Christmas in July Gift Exchange

The past two years (2015 & 2014) we have participated in a Christmas in July gift swap. It definitely gives us something to look forward to during the summer months. Courtney, Jamie, & Liz do an amazing job hosting the swap, make sure you look for it next summer!

We were paired with two different mama's, Emily and Jamie. We sent gifts to Emily and her two boys, Jack & Graham, so make sure you check out her blog to see what they received! 

We received our gifts from Jamie, Reese, and Charlotte, and their gifts were on point. You can't go wrong with Paw Patrol, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, water toys, and a Little Mermaid purse (for our Little Mermaid!). Jamie was so sweet and sent some nail polish for me, but I think a little girl will be wearing it too!

Wyatt and Stella enjoyed opening their gifts and seeing all of their surprises! Wyatt has slept every night with his Chase toy and the bubbles are already almost gone!

 

Thank you Jamie, Reese, and Charlotte!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas (in July)!!



TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More

Road Trip Activities for Kids

We are about to take off on another family adventure!! The catch?? It's going to be a 17+ hour drive in the car. Yes, we are planning to break it up into two days, but it's still a lot of time in the car. With toddlers. So I've created a little list of items that I bought as surprises, just for this trip. I plan to only give them one every couple of hours to help spread out the entertainment.

Craft Sticks || I bought these at the dollar store, along with some Velcro. I placed Velcro on both ends of each stick. They can be used to build and create, or just stick together. These don't take up much room and I'm hoping they'll bring some new entertainment.

Fuzzy Sticks || Also known as pipe cleaners. These are, again, small and can be twisted, tied, or whatever to create shapes. I may also pack a colander, you can stick the pipe cleaners through the holes. 

Glow Sticks || Wyatt is obsessed with these and we don't buy them often. He loves to connect them to wear, or just wave around and play with.

Magnetic Letters || We already had magnetic letters but I bought a new small cookie sheet so they can play with them. Obviously he's not going to be writing out words, but he can sort them letters by colors. We can also use them like flash cards.

Magna Doodle || We have never had a Magna-Doodle and I'm hoping they'll provide lots of entertainment. I ordered two so there wont be fighting over them. It's a great option instead of crayons/markers.

Flash Cards || I bought these Color/Shapes cards. It's something I can easily do with Wyatt, even from the front seat.

We will also have a new movie and the iPad. No...I'm not against screen time! ha! Please let me know if you have any other easy, small ideas that I've missed!

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More

Beach Family Pictures

As you know, a couple weeks ago we went to the beach with my dad and family. As most families do when they visit the beach, we had to take some family pictures. As usual, Wyatt was not really into getting his picture taken but we managed to snap a couple.

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More

Kids Behind the Blog, July 2016

One of my favorite link-ups occurred this week and I couldn't miss the chance to get some epic answers from Wyatt. Always love to hear his thoughts! His two videos are at the bottom. Yes, two, he wanted to keep going but...bedtime. I also asked Stella the questions this time around...I don't think she's quite ready to answer. ha!  1. What are two things you like to do outside in the summer?  Stella || See kitt-tat! Sing! (swing)   2. If you could go anywhere this summer, where would you go and why? Stella || Go bye-bye.  3. What is your favorite thing about summer? Stella || Umm...(blah, blah, blah) bebe! (baby) 4. If you could pick any way to spend a hot summer day, how would you spend it? Stella || Go ouside, go ouside, go ouside! 5. What is your favorite summer treat? Stella || Umm, umm...snack!

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More

Our Weekend || A Re-Cap

Well, it's Tuesday (that didn't happen) Wednesday and I'm really proud of myself for a getting a post about our weekend up. Let me tell you, having a "three-nager" and an almost two year old...it's not easy. The past two months have probably been the most difficult that I have faced since having kiddos, and, I'm tired. I'm pretty sure they're just trying to kick Sean and I out of the house and take over. For real. But aren't they cute??

Anyways, back to our weekend, which was great!! 

Mimi came down Wednesday night so the kids were so super excited when they woke up on Thursday and saw her. We got up and around and headed to the pool. Wyatt was so excited to show her his pool and all his skills.

After the pool we headed to Sonic for half-price cones and lunch. Which was followed by naps, lots of cuddles, outside time, and a dance party! 

Friday morning we did our morning chores, watering flowers and playing outside. We found a turtle and Stella was quickly obsessed. She kept patting it on the shell and laying flowers next to it. No turtles were harmed, I moved it to safety before she realized it was gone.

We then headed to the store, and came home in time for lunch and naps.

Friday night finally came and my cousins arrived, along with Pop, and my Aunt Becky! None of them have ever been to our house and we hadn't seen them since Christmas...we were a little excited!!

Saturday was all about family time. We watched bubbles (nothing says redneck bubble blower like using an air compressor), enjoyed lots of chit-chat, cuddled and read books, Wyatt had a ride in the Jeep with Pop, and we all just enjoyed some family time.

On Sunday Sean surprised us with Zootopia, so we enjoyed a family movie before everyone had to leave town. We then had to say some sad goodbyes. We had such a great weekend and really can't wait until we see everyone again!

TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More

Summer Bucket List || Alligator Farm

While we were at the beach we made it a priority to visit Alligator Alley. We visited in 2012 and I knew Wyatt would love it!

We went as soon as it opened (10am) and it was so, so hot. Thankfully they had Gatorade and the kids didn't seem to mind the heat, too much.

Wyatt was all about looking at the alligators but was not interested in touching or holding one. Just like his mama. I actually used Stella's hand to touch it. #nothanks

  

New this year is a reptile petting zoo. There were some snakes, lizards, and such. And a tortoise which Stella was convinced was there for her riding pleasure.

We watched the alligators munch up some lunch and then headed out to for lunch, and some cold air.

{water balloons | visit beach | museum | fireworks}


TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 

Read More