Brooklynn's favorite place!

Today I took Brooklynn to her absolute favorite place in all the world, the Greenville Zoo. She had to take HER leopard everywhere throughout the zoo to show him all the animals, especially the BIG leopard. I can't wait to take her to a "real" zoo.

An end to a great beach trip

Our last night at the beach we decided to get dressed up a bit and attempt to get a family shot down on the beach. The camera was fogging up because of the heat, but we managed to finally get some good shots.

A beach photo session

I took Brooklynn down by herself one evening to take a bunch of pictures. I got so many good ones as she looked for shells and ran away from the waves.

Look, it's the beach!

Joy's parents joined us at Pawley's today and we had a nice walk on the beach in the evening. (The 100+ temperature each day has made the sand quite unbearable during the day.) Brooklynn really enjoys the ocean and would stay down there all day if she could. She's obsessed with finding shells and fills her little blue bucket every day.

Our first day at the beach!

We were blessed once again to get the opportunity to go to Pawley's Island, South Carolina for a week at the beach. Thanks Gally! We are truly thankful. Our first night there we went to Litchfield Beach Fish House for dinner. It's been so long since we've been able to have fresh seafood. Brooklynn loved this place because there's a big shark coming out of the roof, and a big fish in the back of a truck in the parking lot.

Drawing Blake

Brooklynn really seems to have a nack for drawing Blake. I am waiting for the day when she will ask him to pose.

Mmmmm Cherries

Just in case you were wondering...she likes cherries!

Aunt Sara's Birthday

Mimi came to visit on Aunt Sara's birthday and she brought Brooklynn her favorite...books! Brooklynn loves her Mimi and Aunt Sara so much and she was especially excited when Aunt Sara asked her to help her blow out the birthday candles.

Swimming

This summer Brooklynn really loved the pool. She has just gotten braver and braver. We went to Shane's brothers house one evening and Brooklynn loved the inflatable animals so much. I think she would like to be a fish!

Lauren's Birthday

Brooklynn had so much fun at her cousin Lauren's birthday party. It was a one of Brooklynn's favorite places. She ran and played and ate her years allotment of sugar. She was very excited about the cow!

A Successful Portrait Visit

We had a great visit to Portrait Innovations. Here are a few of the highlights. We have finally found a place that can keep Brooklynn still for a minute!

Happy Fourth of July!

Brooklynn and Blake both got their red, white and blue outfits on for the occasion. We went out and ate some Mexican, made a Coldstone ice cream run, and headed back to our house to watch fireworks from our driveway. Let's just say that people in our subdivision aren't afraid to spend a little of their hard-earned cash on some neighborhood entertainment. Good times!

Playing at Anna Kate's and Lauren's

We went over to Anna Kate's and Lauren's to visit with everyone and Brooklynn loved playing on their slide. She also loves their inflatable animal pool toys, and drags them with her everywhere. I am not sure what has caused her obsession with animals, but she knows more animals than most adults. She now can tell you where her favorite animals live, what they eat, and what they do. Maybe she will be a veterinarian.

More Father's Day

Before we went out to dinner to celebrate Father's Day we stopped by my parents to wish my dad a Happy Father's Day. Brooklynn and Blake love time with their Grampy and it is so wonderful to see our kids bonding with both of their Grandpas. We are blessed to have such wonderful Godly male influences in their lives. Thank you Grampy for loving them and taking care of them every day, and thank you Papa for loving them from a distance and making all the time that you do for them. We love you!

Happy Father's Day

Rich is an amazing daddy! I could not be more thankful for the loving caring man that he is. Brooklynn and Blake love him so much. Every evening when he walks in the door you hear a scream of "daddy" and Brooklynn charges into his arms. I think that says it all. Thank you Rich for loving each of us and providing and caring for us. We love you very much!

Daddy's Birthday

Rich's birthday fell on Father's day this year. We celebrated his birthday that afternoon. Brooklynn was very excited about her daddy's cake and presents. I think they could be twins!

Mimi and Papa come to visit

Brooklynn loves when Mimi and Papa come to visit. They always plan fun things and of course they bring Izzie and Cimmon!

Ten in the Bed

Brooklynn loved her new book from Mimi, "Ten in the Bed." A perfect book for Brooklynn as you can see she was very excited. Thank you Mimi!

An Artist in the Making?

Brooklynn loves to draw and paint. When she is "creating" she blocks out the world. For those of you who have experienced Brooklynn you know that it is rare for her to sit for very long so it is exciting to see her enjoy something that doesn't require running! This is her picture of Blake-She said "Mommy I draw Blake, Here's his eyes, nose and mouth."

Bubbles...Bubbles...Bubbles

Brooklynn loves bubbles. Almost every day we blow bubbles. To save our breath and hers we got her an automatic bubble blower this weekend. She loves it and loves the bubbles. Apparently, she thinks they taste good.