*A New York Driver License*

When we found out *It's a BOY!* the pressure was on to come up with an equally fun and creative birth announcement to match Adelaide's. Thinking about things that Ryan & I both love and cars was an obvious answer. It is after all my family's business and Ryan is a fanatic of all cars. So a New York driver license seemed perfect!

Mellen Designs, to the rescue again of course, created this adorable announcement. I just love it. It incorporates so many fun things about Aspen, his birthday, and our family of four!

If you are ever in the market for custom & creative invitations, announcements, or cards,please contact Mary Ellen. She is amazing to work with and produces great work :)

The Palisades Fair

Saturday night we met up with the Sheas at the Palisades Fair for some family fun. A warm summer night filled with fair flare was absolutely perfect and just what our little toddler girls needed. Equipped with a full petting zoo displaying goats, alpacas, llamas, cows, and camels. Plus pony rides for days. Not to mention some sweet "roller coaster" rides as well as the biggest slide you ever did see.

Adelaide marched right up to those ponies and jumped on. She might have had a terrible fit when her turn was over. Then she walked her little booty to the petting zoo where she proceeded to pet every animal without an ounce of fear. I am quite certain she will be a vet later in life.

Allie wasn't too sure about all of these silly animals, but both girls were all about the rides. Spinning around in the Dizzy Dragon, riding the carousel, and racing down the giant slide had them grinning from ear to ear...and crying when it was time to leave. Nothing a little warm pretzel couldn't cure though!

We had a blast watching these toddlers come into their own. They have both grown so much since a year and a half ago when we met. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Adelaide Jane Goes to Camp

My baby girl loves to play and be outdoors so Camp Saw Mill seemed like a must do this summer. It is at the gym where she has been going since she was 6 weeks old so she is very familiar with the facility and staff. Plus she will be attending their two's program in the fall with these specific teachers so I thought the summer camp would be a great bridge to school.

The camp runs every week this summer and can be two days up to five days. Whatever needs you have they will meet. I enrolled Adelaide for three separate weeks throughout this summer and for two days only. It is only for 2 1/2 hours so not long but enough time for her to do some arts & crafts, story time, snack, playground play, and water fun. Her first week was last week and it was such a big thing!

I bought her the book The Night Before Summer Camp as a special treat to read before going. Then I packed up her bag of stuff...swimsuit, change of clothes, snacks, towel, diapers, etc. Holding her hand, she had her backpack on and trotted into the classroom. She looked so grown up in that moment. Hesitant at first to let go of my hand, she eventually found the puppies and was off to play with the
other kids.

When I picked her up, she was running around splashing all about in her swimsuit. It was the cutest thing to see her playing with her friends and discovering the world around her. She had a blast and this mommy survived her first drop off camp!

Hope your summer is off to a great start!

Aspen Michael: 1 Month

Dearest Aspen,

I can hardly  believe that you are a month old today. But in some ways, I feel like you've been with us forever. I don't remember life without you. You are such a sweet boy bringing joy to all of us...especially your big sister Adelaide Jane. She loves you so and wants to be near you all the time.

You weighed 9lbs 2oz and measured 21.5 inches long at your two week check-up. My growing big boy! You are so alert and have these big eyes that love to look at the lights and colors all around. You love to move your head, neck, and upper body all around to get a better view. You rolled over from your tummy to your back at 2 1/2 weeks like a champ. You are quite advanced!

You took your first plane ride at 2 1/2 weeks as well to Kentucky. You met all of your cousins and they sure do love you. Big boy cousin Bishop can hardly believe there is another boy around. He loved holding you and whispered "We are going to be partners and best friends forever Aspen. Now hurry up and get big!" It was the sweetest thing ever.

You celebrated your first Father's Day with daddy, mommy, Adelaide, Nana, & Pops. We went to Bear Mountain Lodge for brunch and then walked the zoo hiking trail. You lounged most of the time.


You have had play dates at the park and pool with your buddy Aidan. The two of you sleep most of the time while your big sisters play. You take nightly baths with your big sister and you both enjoy it. She likes to climb in the whale tub with you and rinse you off. You don't seem to mind at all. 

You only wake once during the night for a little snack and then head back to sleep a few minutes later. You are eating 5 to 6 ounces of formula every 4 hours during the day. You are a great burper and a great pooper! You don't spit up much at all which is great! You have peed on daddy twice as well as Mimi...not on mommy so keep up the good work! You aren't a fan of diaper changes but love to eat and cuddle.

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

Our Life In Pictures {Lately}

Life is pretty routine at the moment. We get up, dressed, fed and try to get out of the house in the morning for Adelaide to stretch her legs (who am I kidding, mine too!). Then lunch and home for naps which are crucial for all parties involved. Afternoons consist of finding ways to distract my toddler from destroying everything in the house. Then dinner, baths, and bedtime.

I like routine but I also like spontaneous adventures. We are trying to keep a mix without losing our sanity (mine and the kids). So here is our life in pictures since baby Aspen was born...

baby snuggles

and discovering the world aka hands

"schwimming" at the pool

and crushing on older guys

while training to be a lifeguard

chilling with best buddy Aidan

helping mommy take stuff to the trash

tummy time

"baby brother" and big sister bath time

the boys just hanging out