Tea Party for a Princess!

It must be the age but as stated in our previous post, Izzy is all about being a Princess right now. I would like to say she has a favorite but I think mostly she wavers back and forth between Sleeping Beauty and Belle. So it seemed only right that she would celebrate her 3rd birthday in style. It was a princess tea party and everyone was to come dressed in their prettiest party dress, with NO BOYS ALLOWED. I convinced her that Daddy was a prince charming there to take pictures of the tea party and that seemed to be ok.

This was the picture on her party invitations. I promise I did not teach her that wave...it comes naturally. Heaven help me!







Props to the two of you who wore your wedding dress and could still fit into it. I was not so lucky but she was thrilled with those that did. Izzy had no age limit to this party. She didn't care if you were young or old, as long as you were a girl!



Some of the fun included Pin the Tiara on Princess Isabelle, Bippity-Boppity-Boo (version of duck duck goose), make-up, nails, dancing to princess music and tea party food!








Aunt Tricia was so kind to make Isabelle's Princess Belle Cake. Izzy thought it was the coolest thing. Thanks Trish!



Katelyn was so excited with all the fun. Her outfit is actually one that Nana gave Izzy for her birthday and it just so happens that they can already share clothes ;)



I can't believe our little girl is growing up so fast. She has been a riot lately to be around and you never really know what is going to come out of her mouth. Just the other day I asked her to come here and her response was, "What do you need from me Mom?" I told her I needed to apply sunscreen to her face and she said, "Seriously Mom?". I thought she just turned three but maybe I missed a few years somewhere. Wow! All I can say is that we just love her so much. She brings joy, laughter and a lot of craziness to our already crazy family. Happy Birthday Princess Izzy!

The 4th of July Parade

We should be used to our 4th of July weekend being crazy busy by now. There are always a bunch of festivities that we try to fit in, along with birthday celebrations for Isabelle. There are not too many pictures from anything but the parade. Katelyn wasn't feeling well and had a high temperature (due to another ear infection) by the time we got home. I'm sure the 95 degree weather did not help one bit. Michael tried to keep her shaded but it was pretty toasty, so she just laid back on Dad and didn't really move. Michael claims that having two girls he has lost his "street cred", surrounded by all the pink fufu things (princess umbrella). I think it's very manly.



Isabelle's favorite part of the parade was, drumroll please.......the princesses.
Never mind the candy being thrown, Uncle Sam on stilts, or the flashing lights of firetrucks and police cars. She got Daddy to chase all the way down to the end of the parade yelling, "Jasmine, Jasmine!!!!". Michael admitted later on that he felt very awkward running after a dressed up women yelling her characters name. The things we do for our kids! Here is Izzy with Snow White. She was in heaven. It's a cheap Disney World, what can I say?

All the fun at Lake Powell

My six days away to Lake Powell was jam packed with fun. The sole purpose in going was for my good friend Lisa's wedding. What a beautiful spot to be married in. I am so glad I was able to share this day with her. She is so wonderful!

Here I am with the beautiful bride Mrs. Kelly!!!


Some of her Cincinnati support group. We love you Lisa!



The rest of the time was spent with family on my Uncle's house boat. He was so great for letting us all come and play.











My Mom and her girls


My Uncle Reed and his family and some of the our Beck clan.



An added bonus was to be able to see my parents as the Pitts Family and I flew into Phoenix (Lake Powell has been a part of their mission until things just changed July 1st)

While Mom was Away...

These are just a few of the things the girls and Michael were up to when I was in Lake Powell. (Daddy did a great job by the way, but don't tell him I said so. He might begin to think this motherhood thing is a piece of cake.) Maybe this means I can leave him with the girls more often??

It was Reds Day at the Cincinnati Zoo and Michael found the girls Reds attire and off they went. Of course no trip to the zoo is complete without ice cream.



Cakes was not to thrilled with Rosie Red :(



Our friend Lane found a turtle and brought it to our house to set it free in the back yard. Katelyn seemed a little apprehensive in this picture.



This is all I have heard about from Miss Izzy. She still thinks that turtle is roaming in the backyard!



The United States played England while I was away as well. When I called that morning, Michael was on a hunt all over to try and find an England shirt. After already going to a few places I mentioned that I had seen one at trusty Target. Score! Just what Michael was looking for, a way to root for both teams!



He found the sprinkler (I didn't know we had one?) and let the girls play completely clothed. Not what Mom would have done, but hey I wasn't home to tell him that swim suits were ideal for water activities.



Looks like he got the right attire for the pool :)



They had a lot of fun together! Daddy wore the girls out, and I'm pretty sure a few nap times were skipped. Here's a little proof:

Cabo San Jose (a little behind)

So almost two months ago we had the incredible opportunity to go to Cabo San Jose, Mexico. It was our first trip without both of the girls (thanks to Lisa, Tricia and Tracy for watching them). We went with our good friends Lane and Whitney Blake and had an awesome time!

There are many pictures to follow (most for our own memories) feel free to enjoy them! You may find the Blake's blog post of our trip a little more informative.