"Hav'ta aks maaammy"

Considering I've been in my bedroom for the most part of the last month, I've heard some interesting things through these walls.  I can hear neighbors mowing, the garage door--or even tell who is walking in the door just by their walk at this point.

I can also hear Beanie.  A lot.  Our bedrooms share a wall--so whether it's going to sleep, waking up, or just playing, I can hear almost everything she says while she's in her room.

The other night, Amara had woken herself up.  Eric went in to change her--and they were having a really sweet conversation (she is always VERY sweet when she wakes up and she thinks she might get to come out and play, or wants something in particular).  Knowing she'd only been in bed a short while and was very tired, Eric was quick and got her back in bed, but before he could leave, she asked for "more meeeiilk (milk) PLEASE."  Sure.

I don't even remember why now Eric came into our bedroom vs. going downstairs for the milk, but he did.  Amara didn't miss a beat--she noticed that he turned right instead of left--towards our room and yelled "Daddy hav'ta ask maaaamy"--referring to having to ask me if she could have more milk, apparently, considering he didn't go downstairs as he 'should have.'

I was laughing SO hard by the time Eric got into our room, I had to put the pillow sham over my face to stifle my laughter.  I could not believe it!  Not only do we not usually say that kind of thing "have to ask mommy/daddy" to each other, but for her to NOTICE the direction Eric walked, and applying that logic to it?  Hilarious.  Eric and I were both getting a good laugh out of that one. I don't think Eric addressed her statement as he walked past.  I'm not sure, frankly, what you say to that.

Picking up the phone to call mom, I realized the genuine humor in the situation when she said "you should be very afraid of that one."  She is right.  OH BOY.  The new running joke in the house, obviously, "hav'ta ask Maaammmy."

Papaw's corn

It's that time of year...Papaw's first patch of corn is on, and B O Y is it yummy!  They brought some over to us for dinner one evening and we have a little corn-thief on our hands!

Back a LONG time ago, when we made Beanie's 'first foods,' one of the ones we made and that she always gobbled up was sweet corn.  We have been so excited at her eating habits, how she loves her fruits and veggies, and I attribute it all to those great foods.  

Now, we can't keep her away from those familiar bites.  She goes at the corn wholeheartedly, and isn't afraid to take a bite of everyone else's, or just take it off your hands for you! (I personally lost mine the other night!)  She takes these giant bites, and can't seem to get through them quick enough--always followed by an "mm mmm mmmm."  Thanks Papaw :)

Big Katz/ breakfast

We don't make as many ball games for the nephews as we used to, that is for sure, but when we can, we go.  A LOT of the weeknight games are late, and the weekend games are either too far away, or fall on nap time.  We lucked out and got an early weekend game, so we jumped at the opportunity.

Unfortunately it was a super steamy, humid morning, so we only lasted a few innings, but so did the big Katz.  :(  After a loss, we headed for the A/C and something cold to drink.

We don't often venture out to restaurants lately--just not worth the 'work,' if you can believe that :)  Inevitably though, there are times when it makes sense, or when we feel like it, and after a VERY hot Big Katz game, we decided to go.  Bob Evans was close, and is usually fast--but not fast enough apparently.  We all tried our best to entertain her as best as we could, but it was so darn close to nap time, we took most of our food to go and headed home.  She did enjoy her lemonade though--and Eric wanted me to share her "humidity hair look."

Jordan & Bethany's wedding

The day of Jordan and Bethany's long-awaited wedding was unfortunately the day my back decided to completely fall apart.  With no real choice (not being able to literally walk) Eric took Amara to the party stag.

We had started the day at the farmer's market--nothing out of the ordinary, but I think we were all just kind of wiped out (mentally).  Knowing the service wouldn't be appropriate, we opted for the reception (I was going to go to the ceremony, but no dice)...Eric and Amara headed up to get ready and looked so cute, I made mom promise to get some pics for me.  She luckily got a few good ones, so I wanted to share--plus, the beautiful couple (of course).

With the late start time, daddy and Bean didn't get to put in much time before she tuckered out, but at least some of the family got to be there to wish the happy couple well.  She got to steal a dance with cousin Thomas, and see Aunt Charlotte, Sherry (hot mother of the groom) Sabrina, and Randy and Heather too.  I'm not sure whether or not she actually got to see Jordan and Bethany, but she was talking about 'the wedding' for days :)

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Hamm (that is weird :))

GC Farmer's Market

Having had success so far this year at Farmer's markets, we decided to head out to the GC market again for some treats.  She always makes quick friends with the farmers and vendors--one particular lady liked Amara's star dress, and the two shared a moment over her delicious peach :)

We hit up the Circle S stand (a family favorite) and got green beans and new potatoes, peaches, bananas, some spreads.  Crossing the street, we got some fresh lemonade, an awesome loaf of pesto asiago bread, some sweet peppers (one she took a big bite out of before we could even catch up to her!), treats for ily, and found a super nice blackberry farmer.

Crossing back over, we talked to a super sweet lady from the GC bureau who had an adorable Giant Collie, who immediately made friends with Amara too.

We had a great (short) visit, (my back started getting really bad about 1/2 way through) and then had to head home, to not get ourselves too worn out!  Big evening plans :)

Happy Birthday Silly uncle Matt!

Fourth of July weekend was Matt's 30th surprise party.  His birthday was actually late June, but as a lot of the family was out of town for a family wedding--Steph planned it for later.  We were all walking on eggshells, making sure not to mention the party, having missed his bday, etc. so we were glad when the big day finally arrived!

After the parade in the morning, Eric golfed with the guys while Beanie and I held down the homefront. Steph needed to get the boys out of the house, and golf is a sure-fire 5-6 hour killer with that group!  We got to the party at dinner time and what a nice party!  Lots of friends and family, and of course (Beanie's favorite) the guest of honor :)  Not to mention, CAKE!

Before cake time, Amara had fun with Addison, she also played with some bubbles and glow bracelets.  She enjoyed the small lawn chairs, fans, and all the other kid-friendly areas Steph had set up for them.  Before she totally ran out of energy, I got a quick shot of her and Mr. Birthday--though she couldn't be distracted from her sucker...

Happy 30th birthday Uncle Matt.  Many happy returns and we can't wait till the next family party!

Baby Ali's visit

I think since Ali first visited us when she was 6 months or so, and she got the name "baby Ali"--we have decided that Amara will still be calling her baby Ali when they are 20! 

Regardless, we were so lucky to get a visit recently, and the girls really enjoyed one another.  It was funny--Heather mentioned how warm it was (and it was) but you don't expect that from an Arizonan--it's a "dry heat" out there, right?

We got to spend a few hours together and all play together, swinging, sliding, and riding mowers.  Ali was walking and toddling around, chasing Amara--who was content enough to practice her jumping, drinking, and apple picking.

Can't wait for the next visit!

4th of July Parade: WABA

We decided to hit up the same parade we did last year, for July 4th.  If we head the back way towards Broad st. you can literally park 100 yards in a parking lot, from where the parade passes by--PERFECT!  

The parade was relatively early, I think 9:30, but having gotten up a little early and it being SO hot, we were anxious for things to start.  Before long, we saw the flashing lights and balloons coming from the West and in a blink it was upon us.  At first, Amara wasn't quite sure about the flying projectiles coming from the floats and walkers--but as soon as she realized some of these were suckers, she was all over it.  Grandma and Grandpa helped collect her goodies while Eric and I took turns pointing out horses and bands and kids.

Something I'd never seen--there were at least 2 groups passing out popsicles and freeze-pops, a welcome treat on a hot day, but I was stunned.

Overall, we really enjoyed the parade.  Lots of planes flying over, things to look at--and of course, candy :)