Okay. So now they love the splash pads?

As you already know from my blog, the Splash Pads are a common destination for us over the summer.  The kids always have a great time but are mostly attracted to the surrounding trees, rocks, stores, etc.; only slightly amused by the splash pads.

Yesterday was a different story though and I couldn't get them out of the water!  They acted as if it was a first time adventure and soaked it up...literally.  I was pleasantly surprised, trying to take as many pictures as I could.  Not the best timing for an end of summer discovery.

Oh!  And I must mention, how it felt like the first time at an activity I truly was able to sit and let them play.  I didn't of course.  I was right there playing with them in the water but I if I wanted to, I could of.

It's happening.  They are becoming more independent every day and capable.  Warner's walking, Avery's listening and it feels like for the first time in 32 months, I am dealing with two little people rather than babies.  I'm really, really liking the toddler stage and bittersweetly saying goodbye to the baby stage.  I'm not sure what I expected?  To always be changing diapers and taking objects out of their mouth?  No.  But we are definitely at a transition which I LOVE; looking forward to the next chapter of adventures! :)

My littles-es...evolving over night!

Did someone say ice cream??

I sure did Warner!

Like Mother...

like Daughter!

Natalie's Wedding!

It's hard to believe that Natalie and I have now been friends for 13 years.  Crazy.  And not only have I been blessed to be friends with this amazing woman for that long but I actually got to live with her for 4 of them.  Now that is saying something!

Over the years, she became family right along with the other Stratton family members and I completely consider myself the lucky one!  They are some of the most good-hearted people I have ever met and the impact they've had on my life is hard to put in words.

After not seeing Nat since Avery's baby shower (2.5 years+) I got the chance to spend the weekend with her, Traun and their two sweet kids Caitlyn & Grant.  It was such a joy to experience "her world" and I loved everything about it; it was so Natalie.

And just 3 short weeks later, I grabbed Chris and headed back for their wedding weekend!

Hmmmm, DISCLAIMER!  I made that sound simple but it wasn't that easy.  THANKS to the incredible people in my life (wow, I say that a lot!), we were able to piece together a weekend's worth of babysitters.  Dad & Ann helped us tremendously in a very complicated LAST minute scramble!!  Sounds about right, doesn't it?  Always there.  Glenda dropped so much work to fit in time with her grandkids and we are so thankful!  Despite being sick, Jamie filled in SO many gaps of the daily duties and my Mom was a constant burst of energy; giving them such an amazing source of entertainment while we were away.  They even got to spend a night with "Neecy" (Avery's old nanny)!

Sooooooooo, "grabbing" Chris was a little more strategic than I originally planned but nonetheless, we were able to head off and spend 3 days amongst the celebration!

It didn't take long for Chris to become friends with everyone and he managed to have more scheduled on his itinerary than I did as a bridesmaid!  It was hysterical and made me so pleased he was able to enjoy himself!  I told you Natalie's family is incredible!  ...so is Chris ;)

The weekend went by so quickly!  From preparation, rehearsal and then the big day of getting ready!  The ceremony and reception was something out of a movie.  Okay, more like out of Pinterest.  It was the most angelic barn-themed wedding I've ever seen.  Simply gorgeous.

BUT nothing in comparison to the stunning bride.  Natalie looked prettier and happier than I have ever seen her on that day and it filled my heart.  I am so happy for her and cannot wait to welcome their new little bundle in February!

I had such a blast with the other bridesmaids and enjoyed getting to know all of them even better!  Another wonderful element was being reunited with a few other of my best college friends!  We were back to our old goofy tricks.  And the saying goes...it feels like just yesterday.

About to become Mrs. Stephens!

Getting ready!

Bridesmaids love!

It's go time!

Dan and Linda!!

Wow.

Talke about picturesque!

Told you.  STUNNING!!

Good thing we all had a sense of humor!

They did it!

So happy to be a part of her big day!

Clearly we all got along at Saint Mary's for a reason!

Senior year roomies!

The first look!

Their adorable family!

The Daily Grind.

After returning from Natalie's wedding weekend, we had no time to recover.  In fact, the opposite.  We

had two kids with bad colds that I caught immediately.  Down for the count.  Bummer.  

Fortunately, I felt better after a couple days so I could get back to our usual grind.  Well, sort of.  These colds meant no school for the pups so we had to improvise and find fun household activities to fill our days.  Imagine what grand plan I came up with!  POTTY TRAINING.  Yup.  It was time.  So far, we have been much more successful than I expected.  Aves has done an incredible job adapting to this new "lifestyle".  I went in with an old fashioned approach called bribery and boy has it worked wonders.  Ice cream for poo poo?  Why the heck not.  And yes, I just typed poo poo.

With just a few accidents under her belt (pun intended)...we are on our way.  I am beyond proud of her!      It's been challenging work for both of us and calls for professional patience; not my best quality.  But with that said, it has definitely been funny.  On day two, she hopped on the potty and let out a big ol' toddler toot.  To which she responded "Oh mom!  There's an elephant in my bottom!".  

I laughed SO hard.  I love observing this emerging personality.  

By midweek, we were ready to head outdoors.  Desperately ready.  Fall is quickly approaching so we practically ran to the zoo.  That's where we realized Fall has yet to arrive because no one was there.  Still too hot folks.  So with a $54 gift shop purchase of hats (gulp) we managed to still have a great time!

Giraffes!

They love the monkeys!

And just when you'd think we had enough wildlife for the week, we decided to try out the Butterfly Wonderland!  It was so awesome and the kids loved it; especially Warner!  The butterflies were abundant and literally flew all around and even on you!  Avery's slight hesitation of these flying creatures was lessened by Warner's loud and adorable giggles.  As usual, he was turning heads!  ;)

But for most of the week, it was back to business.  Bath time.  Story time.  Grocery shopping.  You do what you gotta do.

Mom, I'm gonna need a spot.

But how could I forget last night?  Daddy-daughter date night (with Warner)!  Just this time at least because I had a previously scheduled dinner with my girlfriends.  Chris took Aves and Warner to meet their cousin Lexi and uncle Drew at Chuckee Cheese's!  Talk about one cool Monday night!  They had a great time and surely enjoyed the quality time with Daddy.  No moms allowed!  ;)

Aunt James getting Avery dolled up for her date!  What they call "The Beauty Shop".

Daddy-Daughter date night!

Uh oh!  This was my exact face on scary rides as a child!

I feel ya buddy!

Cousin love.  Clearly Avery had a change of hair plans after visiting the beauty shop.