Blanket lover

We get a kick out of finding Tater in the most random places.  This one is not so random, but still is cute.  He likes sleeping on Emillie and Hannah's blankets.  The girls are always freezing when they come to our house (summer or winter) and so we keep a stash of blankets here.  Not only do the girls enjoy having them here, but Tater too.

sweet baths

Riley used to hate having a bath.  She'd cry at the top of her lungs and it was one of the most stressful things for me to do with her.  I was giving her a bath once a week (at most) during that time, just because I dreaded it.  Now, it's not so bad.  She still kicks off the sides of her baby tub, which challenges me to keep a tight grip on her, but at least she's not screaming.  She's more interested in the water and bubbles too.  She gets a bath a few times a week now.  I love having a clean baby that smiles.

8th heat wave

So, we are in our 8th heat wave this summer.  I am happy to say that today is the last 90 degree day of this wave.  (Come on fall!)  This weekend is going to be gorgeous - in the mid 70's.  My kind of weather.

In the midst of this heat, I got a sinus infection.  I've been feeling lousy all week, and have had little motivation to do much outside.  I did, however, take Riley for a walk today.  My head felt foggy, I was sweating and parched - but, we did it.  We both enjoyed getting out for a little sun...but mostly enjoyed getting back inside to air conditioning, if I can be honest.

Aaron returned safely from his trip to Chicago last weekend.  He had a good time, but was happy to come home.  I have never been to Chicago, other than the airport.  Aaron said it's a nice, clean city and he enjoyed exploring the sites.  Perhaps one day I will get to visit too.

This weekend, Riley and I are going to enjoy the extra time with Daddy.  Aaron has a long weekend due to the upcoming holiday.  We will be making our way to Maryland one day to visit with my family.  My grandparents and aunt are headed this way from Ohio.  We are very excited to see them - and this will be Riley's first time meeting them!  It'll be special for my grandparents to meet their first great grand-baby.

And, to save the best for last, happy birthday Dad!

Just the girls

Riley and I enjoyed a visit with my mom the last couple days.  We loved having the company while Aaron is out of town.  It was nice having my mom around to talk with, cook with and exercise with. 

She taught me how to make a fruit pie (blueberry) the way she always made them...the way my grandma and great grandmother made them.  So special, and so happy to know how - finally! (took me long enough to ask)  It was pretty darn good too, I might add.
 

Mmmm...pie

Me and my pie 

We also went for a few walks, watched a girly movie, played with Riley and just talked!  It was very fun.  Thank you Mom for spending the time with us.  We love you! 

Grandma and Riley

 Now, seriously, isn't she the cutest baby ever?!

Playing

I took these pictures of Riley today playing in her exersaucer.

She makes this face often now, it cracks me up

I'm working on the "sitting" position with her. 

She's getting better all the time, not always falling over immediately. 

Of course, we use lots of pillows to surround her...

Attitude

See...this is what I'm talking about.  Our cat is interesting, some attitude he has.  Can't you see it in his face?! 

Tater Tot

Emillie's a teenager!

We had the girls (Emillie and Hannah) over yesterday.  The whole day was centered around Emillie, as we celebrated her 13th birthday.  She opened a couple gifts we got her and all her cards from family.  We took her to Applebee's for dinner (place of her choice) in the evening.  She was able to spend some gift money at Target during the afternoon too.  It was a fun day and Emillie liked all her goodies.

Miss Emillie

Opening some gifts (those Adidas sandals on the ground were one gift)

Riley watching Emillie open presents

Daddy

Mommy and Riley

Happy 13th Birthday Emillie!