of the month with some of my FAVORITE bloggers.  Mix and Match Family, Pinterest Told Me To and the Larson Lingo.

What we are eating this week...

Monday - Out to Stroud's for my dad and Charlie's birthday dinner!

Tuesday - Grilled chicken and asparagus

Wednesday - Boys to Nordstrom cafe with Grana and the girls had snacks (our fav!)

Thursday - Chicken Thai noodles (from Hy-Vee freezer meal prep I did last week)

Friday - CHARLIE'S BIRTHDAY!  Pizza at the pool

Saturday - Out at Kenny Chesney concert

Sunday - Probably grill out after Charlie's birthday party!

What I'm reminiscing about...

My sweet boy turning THREE on Friday.

I just posted this tonight because he was just too cute to handle tonight.  I love this boy so - it's hard to imagine he was ever this little newborn baby!

What I'm loving...

Time at home with my family and a changing attitude.  

I'm prioritizing things that are important to me in an attempt to find slightly more balance...but needing to figure out how to get more hours in day.  I'm missing spending time with my old friends and catching up!  A few of my best friends are pregnant and I've been horrible at supporting them during this exciting time of their lives - so I'm turning over a new leaf and I'm excited about it.

Also loving?  That Toby is back HOME!!!  SO happy the backyard is almost DONE

What we've been up to....

What haven't we been up to??! SO MUCH!!!

In July we celebrated Maddie's birthday on July 4th.

Went to the lake with Jimmy's whole family for a week (full recap on that coming soon!)

Finally got the backyard done and the playset up!  So exciting!

What I'm dreading...

Hmmm...there is actually not much I am dreading right now.  Is that weird?

What I've been working on....

How about what "we" (in a loose way) have been working on?

OUR BACKYARD.

Oh my goodness.

It's so so close to being done.  But here are a few pictures in the meantime.  Jimmy and my dad have worked their butts off finishing all the little details (and some big - like laying all the sod) that our contractors didn't get to because they apparently only like to work when it's 85 degrees outside.  Let me just say that Jimmy and my dad are the best and hardest workers that I know.

What I'm excited about...

Helping my sister with wedding planning!

She's already got the date, the venue, the church, a videographer and DJ!  Did I mention she plans events as her day job!?!?  I'm so excited for them I cannot stand it!!!

What I'm watching/reading...

Did you watch the Bachelorette finale?!

(people article here)

I missed out on the bachelorette party this week, but it was fun watching it with Jimmy (he's obsessed too).  I am very interested to see what happens with Kaitlyn and Shawn!

I'm very excited for Bachelor in Paradise as well!!!  And with fall come new fall TV - AH!

Reading!

I just ordered this book from Amazon and cannot wait to start spending some quiet time with Him in the morning and work on being a better mother as well. 

What I'm listening to...

Country, country and more country.

Getting ready to go see Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean this weekend, so I have had my pandora station at work alternating between Kenny Chesney station and Zac Brown Band.

Love Kenny and his KC shirt!!!!

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What I'm wearing...

Is it fall yet?  It is just SO hot.  

Regular work clothes and then immediately into shirts and a tank top every night.  

I'm on the hunt for some new tennis shoes.  I kind of like these Nike shoes from Nordstrom.  Too bad they aren't in my size - but I need some new shoes and work out gear to help with my motivation!

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What I'm doing this weekend...

This weekend is JAM packed and I cannot wait!

Friday night is Charlie's birthday and we are going to the neighborhood pool for some swimming and pizza with some family and a friend.  How fun is that?

Then Saturday we are off to the Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean concert at Arrowhead stadium with two of Jimmy's brothers and their wives and some of our friends!  Plus, Charlie is going to see the Minions movie with my sister and her fiance...his first movie and he is going to LOVE it!

Finally, Sunday - is birthday party day for our third birthday!!!!  We are having some school friends and other friends over (and some family) and going to enjoy our FINISHED backyard.  It's supposed to be HOT so the kiddos are going to run around in some sprinklers and play some fun water games.  I can't wait!  And it's a Minion theme - so even better, right?  Luckily, Minions are all the rage right now - so Pinterest has been VERY helpful.

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What I'm looking forward to next month....

Oh August.  I'm looking forward to lots of things!!  Since it kicks off Saturday, all the fun stuff this upcoming weekend and then lots of birthday celebrations, birthday parties, Jimmy starts football season (oh my!) and my 30th birthday.  

What else is new...

Just already busy looking at our fall calendar and thinking of all the people I want to have over to enjoy our new backyard (sorry - this project has gone on FAR too long and the anticipation is FAR to high!)

Bonus: What will you miss most about summer?

The pool.

(ha this is not our pool - but Charlie LOVES swimming!)

Except just like every year summer is crazy and I feel like we aren't at the pool nearly as much as we should be.  I'm going to try to force us to play catch up and get there several times next week during the weeknights and then on the weekends when we can.  It's such a great neighborhood pool that we need to use more because our kids (and we) love it!

What's up Wednesday - June!

How has it already been a month since my last "What's up Wednesday?".  This month FLEW by.  Probably because I wasn't in the country or state hardly at all - but summer is in full swing and again, I am joining this fun "What's up Wednesday" link up on the last Wednesday of the month with some of my FAVORITE bloggers.  Mix and Match Family, Pinterest Told Me To and the Larson Lingo.

What we are eating this week...

Sunday (Father's Day) - we went to my in laws house and grilled out

{Jimmy was in Seattle this week M-W, so we took it easy}

Monday - Turkey and cheese sandwiches

Tuesday - Chicken, broccoli, brown rice

Wednesday - CHIPOTLE!!

Thursday - Pulled Pork (thanks to my freezer meal exchange club!)

Friday - Eating at the church picnic food trucks

Saturday - Miss Maddie's birthday party (Grilling out with family/friends!)

What I'm reminiscing about...

My sweet girl turning ONE in just a week and a half. 

How were these pictures taken just a year ago?  Miss Maddie has grown into the quite the sweetheart in the past year and what a year it has been for our family.  I really think the first birthday is just the hardest for me - I thought it would be easier with #2, but man....it just is that definitive date in the sand where your baby is no longer a baby and I can't quite handle it!!

What I'm loving...

I'm loving be at home.  

Even though my kids wake me up early and throw their food on the floor, I love them so so so much.  And being home with Jimmy!!!  Making me happy is their job and they do it pretty well!

Pot roast....eating pot roast!!

What we've been up to....

I just got back from a work trip to London (and Paris!) that my parents and sister tagged along on and we had so much fun!!!!

My kiddos had a blast with their dad too.

  

What I'm dreading...

Adult decisions.

Had to make a hard one last month about our two adorable dogs and this month having to finalize more of them.  Sheesh.

What I've been working on....

Trying to figure out what to do with some of our decor.  

I have been a spray painting machine since I got back from Europe.  I am still working on this window that I hung up and hung the shelf on to make it so I like it.  I spray painted the bottom row with chalkboard spray paint and I'm liking it so much more!  I think the words "Happy Birthday Maddie" will look great :)

What I'm excited about...

1) Seeing our family and friends for Maddie's birthday party this weekend!

2) Fourth of July (aka Maddie's birthday!!!!!)

3) A long weekend with our family (finally all 4 of us together again!)

4) Trip to the lake with the Carter family

5) Charlie's BIRTHDAY!!

What I'm watching/reading...

Bachelorette!!!  

I missed the last two weeks watching with some awesome girls that live in a neighborhood nearby and I'm so sad.  I am finally catching up on it (watching the episode from this Monday with her and Nick - WTF!!)

Read a book called Big Little Lies while traveling last week too by the same author I read in Mexico:

I liked the book a lot but it was sad too.

What I'm listening to...

Haha - does Charlie talking non-stop count? Lol.  I haven't listened to much music this month, but seriously, my child will not stop talking and he is just so so funny.  I love it and could listen to him all day long.  Especially when he tells me he loves me, wants me to crawl in bed with him and says things "oh mom, you're hilarious".  He's my favorite little man!

What I'm wearing...

OMG it's so so hot in KC.

So I would prefer to only wear a swimsuit at the pool.  However, I cannot wear a swimsuit to work.

I did also just see these linen pants that look pretty casual and would seem like they would be comfortable and good to wear to work. And they were on Old Navy as a hot deal for $12 today- so I thought, what the heck and bought them.  We will see what i think!

What I'm doing this weekend...

Going to a fun event at our church on Friday night with food trucks and water things for kids to play with, then baseball on Saturday morning...then celebrating our sweet one year old on Saturday after naps.  I for sure did not go overboard with this girl's party and even more disappointing, our backyard is still a disaster (yeah - I'm NOT very happy about this.  The weather or the speed of our workers....), so it will not actually be a "back yard BBQ"...but I'm trying to have a great attitude and just go with it.  A party is a party and you can't stop us from celebrating this adorable girl!!!

What I'm looking forward to next month....

July is the birthday month in the Carter house.

Maddie turns ONE on July 4th and then Charlie turns THREE on July 31.

The problem is though - I spent all my time planning for Maddie's first birthday and have no idea what to do for Charlie's.  He went to one of his daycare friend's party's at a local gymnastics and will NOT stop talking about it.  Seriously.  I think our family is sick of birthday party's by now, so we might just do something with a few of his friends and school friends, but I need to figure out what!!

And considering his birthday is in a month - I need to get ON it!!!

Also looking forward to the Carter family trip to Branson.  We are going a whole week this time and staying in a huge house together with all the cousins.  Charlie is going to be in heaven and I cannot wait to see how much fun Silver Dollar City and Whitewater are with everyone!!

What else is new...

I'm just so excited that I get to be in KC with my family at home this month.  Even if work is crazy, at least we will all be together.  The last month was SO hard traveling all over to Orlando, Mexico and London...then I got back in town Saturday night and Jimmy left for Seattle for work first thing Monday.  Ready for some family time!

Bonus: What are we doing for July 4?

Besides celebrating my sweet baby girl turning ONE on July 4??

We are planning on going out to the campground with my brother and sister-in-law and their family.  Just so hard to believe that July 4 we spent last year in the hospital with our baby girl.  Wahh!!  Time flies!!!