Change

It's inevitable, I know.
And sometimes I like it, but sometimes not.
I can't get into full specifics just yet, but we will have change in our near future, that we know. It could be a short term situation or a different, long term change, but we won't know for another month or so. Vague, I get it, but that's what's on my mind now. It's going to be stressful. And challenging. But in the long run, both are good. And will be fun. And I need to focus on that.

What doesn't change, however, is how much these 2 need each other.

Summer Days

I have to be honest about something. All of these 'fall' posts on social media are killing me. Just stop with them already. It's still August! I absolutely love a good fall festival and some cute fall boots, but summer is my favorite. Period. Right about now every year I see the fall countdowns begin and pictures of pumpkin spice latte's everywhere and it drives me crazy. Maybe it's because I live in Ohio and fall is a reminder of the worst season ever closing in on us, or maybe it's because I could live in 95 degree weather all year and cherish the sun. Whatever the reason, I refuse to acknowledge and/or get excited that fall is coming and continue to soak up as much of summer as I can. 

So in our quest to be outside as much as we can this month, we spent some time at the park on Sunday morning. This image pretty much sums up our trip... (note how the little one has her eyes glued to the big one having fun)

Something happened between last summer and this and Drew got all this new courage to climb and test his strength wherever he can on the playground. I already get so much anxiety with him climbing all over, but now he wants to get to the top of even the highest parts.

The little one can't do too much at the park but she definitely enjoys the swing and walking around attempting to trail the big one.

My Toddler

We had our friends over the other night to play in the backyard and it was crazy different how much Ady looked compared to her 9 month old girlfriend. I swear when a baby can start walking it ages them by a year! Anyway, just had to post some recent images of my worm before she completely loses all of her fat. She's already gotten so skinny from non stop running around that it breaks my heart!

Cleveland Feast

This was our first year attending this big annual Cleveland event and will definitely be back! Despite it being humid as ballz, we met our friends at the event to enjoy some good ole Italian eats and let the kids enjoy some rides!

I didn't get a picture of any food except for friend mozzarella, but Drew even had some clam and enjoyed it. The best food was the chocolate cannolis though. DELISH!

These 2 are so cute together...

Drew, of course, picked the firetruck...

Drew and Madi...

It's been a while since I've been on a ferris whell and I do NOT like them. Nope Nope Nope. You're barely buckled in to the thing, there are rusted out parts all around you and the creeky thing rocks when you barely move. Nope. But guess who friggin loved it?

2 Weeks with Gramma!

The kiddos don't know what to do with themselves after all this grandparent love. My mom, their Gramma, came in to help for the last 2 weeks of Derek's travel. (Another perk of being retired... coming up to see your grandchildren whenever you want!) It was definitely nice to have the extra help around the house and with the kiddos!

On top of all the help, we had a bunch of fun while she was here! We went to the 'big' pool...

Derek and I even got to go on a date to see one of our favorite comedians with our friends!

Drew also got to enjoy a few afternoons just him and Gramma. They went to a local animal center, went to the pool a few times and even went to pick out and paint some pottery...

And we had many great meals, but enjoyed the last one by the water with a picnic...

Thanks again for all your help mom!

Life Lately

It's busy. Just busy. In a few days Derek will be back at home after 5 weeks of working in another city. I survived 2 on my own, had my in-laws in town for one and my mom flew up for these last 2 weeks. I couldn't have done it without their help and I'm SO excited to be back in a normal routine with my other half around. 

Again, kudos to you military wives or wives who have husbands who travel all the time. I'm not sure how you do it! 

For today, I'll leave you with a couple of pictures of the aftermath of Grammas Hamburger Mac. The kid LOVED it and devoured all of it that we put in front of her, including the beef. WIN! Looks like we'll be having that a lot more in our future.

Have a great week!

Mimi & Grandpa's Visit

Mimi and Grandpa were in town for a week over Ady's birthday and I wanted to post some pictures of happenings while they were here. It's always nice to have visitors in town, especially those that help around the house and with the kiddos! 

Ady tried her first spaghetti....

And had her 12 month well check where she threw out some great smiles and showed off her new yoga stance...

We also enjoyed a picnic along the water at a local park....

Did tons of reading of course....

And ate outside when it wasn't too hot...

Thanks for the visit Mimi and Grandpa!

Ady's 1 Year & Cake Smash Pictures

I know some of you follow my facebook page (here), but if you don't, you're missing out on pictures like these! It was hot, humid and full of bugs, but my in-laws helped me shoot this session when the morning light was perfect! She definitely enjoyed her cake and probably would have eaten the entire thing had we not stopped her.

First I snapped a bunch of pictures in her birthday romper which I'm obsessed with! Here are a few of my faves...

Normally I don't like edits like this but the subject and light was perfect that I thought it looked good!

Then it was time to eat her cake! I think I have 50 images of her devouring the thing but here are a few of my favorites...

 And probably one of my most favorite pictures from the shoot...