Little Gym - Open Gym

Since Addie went to The Little Gym for a class all last year, she was really missing it this summer. Fortunately, we were able to go to Open Gym a few times. I tried everything to work out a summer class for her, but we were just out of town too much. I hate it too because she dearly loves that place! And once I saw her in action, I was amazed at what all she can do - so I'm not surprised at all that she loves it!

She can hold herself up and swing on the rings (I learned this in March, over at Cody's, who has rings on his swingset).

(with help) She loved flipping over on the uneven bars!

Going for the balance beam (I've also known she could do this - because every since probably last fall, everything has been a balance beam for her!)

They have a super cool bubble machine! I think it's sold at Gymboree.

Loves this thing - I guess they roll kids around in it, but not on that day.

My Addie-girl and a typical look!

And these bars suprised me too! She can do so much! Not a baby anymore at all!

Precious Picaso

In an effort to make this summer a productive, memorable, and educational one, I let go of my nerves one day, covered the kitchen table, and stripped Addie down... to let her paint. She had a blast, and the grandparents got a new treat in the mail! We have got to get some prettier paint colors for next time! And some new brushes. Sometimes it's just easier to throw things away! I can say that she did a great job of sticking with one color per brush. Thank goodness she can follow directions when necessary!

Sanders Family Fourth of July Picnic

My family has a big shin-dig for all holidays, and the fourth is no exception. Being out of town, we can come to some, but not all, which I hate, but what can you do? We were happy to be in Lexington, and on the lake, for the fourth this year!

Addie enjoyed playing with her aunts and cousins. She really liked tailgate golf, but couldn't understand why there was only one set of pink balls!

She enjoyed the lake and the pool, in last year's precious perfect for July 4th swimsuit that will definitely not fit next year!

Sidewalk chalk after dinner, always a hit. With adults too! (Addie has recently started to actually try to draw things. Here she was drawing and counting sticks!)

Sweet girl Emily! She was born a few days after Tommy and I got married, and now look how grown up!

Sweet Sanders:

A picture of all four - nothing in this world like those Sanders baby blues!

I love how happy Addie is nestled up between two cousins!

A little finale of tailgate golf between two cousins!

Lake Murray Fireworks

I can't remember a Fourth of July growing up where we didn't watch the fireworks over Lake Murray from my grandmother's front porch or the causeway. This year, Tommy, Addie, and I were in Lexington to enjoy the fourth on the lake, and were able to show Addie the fireworks. She loved them. She was so tired that she was giddy, but she loved them. And I loved being there with my sweet little family of three, and my huge extended family of too many to count! Lake Murray is definitely "Home Sweet Home" for me!

Addie and Margaret - bless her heart, she was pooped!
Those sweet curls!

Addie in her own new little tailgate chair!

And our sweet family. A little tired from the lake all day, but my favorite nonetheless!

Addie's First Peach Festival Parade

Tommy and I put on our "good parents hat" and beared the dreadful 4th of July heat and crowd (and undesirables at times) to take Addie to the annual Peach Festival Parade in Gilbert. We, naturally, were running late, and were totally unprepared. For one thing, we don't own a big truck. Apparently that's a necessity, and everyone else has one that was there. For another, it didn't even cross my mind to bring tailgate chairs. Tailgate chairs didn't exsist when I used to go to parades! Lastly, I had no idea I'd need to get there early to get good seats! This is Gilbert! Smalltown, USA! Oh well.

As with all small towns, there were some sweet people that let Addie and me park ourselves between their two trucks. Then, one of the ladies in the back of the truck offered me her tailgate chair, and she'd sit on her cooler. It was sweet. And after holding Addie for the first 10 minutes, I was grateful. (And that was after I'd carried her up the hill, because we were running so late, she and I just jumped out the car and walked while Tommy found a parking place.)

We did have some friends that had a float in the parade for their business. And Mary said for Addie and me to hop on! Umm, I didn't see that happening! I guess we could have started working on her beauty pageant wave/balancing while dancing on a float/throwing candy future in parades! Ha!

So here we were!

I finally convinced Addie to go up to get a sticker - I mean, we have to show our support for Haley!

The older people in front, and some of the people in one of the trucks, kept giving Addie the candy they'd catch. Addie was in heaven!

Yep, she's pretty much the happiest girl on Earth. And the greatest thing that's ever happened to her daddy and me!

Put me in coach...

I'm ready to play....today....

(first cow tail - mmmm!)

My girl has no choice but to love sports. She really does love them all. But, she gets special opportunities with baseball. My dad sponsored the baseball team for the American Legion Post that he's a member of, again this year. So, of course, while in Lexington for a bit, we had to go visit him at the ballfield. Addie was right at home!