Question

For all of you experienced moms out there, just one quick question.

When does the "dump everything out all over the place" phase end for toddlers?  And dare I ask... what stage comes next?

I'm so tired of picking up blocks and toys.  It's making me insane!

We've Only Just Begun

Today I've had Karen Carpenter's song, "We've Only Just Begun" in my head.  I've always liked the Carpenters.  I dig that earthy mellow vibe.  But I also think that the title alone is telling of my life, our little family's life, at this point in time.  A lot of things are just beginning... the summer, Shaun's job search, our lives as graduated students, my new weight loss goal, and the list goes on.  It's truly an exciting time for us and today I've had a hard time sitting still as it's setting in that my summer work hours are here which means much more flexibility, days at the pool with my little Miss, visits from family members, and having time to exercise and eat healthier.    

In a larger since it feels like we're about to enter a new chapter as a family- one where Shaun is employed.  How nice that will be!  Today he takes his final for his first summer class with only two more to go.  August will be here before you know it, and he will officially graduate!  Please say prayers for us that he will find a job.  We really are open to going anywhere.  Some days I get excited about moving far away and other days I think I'd like to stay right here.  The truth of the matter is with the economy the way it is we probably wont have much of a choice.  We'll just go where the job takes us... whether that's to Gainesville, VA, or Denver, CO.  Beggars can't be choosers (with some exceptions).  

Anyway, just an exciting time in our life.  Today especially it's hitting me, simply because school just ended for students yesterday so it really feels official that literally a new season is upon us:)  And speaking of new seasons, a few photos of Ella below from our spontaneous day trip to VA Beach last weekend for Papa Williams' birthday!  Ella loved the ocean:)

Smith Mountain Lake Adventures

We were able to go to Smith Mountain Lake over Memorial Day weekend with our friends, the Wests.  We forgot our camera but thankfully the Wests let us share some of their memory card and we just got these photos from them of the trip.  

We went swimming in the lake...

Some of us were brave enough to attempt skiing (not me)

The girls tried their first game of tennis

So did the boys

The girls had lots of fun sharing food and toys (sort of sharing... it's an emerging skill)

They lounged in the chair hammocks on the deck

And what would any lake trip be without letting Ella co-pilot for a while?

The girls also enjoyed a dip in the pool

Well, maybe they didn't completely enjoy it.  Ella was slightly traumatized but she ended up liking it after a while.  These faces are priceless though.

Thanks Adam and Tawnie for another fun adventure!  We hope we can do it again some time!  And we hope some of our other friends can join us there this summer as well.