Jake Turns Two

My favorite baby big boy turned two years old a few weeks ago. I love getting together with my family, but even more so when we have something to celebrate. Here are some shots from his big day.

The next day was Mom's birthday & we got to celebrate together again!

I'm so thankful for family time!

Olympic Games

I've got the fever. Not Bieber fever. That went away when he turned 18 & turned into a girl. I've got Olympic fever!

I haven't been this excited for a sporting event since the kickoff of college football last year (insert disappointing "awwwww..."). Back to my point - I'm pumped for the Olympics.



I already have my T-VO all set & we're having a kick-off party tonight with friends. I've been practicing my beam routines and my cartwheels. Not joking. I flash back to my days as a gymnast and I can't help myself. I'm obsessed with Gabby Douglas this year (every year I pick one gymnast to channel all of my energy into because I'm sure she can feel my support).

Her high-flying release moves on the bars have dubbed her the "flying squirrel" and I can't wait to see what this 16 year old does at the Games.

I'm also really excited about the swimming & diving (mainly swimming because I want to see if Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte fight after one beats the other (I'm pulling for Lochte this year!)

There is one Brit I'm dying to see, though... my best friend, Kate. She's promised to attend at least one event a day and you know that girl is going to dress to the nines!

Hip hip hooray for the USA! Let's kick some world butt!

New Countertops

We are finally making some progress! After weeks and weeks of planning we're finally making some head-way in the kitchen. The new countertops were installed today and I'm even more excited to get the rest of this room done. We chose a granite called Santa Cecilia. The mix of colors in this slab are going to compliment the rest of the room perfectly. Here are some pictures of the progress.

Yes, our stove is sitting in the middle of the kitchen. Sorry Greg & Suzy. It still works out there, so frozen pizza for everyone!

As ridiculous as it sounds, my favorite part of today was getting this sink.

Now time to decide on a cabinet color!

Remember where we came from, and I'm sorry, the installers already hauled away the green laminate ones.

And now...

Progress, people! Stay tuned!



It was supposed to be 3 weeks...

This was supposed to be the first 3-week span for me not seeing my family. That’s right – 3 weeks. The longest we’ve gone since the move is 2 weeks. I had prepared my mind for the 3 weeks and knew although I didn’t want to, I could do it. Fate had other plans. At the end of the 2^nd week, Katie, Josh & Jake were scheduled to head back from the beach and were going to stop by on their way home so they could see our house for the first time. I, of course, called Mom & Dad to see if they wanted to meet us for dinner in Lexington. Never expecting them to actually drive the 2 hours, I was thrilled when they agreed and met us at our favorite spot.

We had the best time hanging out, just the 7 of us, for a couple of hours. I’m so thankful for my awesome family & all of the chances we’ve had to spend time together lately.

katie said, "you smile and i'll make faces beside you." this was part of our photo shoot...

jake is such a big man now, but the fact that he still wears footie pj's makes it a little easier to swallow

on saturday, josh & jamie stopped by on their way to the beach (a beach vacation for everyone but us seems to be a trend). i'm so glad we got to see them & their precious son, pierce who's a bundle of awesomeness.