It's All About The Hat

Last weekend, we, along with Matthew's parents, took a long weekend to drive to California to stay with my brother and sister-in-law, Nate and Mandi, and their four children. Although we didn't have a lot of time, we were able to visit with Matthew's grandpa and Noni, as well as stay with his Aunt Belinda Uncle Randy, where we were spent time with Matthew's cousins, Weston, and Mackayla, as well as Weston's wife Whitney. Amelia fell in love with her cousins, especially Weston, you can find see just how much fun she had by going to their blog here.

After seeing everybody, we made our way down to Fresno to visit Nate, Mandi and their children, Jacob, Nicole, Brodie and Blake. It was hot 106 degrees, so on Saturday, we decided to hang out at Shaver Lake for the day. It was so much fun and I took tons of photo's of everybody. Amelia loved hanging out with her cousins, and referred to them as "her friends". Here are just a few of my favourite pics.

To keep my little "Casper" a little more protected from the sun, I found the cutest hat for my little girl. It was perfect, and to my surprise, she didn't seem to mind it at all, and kept it on the whole day.

Below, Amelia and Brodie help uncle Nate build a sandcastle, Brodie is just a few days older than Amelia.


Nicki had no fear and enjoyed being thrown into the water by her daddy.

Grandma and Amelia saw horses, you can see just how excited my little girl was about that!

I LOVE this photo!


Sweet smiles!

Brodie had fun on daddy's back.

The lake was just beautiful, and the sand even had a glint of gold, which made the water glitter. At 86 degrees, the temperature was perfect.

Aunt Mandi, holds little Blake who is 11 months old, even he got to go swimming.

Anyone need refreshment?

Daddy holds Amelia in a beach towel to dry her off.

We had the perfect day, and the best part was being together!

A Summers Day By The Ocean

We just enjoyed a visit from Matthew's parents. We decided to take a fun day out to the beach, and we headed to Newport. It was a beautiful day, if a tad bit windy on the beach, but considering it is the Oregon coast, it was perfect.

Amelia loves the beach and couldn't wait to take off into the ocean. Luckily, grandpa and daddy were there to enjoy the cold water with her.

It was so cute watching them walk out into the waves, lifting up our little girl when the bigger waves came.

As soon as they had walked away from the ocean, Amelia was ready to get back in again.

Grandpa hugged Grandma to keep her warm.

Daddy snuggled up with his daughter in a soft, cosy beach towel.

We had so much fun!

Don't Grow Up Too Fast!

After finally downloading the photo's I took on Father's Day, I was amazed when I saw this photo of Amelia. I am really beginning to understand what people mean when they tell me "your children grow up so fast, be sure to enjoy them". This is my baby, it seems like only yesterday that I was giggling about the little squeaks she made, and wide, curious eyes she had, yet in just two and a half years she already looks so different. Now she talks and sings, she runs and plays, has a great imagination, and is able to think and make decisions on her own.

The funny thing is, if referred to as a big girl, she is quick to point out that she is "momma's baby" or "daddy's baby". That is true, no matter how old she gets she will always be our "baby".

Slow down precious one, don't grow up so fast!!