We're back!

Back from our bloggin' break, that is. I was not abstaining purposely, but then my computer went on the fritz, my munchkin got sick, and school started. Which left me a bit weary. Then my genius husband fixed my computer, lil'bub recovered, and we sent her off to a new year of school...just one day late. And now that I think about it, I actually have this recurring nightmare of doing the exact same thing: I show up a day late to high school and I can't figure out where I'm supposed to be and I am ferr-reakin out that I'm going to be in trouble!?!? I know it doesn't make a lot of sense, but it's a dream. What kind of cracks me up is when I wake up really anxious from said dream, the only way to snap out of it is to remember that I already graduated. And sometimes that takes a little while. Like, I lay there and slowly remember that everything is ok because I went on to college and graduate school, so I obviously graduated. Obviously. It always takes me a little bit though.

Ok, well that was definitely a tangent. Avery's late start was not near that dramatic. Her amazing teachers (the same awesome ones we had last year :) were sad because they were looking forward to seeing her. I was sad because we were all more than ready for her to get back on a school schedule. And lil'bub was sad because she was super duper snotty. Luckily, that disappeared pretty fast and we got back on track the next day. She did great. Her teachers said she laughed a lot, which made my heart smile! I was just talking to Bub the hub about how her laugh has changed so much since she was itty bitty. Now it's a good hearty little lady laugh. I'm going to have to get it on tape for you guys. Right now all I have is this photo of when I picked her up from school.

I know it's a bit blurry, but she was both happy and worn-out, which I think is well represented here :)

Avery's first year of school went really well, but I think this is her year to excel. She's getting so much stronger and reacting better to her therapies. She's also talkin' our ears off/communicating more as well. We can't wait to see what this new year brings!

And now I have to give a shout out to our former speech therapist and sweet friend, Morgan, and her precious daughter Amelia.

We had to say goodbye today because they are moving to Austin. We are sad to lose them but so grateful for all the wonderful therapy Morgan provided, and thoughtful suggestions and encouragement...and toys! And just listening to me! Thanks, Morgan-- I can't believe that when we met, Amelia was just a twinkle in your eye, and now she is a beautiful 7 month old!!! We will miss you guys!

Lazy Rivers Make Me a Lazy Girl

We had such a nice vacation. We've visited the pool every single day (and rounded the lazy river many a time), ate a lot of goodies, watched a ton of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and we've been as lazy as possible. Or as lazy as we can be with a 2 year old. One of the best parts about it is that I've been able to polish off four novels over the past week. I haven't been able to do this for....about 2 years! We are all pretty sad that Bub the hub had to go back to work today. It's just too bad that he has to make some money around here.

We started our vacation at an adorable Elmo birthday party for Avery's bf Leila. Lil'bub wore her new Elmo dress!!

she loves playing with her little basketball

here's the birthday girl in her gorgeous birthday skirt

Avery was pretty ready for a nap when the cute Elmo cake came out...and then magically perked up when she got a slice! This happens at pretty much all the parties we go to. She's very shy until she tastes that cake :) Here she is wanting to show y'all some of her cake!

and this is in the middle of her cake dance!

We left the next day for the resort. Below was our favorite place to hang out: the huge water playground that dumped a gigantic pail of water on (sometimes unsuspecting) guests every now and then.

But it always gave off a cool mist and a nice breeze, which was very helpful when sunbathing in the ferocious heat! I think Avery really learned the fine art of chilling out this past week. Here she is sunbathing in the shade...which only make sense for someone with her skin.

We played with all the water features...

did some good sliding...

and lots of lazy river-ing!

And now I will leave you with my favorite two photos of the vacation. I will call them 1)Bub the hub awesome vacation morning hair and 2)Lil'bub awesome vacation morning hair. I know- creative titles, right? Enjoy

Don't Be Jealous...

ok, be a little jealous. We are in vacation heaven. And we have already done the lazy river....several times. Lil'bub was a little unsure when we first got in.

But quickly learned how to chill. She didn't want to leave! She's also diggin' the waterpark.

WE are diggin' how happy she is :)

Birthday Week

My birthday this year fell on a Tuesday, and just happened to be the very first week of lil'bub's three week summer vacation before the new school year. I was a little concerned about how this all would go, especially because I worry so much about what she's missing from school. Fortunately, we have stayed just as busy as ever (no time to worry when I'm running around so much :), and squeezed in lots of therapy too. AND I've had such a wonderful birthday celebration, I feel very spoiled.

Just to give you a little taste of my bday week, I went on a girly, fun trip to Target with my sweet princess:

Bub the hub also took me to a movie on a Monday night (and he stayed awake for the whole thing!!), I got to take a fun shopping trip on my bday where I found the greatest deal ever on a purse for the fall, and I ended my birthday night at a fun new restuarant where I sampled four types of bruchetta, which (along with brie) is one of my favorite foods in the world!! Of course I took a photo to share...and I know Bub the hub thinks I'm crazy for always taking photos of my food, but I just can't help it, especially when it looks this pretty:

Today I think lil'bub was waiting to give me the very bestest bday gift of all. And that was reacting very calmly today to two of her most intense therapies-- swimming and occupational therapy. As many of you already know, lil'bub does fantastic with her therapies at school, but not so much when it comes to doing them at home, especially when I am there with her. I am really hoping that this means we are turning a major corner!! Both therapies usually mean a very mad, upset munchkin with an equally upset and frustrated momma. Today she was like a different lil'bub! Which makes my heart so happy that I can hardly explain. Of course, we still need to continue working on her tolerance levels, and especially in the conclusion of each therapy--which was today, in both cases, a great big "I'm done" cry at the 30th minute on the dot! It didn't matter though, I already got my present!!