Jersey Girl, Part Deux

 July brought some special family time for Vi.  Our family attended two reunions in New Jersey to visit Daddy's family.  Our trip started out by meeting up with Uncle Bini at the airport in Atlanta.

 The first reunion was held by Grandma's family.  The last time Vi went she was not even a year old.  It was a special visit because she learned how to walk on that trip, as well as meet her extended family in NJ for the first time.  As you can see, she picked up right where she left off with her cousins!  See pictures from the trip in 2009 here.

 Vi had been looking forward to this trip for a while because she got to see the famous Ava (her cousin) who we have been talking about for years since they were too young to remember their first meeting.  The girls had a midnight meeting since our flight got in really late, but they hit it off immediately.  She loved staying at Ava's house and having "big girl" conversations.  She wants to know when we can get on the airplane to visit again.  This particular photo highlights Vi's battle wound from running into a door handle the previous day (on forehead).  Thankfully, we did not need stitches!

 cousins!

 Before heading back down south, we ate some authentically delicious pizza...

 ... and visited the infamous Seaside Heights (aka the Jersey Shore).  Vi was immediately attracted to all of the games.  No Snooki sightings, sorry.

It was a beautiful day at the shore!  We had a great family weekend in NJ and hope to visit again soon since our last visit was 3 years ago.  Thanks to our NJ family for hosting us!

Vi is a Busy Bee!

 June was an extremely busy month for Vi.  First stop, Splash Country with her partner in crime, Caroline!

 Vi got to play with her cousins in the pool.  It was the first time that Mommy got to see them all together.

 Great Mamaw Jean was in heaven with all of her great-grandchildren together.

 She got all dressed up for her first TN family wedding, too!

 On her first visit to the lake, Paw let her drive the boat - lucky girl!

 Vi attended VBS and matched the Green Turtles group perfectly in her outfit.  This was a special week since Mommy got to be her VBS teacher and see her hang out with her friends.  She loved all of the music and VBS and is still listening to her CD and dancing.

On the hottest day of the year, we visited Dollywood!  But a good time was had by all.  It just meant we got to buy more frozen lemonades.  Vi won several of the games that she played in the Country Fair (her favorite thing to do!) including a GIANT Smurfette that is the source of her recent nightmares about the "blue monster."

Whew... we are staying busy this summer.  Mommy is tired just looking back at the pictures!

Silly Girl in the Silly Hose

One of our favorite summer toys is the Silly Hose.  Just plug it into your outdoor spigot and everyone can enjoy the silliness.  Our silly hose wiggles and squirts water in all directions, and it provides summer fun for less than $10 - bargain!  You can even catch the water in your mouth if you get thirsty while playing (as demonstrated in the above photo).

Daddy and Uncle Bini swung me while jumping over the hose.  Mommy, Grandma, and Grandpa got in on the action, too.  Our video wouldn't upload, but we promise the silly hose is lots of fun!



May and June Highlights

Happy Birthday to my best friend Sonny who just turned 3!

I got to pretend that I had a dog for a few hours thanks to a visit from Aunt Cindy, Uncle Jerry, and Mollie!

 Just relaxing at the YMCA pool...

 ... and back to the "Y" for swim lesson!

I waited patiently for a really long time (good job!) for Pokey Dot the clown to paint the "heart princess" design on my face.

I hope everyone is having as much fun this summer as I am!

Beach Bum

 Our little calendar girl

 Pretty as a picture

Enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Emerald Coast with my Mamaw and Paw.  I loved the water so much this year that I floated ALONE in my mermaid ring and played with fish that my Daddy caught in a bucket for me!

Thanks Mamaw and Paw for a wonderful vacation!



Happy Easter 2012

We hope that everyone had a great Easter weekend filled with fun, family, faith, and friends!

Friends from near and far

 I am a lucky girl to get to spend time with my friends.  Since the weather has been so nice, I have had visits from friends near and far.  Sonny is one of my best friends.  We are usually running wild together, but in this picture we are very subdued watching Finding Nemo.

 Mr. Henry and Mrs. Bernis (along with Mr. Stefan and Mrs. Becky, not pictured) came to visit us.  I got to ride on the Chattanooga Duck Tour on the river with all of my friends!

 My littlest friend, Baby Beckett.  I turn into a big sister when I am with him.

It was our friend Cadden's birthday.  Here I am in the Adventure Center acting silly at the party.