Outside Pictures

Yesterday it was so hot. My car said it was 86 degrees outside, I don't know what the official temperature was but I know it was hot enough for ice cream. So after our trip to walmart to get bubbles we stopped at sonic to get a ice cream cone. 

Liv got her own cone but couldn't lick it fast enough. As you can see we are still having issues with her smile. Its getting better but here she is smiling for mommy. Check out drip on her chest. Priceless. 

Here is the bubble gun we got. Ella just loved it. She was so cute running after those bubbles. 

Outside Pictures

So we were playing outside, the weather here has been beautiful like high 70's and 80's. Ella has been playing with our neighbor who is 5 yrs old. His name is Lawton but she calls him Lot. This is a picture of her talking to him through the fence. They do this for hours. They love it!! She says she wants to marry him when she grows up but I keep telling her to leave her options open.  

This is Liv getting a better look at what Ella is doing without actually getting off the deck to go see what Ella is doing. 

We were having so much fun until....Liv decided to eat some dirt. 

This is her enjoying some time away from the dirt. 

Ella was trying not to smile but she just couldn't hold it in. 

Happy Birthday Samantha!

Hey Everyone, 

Well in My family we go through birthday seasons. My brother has a birthday on December 3rd and my sister as one a few days later December 9th. And in July my nephew has a birthday on July 7th and my Grandpa has a birthday July 8th. Very few of us get to have our birthday week all to ourselves. Well all of that to say this is the March birthday season and today is my niece Samantha's Birthday!!!! Its not a normal birthday though it is her 16th birthday!!! 

I love her so much!!! I wish I could be there to see her take her first spin in her new red AUDI. Well new to her but yes I said red Audi. But I may be just as safe out here in SC. Just kidding - I hear that she is a great driver. 

So Happy Birthday girl! I hope that you remember this day forever!!! We love you and can't wait to see you - One week from today!!!!

Wedding Planning

This is my friend Allison! She is engaged to AJ and they are getting married on June 6th! She is going to have an amazing wedding and I can't wait!!! She took us to the cupcake store downtown on Wednesday and we sampled some cupcakes for her wedding!!! They were the most incredible cupcakes I have ever eaten. Well lets just say it was Ella & Liv's dream come true outing!!! I can't believe I didn't get a picture of all of the cupcakes they had - its because I was too busy watching out for the little ones and their cupcakes. But we will be back there soon!! Here are some of the flavors: Praline, Cookies and Cream, Mint Chocolate (w/Andies mint), Butter Pecan, Vanilla, and Allison's Favorite Cheesecake!!!

Gymnastics

Here is Gymnastics Class Pictures for this week. Here is a quick hug Liv got before Ella went inside. 

Here is Ella with her "dramatic pause" before her twist dismount off the balance beam. 

Good Health Habits

Wondering what you all do as far as eating healthy + low fat + good tasting?

As far as it goes here we have to pick one. Are we going to have a healthy meal (I'm talking organic) with no butter, low sugar, lots of veggies and without high fat or dressings OR are we going to have a low fat meal with low-fat dressings and low-calorie substitutes OR just a good tasting high everything meal. 

So far we usually mix it up and I have to announce to everyone, "This is Healthy so eat it" and then we go and blow it with Kevin's favorite Fried Fish and Mashed potatoes the next night. 

So is it better to go with a low-calorie substitute as most diets recommend or to go organic and get rid of all substitutes and just deal with a different (bad) taste?

On the Today show this morning they had the author of the great book "Eat This not That" and he showed two of my favorite salads that are calorie disasters. 

1. TGI Friday's salad Pecan crusted Chicken salad = 1,300 calories = 6 1/2 glazed donuts

2. Chilies Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad = 1,100 calories = Medium Pizza from Dominos

I couldn't believe it. I'm sure my other favorite salad is a disaster too. The Zackby's fried chicken house salad with honey mustard dressing. It is yummy though!

So what are you eating? I would love to hear your comments! 

Sarah Lynn's Birthday

Sarah Lynn, 

This is a birthday blog that I have to make. My niece who is turning 22! We are so proud of her!! She is beautiful, talented, smart, funny and looks a little like me if I do say so myself! She is very humble and has a quiet nature although you get her going and she doesn't stay quiet. Let me warn you not to mix her laughing and drinking fruit punch at the same time watch out or else...fountain! 

She is not afraid to stand up for what is right even if it's not the most popular choice. She is one of the most reliable people I know! If you give her a task by golly she is going to get it done come hell or high water (those sayings really apply in this sentence).

She loves it when Kevin sings Taylor Swift so I told him he has to sing it today in honor of your birthday!!!

We love you Sarah!!!