4th of July 2013

 This was a very special 4th of July. This was the first year since Bella was born that we made it back down south for this holiday. It was so cool to continue our family traditions with my own child. I can remember being a little girl and riding my bike up to the parade in the morning, hanging out by the pool and then running around the park in the evening while waiting for the fireworks. I saw myself in Bella this year as she did the same exact things. Thanks mom and dad for making such great memories with us as kids and I hope to do the same with ours.

waiting for the parade to start

she waved at every float or car that went by

it didn't take her long to get the hang of running out, grabbing the candy and putting in it her bag

after the parade we all hung out in the pool while we grilled up burgers for lunch

 we went to Central Park about 5pm where we enjoyed hot dogs, chips and drinks all while listening to live music

taking a break after jumping in the bounce houses

running around

she met a new friend named Gage who she played with all night and even asked about the next day

her friends Jameson and Sawyer also came out to play

the fireworks started about 9. She will tell you that she didn't like them because they scared her at first. We were in the bathroom when they started and the bathroom was super close to where they were setting them off and they were very loud. 

once we made it back to the blanket she loved watching them

 by the time we got home Thursday it was too late for sparklers so we did those Friday night. I was surprised that she was brave enough to hold one herself and wave it around

We can't wait for next year!!

Antarctica

Bella's favorite place currently is Sea World. We took her for her 2nd birthday but she doesn't remember it e but she did remember when Aunt T took her earlier this year. There was a problem though...the penguin exhibit was closed for renovation and Bells was very upset but Aunt T promised to take her back when it re-opened. 

Last month Sea World opened "Antarctica, Empire of the Penguin" and Aunt T and Uncle Frankie came to town to take her as promised. She loved it!!! and its all she talked about for weeks. When Bella found out that Aunt T was coming back to town to see a concert with mommy she assumed Aunt T was taking her to Sea World as this has been the pattern. Lucky for her Aunt gets in free and this time mommy and daddy got to go as well and we bought passes for the rest of the year since she loves it so much.

playing around in the penguin store

 riding the ride to see the penguins 

 this exhibit was really cool (literally cool...36 degrees) and worth the wait

 she would have stood there all day watching them if we would have let her

 trying to pet the sting rays

 turtle trek time

 enjoying the splash park before leaving

 she randomly decide the lay down while the other children ran all around her

Summer fun with friends

We have been spending the last couple weekends in the pool with friends. Bella is getting a little better with the water and is not as afraid to go in but that doesn't mean she still doesn't cry when I make her leave the step. 

hanging out on the step with Olivia

kiddos trying to get the fire truck pinata 

candy time with Olivia, Easton and Lincoln