The "Dog Days" of Summer

Ok, first things first. Hi, how are ya?? I know it's been a while. I've had many friends tell me, "enough of the donut post already". So, here I am just doing a random post. Honestly, because too much has transpired in the last two months to even attempt at catching everyone up...and, because you have lives of your own to lead. : )

So, I found myself asking...what do the "dog days" of Summer really mean?? Being the information junky that I am...I looked it up...AND...the "dog days" of Summer are the hottest, most sultry days of Summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, they usually fall between July and September. It can also define a time period or event that is very HOT or stagnant or marked by dull lack of progress. YEP, that about SUMS-IT-UP!! We are in fact enduring the "DOG DAYS" of Summer!!

It is SOOOOOOOOOO HOT here and I can TOTALLY relate to the "stagnant" feeling as well. We've gone about two weeks now without our morning or evening walks - something this Mom looks forward to being home with 3 kiddos 2 and under, but it's JUST TOO HOT! I need some new ideas for fun indoor activities. I think the girls have watched more Baby Einstein, Mickey Mouse Club, Special Agent OSO in the last two weeks than we have in the last two years. I KNOW, I KNOW this makes me a terrible Mom, but you can just keep those comments to yourself, OK?

So, what has been going on?? Well, we took a long road trip to Texas that started off with my older Brother, Jim, getting married. It was fabulous! I don't have pictures yet, but I did order some from the photographer. I was a Bridesmaid, and Ella was a Flower Girl. So, when I get them, hopefully I can figure out a way to share a few. It was such a fun wedding and was so evident that my Brother, Jim, and his new wife, Lisa, love each other very much. It's so fun to be apart of a wedding where you can FEEL the love, you know?

Our visit continued with spending time with my family for a few days and then heading to Wes's family lakehouse. We really enjoyed our time in Texas. We miss Texas.

Papa and Ella waiting for Nan's grandfather clock to chime

Neena playing with Molly and Ruby

Molly

Ruby

At the lake, going for a walk - that's Uncle Jeff and cousin Reese

Molly and Ruby playing in the water

Right now, we are eagerly awaiting our weekly activities resuming, like bible study, and MDO starts next week - the girls are graduating to their next class, and it's hard for me to grasp that the twins will be moving to the "big kid" class at school and Church. So, I am working on a few things with the twins...we are working on mastering the sippy cup, and learning how to use a spoon. They LOVE trying to use a spoon, they smile every time I give one to them.

Ruby

Molly

Tuesday was Wes's birthday. ELLA L-O-V-E-S anything to do with birthdays - so she was SO excited that she got to sing Happy Birthday, and help blow out the candles...and eat cake...her favorite!

Wes's parents were here for a few days, and we had a WONDERFUL visit. It was so nice to have them here. Wes and his Dad did guy stuff, and the girls hung out around the house and played a ton. I was able to get a sitter Saturday night, and we had a nice "adult" dinner out. That is VERY rare for us. So, it was a real treat!!

AND...this coming weekend we have another special visit, this time with my parents. Turns out my Dad has a delivery in Missouri and will be spending the weekend with us, and Continental had a special this weekend, so my Mom is going to fly in Saturday and go home Monday. Truly a special occurrence, seeing that we usually get to see our family only a few times a year.

Well, I hope ya'll are staying cool (figuratively and realistically) ; )!!

Happy "DOG DAYS" of Summer, Ya'll!!

Keep the Faith,