#11 for Bay

Our beautiful Bailey turned 11 this month.  She is going into 6th grade, which is weird for me because that is about the time that I really start remembering things from.  I can't say they are very good memories from middle school time, but whose are right!? 

 Bailey asked for rollerblades for her birthday. Her and Elli are going to have a fun time learning together. I used to be good but would likely cause some serious damage to myself if I attempt it now.

 

Of course she had to get some "fancy" clothes. These girls love to dress up and be all glam. They even have a sign on their door that says, "Caution, high fashion.  Only in style clothes allowed."  I guess it was about 6th grade that I started really wanting Girboughs (sp?) and Doc Martins.  I even remember getting my first pair of Silver brand overalls that were super cool about that time.  I remember one of my friends wearing two different colored socks (red and yellow) with black dance jazz shoes to school and I thought she looked so cute. I wanted to copy her but she would have gotten mad.  Sad thing is, I probably had more style back then than I do now. My girls LOVE when I wear something other than jeans and T shirt and pony tail.  You would think it would motivate me to dress nicer when I get the, "Wow mom, you look so pretty today!" But it doesn't. I'm too lazy.  

Wow, that was a tangent.  Back to Bailey...

Bailey requested mud pie for her birthday cake.  She wanted specifically "Nana's recipe".  Good dessert choice for a hot summer day!

Virginia

Steve, Chase, and I were able to spend a few days in Virginia with Steve's family.  Unfortunately it wasn't all for fun.  Steve's uncle Howard passed away and we went to his funeral.  It was a wonderful celebration of his life. Although I didn't know him, I had the opportunity to meet his three darling daughters and nice wife.  After hearing them speak at the funeral and being there while siblings reminisced, I felt I did know him somewhat.  He proved to be a great guy and many looked up to him.  He will undoubtedly be missed by many.

Steve's extended family has a summer house right on the creek.  Every summer growing up his family would spend time out there. This was my first chance to do so.  I can honestly say I have never been so hot in my entire life.  But we survived and even had a good time!  I love Steve's family.  I am so lucky to be part of it. 

I was especially glad I got to meet Steve's Papa.  I have heard so much about him and it was great to meet him and see Steve with him. 

I think Chase handled the heat better than I did! He was such a trooper!  Lucky for us, because we have the youngest baby, we were blessed with the use of the ONLY room with A/C.  It was a nice escape at night to cool down and after a day in the heat.  Because it was such a hot summer, by the middle of the trip they ended up purchasing another A/C unit for another room.  There were many more happy people after a good nights rest in a cooler room.

I admit the idea of an outdoor shower made me a little nervous at first but I tell you what, it was very refreshing!  It was a break from the heat and sweat and nothing else mattered.  (Steve was thrilled about this picture! )

The house sits right on the water of the Rappahannok River, part of the Chesapeake Bay. (I hope I got that right!)  The small town called Irvington is a beautiful, old waterfront town.  Not something you see very often anymore.

I have been hearing that blue crab is the best.  Now I got to try it. 

Here is my 1st crab. All cooked up.  I got a personal lesson on how to break, clean, and eat it!

 I only managed to eat 3, but everyone else downed a lot more than I did! 

The next day, we ate some delicious crab cakes.  I do like crab, but I think I had my fill for a while!

 Chase had his first experience swimming.  First try he only lasted about 5 minutes, next day he took a naked dip to cool down, the 3rd try we put him in a little floaty and he enjoyed it much more.  Pretty dang cute no matter what!

It was a hot but fun trip that I am thankful I was able to go on.  Steve and I are so blessed to have such wonderful families, near and far. 

Summer is here

Time for St. George, swimming, family time, and relaxing!

Dance Recital

 

Bailey had her yearly dance recital this month. She is getting very good at dancing. They performed to "Cooties" and she did excellent!  I still think her favorite part is getting dressed up and wearing make-up.  I guess they should enjoy it while it lasts! My pictures struggled this time. It was dark and we were juggling a fussy baby.  But you can still tell how pretty she looks! 
We all enjoyed watching and are so proud of her!

Last day of school

 

Elli and Carter finished up the school year, 3rd grade and Kindergarten, the end of May.  For the last day of school at Harvest Elementary they have a school wide dance festival. Each grade learns a dance and performs it for parents and the rest of the school on the field.  Carter's this year was Tony Chestnut and Elli's was Boot Scootin' Boogie. They were both very excited to share their dances and spent time practicing at home.  They both did great and I had a fun time watching them perform.  On the way to school Carter told me that he was supposed to wear red.  He was wearing green and gray.  We didn't have time to go change, so needless to say, he was easy to spot on the field!  Elli picked out her own clothes too, as close to "cowboy" as she could find.  I can't believe another year is gone! 

2 months

Chase

2 months

12 lbs 1 oz (70%)

23.5" (75%) 

Blessing Day

We blessed Chase over Memorial Weekend and it was wonderful. Steve gave him an amazing blessing and the Spirit was really strong. We had a yummy lunch after (thanks again to my mom), and had a relaxing afternoon with friends and family.