Beach!

 Henderson Park Beach-Destin, Florida

 Stella was a fan

 As was Sophia

 Sand angel

 My angel

 Sophia's first time to the beach since she was 5 mos. old!

 The Baytowne Wharf-this was all a part of our resort.  It was wonderful!  

 Sophia was about to bungee and she was very excited!

 Stella?  Not so much....

 That is my 3 year old flying through the air....she kept telling the girl to make her go higher!  She was squealing and giggling saying "This is FUN!"  

 This is more Stella's (and my) speed

Beach beauty

Pondering life's mysteries...

You are my sunshine

We did this nightly.  The operator knew us.  

Cheetoh face

This is how she spent most of the trip-people were getting sea sick because the boat was rocking.  Someone asked me if she was sick and I said "No, she's just tired."  Then I thought..."Oh no. What if she is sick?  She's never been on a big boat..."  Not a good feeling.

 Amazing! We saw so many!  

Yep-just tired.

Sophia kept getting closer and closer until she was actually being splattered by fish guts as the guy was cleaning them.  I had to shield my face to drag her away.  

Ice cream!  Sophia wanted a lollipop.  Weirdo.

Driving remote control boats with Daddy

This wasn't beach-this was the Food Truck Festival at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.  Just a pretty park picture added in....

Rolling down the hill

And here's Quinn, because he's adorable and we love him!

Stella and Sophia Funnies

Sophia and her "fah-ka-yuh" (sparkler) 

Sophia calls swimming lessons "swimming blessings." (pronounced "swimming bwessings")

She also is quite bossy when making conversation.
S-I love you, Mom.  Say I love you, Sophia.  Mom.  Say I love you.

Me-Sophia you are such a big girl!
S-And a good helper?  Say I am a good helper, Mom.  Say it, Mom.

She's into knock knock jokes-
Her favorite used to be
"Knock Knock."
"Who's there?"
"Orange"
"Orange Who?"
"Orange you glad I didn't say cookie dough?"
Uncontrollable laughter....from her....
Then I told her that wasn't funny.

Now, it is:
"Knock Knock"
"Whos's there?"
"Orange"
"Orange who?"
"Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"
Now repeat that joke 100 times a day and you have Sophia's comedy career in a nutshell.

When she asks you to open something she says "Can you oprah it?"  She must know that Oprah can do anything.  She might be starting something.

Chocolate donuts are "choc-yut bagels."

She's gonna kill me for this one day, but she came into my bedroom before she got dressed after bath and pushed her tiny little "chest" together and said "Look, Mom!  I'm getting BOOBIES!"  

Since I never get a moment alone, I have learned to just answer questions about everything bathroom related, naked body related, bodily function related, etc.  You get the picture.  So, I was showering the other day and Stella was watching intently.  "Mom?"  "Yes, Stella" (bracing myself for an embarrassing question)  "What is that heart thing?"  "It's a tattoo, Stella." "You shouldn't have got that."  "I know, Stella. I've told you that it was a mistake.  Remember that when you're in college, o.k.?"  "Well....you shoulda got a unicorn."  Uh oh.  

Everything according to geographical occurs in Africa, North Carolina, Texas, or Alabama.  

ie: "That rain storm is probably heading to Africa.  Or North Carolina."  

"I met a new friend at science camp.  He's probably from Alabama."

"Hey Mom-is that lady on the news from North Carolina?"

Pre K Graduation and Tour de Tejas

 My firstborn graduated from pre-k.  My sweet Stella Laine.  She was named "Most Affectionate" in her pre-k class.  I am not sure what to make of that.  We've talked about her loving nature.  I hope we get a handle on it before kindergarten.  (and definitely before middle school)  On her graduation day, she hugged me, sighed and said, "I'll miss you when I go to college."  We'll miss you, too, Stella. 

 Her friend, Ellie, after their stunning ballet performance!

Stella, having a Flavor Ice on the porch at Grandma and Papa's house

Grandma Polly flew for the first time in her life to Atlanta ride back to Texas with us.  For that, we are eternally grateful! Nikki did it last year...who's next?  C'mon!  It's only 15 hours in the car with children!  Any takers?  Luckily, the view below was waiting for us when we arrived.  My dad, brother, sister in law, nieces, grandma, and Ray were our welcoming committee.  What fun!  

"But why can't we go fishing?!"

Snuggle time with Papa John

S'Mores!

Taylor and Tori had kittens at their house!  KITTENS!!  

Sophia liked to hold them VERY TIGHTLY.  This made everyone very nervous.

My girl

Silly faces

Gorgeous girls!

The next stop on our tour was Cecil's Bar in Houston.  Kidding!  It was Aunt Carrie and Uncle Richard's!

Snuggling (choking) Papa on Father's Day

There seems to be a theme here-hugging Grant

Hanging with Mimi

Cousins-they are so serious

Next stop-Holly's!  These are her precious youngin's-Brayden and Tillie 

Holly

Holly's sweet family

Parting is such sweet sorrow-saying goodbye to Mimi and Papa

Can't forget about these guys!  Had a Donalson visit in their new home!  So fun!

And I saw Sheila!  (and forgot to take a picture-this is one I just snagged from her FB from four years ago) Why didn't I remember to take a picture?!?  

I will say-travel is getting easier.  Leapsters, DVD players, music, books, the Story Reader, snacks....all of these things make the trip a lot smoother(is that a word?).  There were no diaper emergencies (potty trained!), no vomiting disasters, no ear infections, heat rashes, explosive diarrhea situations....it was a great trip!  Thank you to everyone who fed us, took us swimming, let us crash on your couch, entertained us, hid your displeasure when we drove you crazy, and made us feel so welcome and loved.  I love and miss all of you guys and would give anything for you all to move to Atlanta.  Is that possible? Anyone?  Anyone?  Oh well. Until next year, take care, y'all!