August 25th

Today, our sweet baby girl turned 3.

Where does the time go?

 I can't understand how three years have already passed since you came into this world. The first few months were hard. Getting used to another baby along with trying to divide my time between you and your brother was not an easy task. Lots of times I think back on those days and feel like I completely failed you and your brother both. They were such hard days, but seeing the both of you now, I would do it all over a hundred times again without a second thought. You have brought so much fun and laughter into our family and I can't imagine our lives without you. You are a little firecracker who always has us on our toes. I know that there will be days to come when you and I will have our moments as all mothers and daughters do, but for now, I am choosing to enjoy and savor our moments together. You are a true Mommy's Girl right now and I won't lie.......I love it. I wish I could bottle up these times now because I know that one day, they will only be memories and I never, ever want to forget them. We love you dearly sweet Layla. 

Happy Birthday baby girl!

Happy Birthday Layla!

We celebrated Layla's birthday on Saturday, August 24th, one day earlier than her actual birthday, the 25th. Once again, it was a bittersweet birthday for this Mama as it's probably the last one that I will have any input in. I figure by next year, she will have her own opinions about how it should be!

Anyway, it was a beautiful day and we had the party at our house with just a few family and friends.

Layla and big brother Isaac

I love how her cake turned out. We've called her ladybug since she was a baby!

Me and my sweet babies

Daddy and his little man

Silly girl!

After we did cake and presents, Layla and Mallory decided to play outside. Who knew a bowl filled with water could be SO MUCH FUN???

These two had a blast and I'm so grateful for their sweet friendship. 

I can't believe another year has flown by. Layla, you are a very sweet and loving little girl, but you are also very opinionated and determined. I am looking forward to seeing what kind of lady you grow into and I hope that you will always keep the Lord first in all that you do. We love you sweet girl. Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Moms!

We timed our next trip to Carthage to go with my grandmother, Moms's 86th birthday. She is the only grandparent that I have left and I can't begin to say what an influence she has been on my life. She is one of the strongest women I have ever known and I only hope to someday have a fraction of her strength and determination. 

Happy Birthday Moms! We love you!

Swim Party

On August 22nd, Isaac's baseball team had an end-of-season swimming party. My two water babies had a ball and I'm so glad Isaac gave baseball a chance this year. Even though they had a tough season (and didn't win a game), I think it sparked enough interest in Isaac that he will definitely play again next year. His cousins Jakob and Ethan came in to visit that weekend so they were able to join in the fun too! Here are some pics from the fun party.

Jakob, Isaac, & Ethan

The Beach

I have been begging Darren for quite some time now about wanting to go to the beach again. The last time we went was the summer after Layla was born and she didn't even go with us then. My Mom wasn't working so she kept baby Layla with her while we went down. Isaac had been wanting to go back and since Layla had never seen the ocean, I wanted her to be able to go too. We finally found a place for us all to stay. Donny and Janet went too and we all piled in and headed down to Orange Beach for a few days. We actually stayed in the same condo building as we did last time so it was nice to be familiar with things.

Our front balcony view

As soon as we arrived, the kids begged to change into their bathing suits so they could go down to the water. I wasn't sure how Layla would do with the ocean, but she definitely proved she is a true water baby. She loved it!

Beautiful full moon over the ocean

The whole week was absolutely great and I can't wait to go back again next year. The beach has always been one of my very favorite places to go and I'm so glad the kids love it too!

Fun at the Farm

I bought a little blow up pool at the end of summer last year on clearance, but had forgotten about it until it was found by Isaac. He had a fit to blow it up to play so one Saturday, we took it over to the farm at Crump to blow it up and let them play. Those kids had more fun with that little cheap pool than I ever could have dreamed and we had a ball just watching them. 

As you can tell, it doesn't take much to keep them entertained and happy!