Friends

While Ryan was on a men's retreat with guys from church, the kids and I got to spend the day at my parents' house.  Sweet friends were visiting from Brussels and invited us to celebrate their son's third birthday with them!  It was a full day of fun, especially for Rooke and his friend, Shelby.  They get along so well, which makes this mommy happy!  I literally didn't speak to him much that entire day because he and Shelby were so busy playing together (and bossing each other around!).  

The "kid table" for the birthday dinner

The "adult table".

My parents have a great backyard for running, and running. . . 

. . .  and running!

And Bridgette did a great job of looking cute all day!

We Heart London

Ryan and I were blessed with a little date time in the city! Bridgette got to tag along, which made for at least one extra coffee shop snack stop, which we were ok with. :) Pho for lunch (I've been craving since being pregnant with B), browsing through the national portrait gallery, and a little Jubilee celebrating were on the agenda It was a great day. Thanks for making it possible, KayeK!

Snapshots of May

As May wraps up, I thought I'd share some more moments captured with my phone . . .

She smiles so easily now!

They wanted to "wear the Eiffel Tower" after being inspired by a picture of their cousin, Evelynn

we're drinking lots of green smoothies for lunch these days

 on a walk through our village . . . we avoided that field.

Hello Sunshine.  We missed you!

 I could have done without the tantrum that proceeded the cuddles, but getting to rock her to sleep was a special way to end a long day

Her sense of fashion knows no bounds

Ryan's glass.  My iced coffee.  =)

He asked Daddy to take a nap with him.  They ended up together in Gretchen's bed.

While sitting outside, "Mommy, will you do paint nails with me?"

 Making some cookies, just the two of us - she tasted everything

Sunday afternoon spent with friends + funny plastic dog toys in the backyard =  

three tired Payne kiddos on the way home

My Baby

I couldn't decide which picture I liked best, so I'll assume that at least the grandparents want to see this many photos of Bridgette and post them all!

Made Around the World

My dear friend, Jessie, surprised me with a fun set of shirts for the kids - so creative and thoughtful!  She sent them while I was still pregnant, so I've been anxiously waiting to have all three kids wear them at the same time!  I love them - the kids and the cute shirts!   

 

Big Girl

This past week we enjoyed a little break from the rain, so we spent more time outside and Gretchen was able to practice riding the bike.  I'm so proud of her!  

Two Months!

Bridgette has been with us for two whole months!  It's amazing how much she has changed in such a short amount of time.  We get lots of smiles now, and she's starting to "talk", which is a soothing sound for me during the constant state of motion I seem to live in.  The dishes can wait when my baby girl is ready to smile and talk with me!  We have her two-month appointment next week, so we'll get all the stats, but she is finally starting to grow out of some clothes.  The two of us stick pretty close together these days.  I love our beautiful Bridgette.

The Hair.  Oh, Bridgette.  The Hair!

 

The Bathtub Menu

The kids went "swimming" in the bath tub one rainy afternoon.  They like to cook while they take a bath.  Running a restaurant is serious business.

Our Favorite Nana

My Nana came for a visit last week!  She is one of my favorite people and I cherished getting to spend time with her and introduce her to Bridgette!  She stayed with us over the weekend and we all had a great time together.  The kids warmed up to her quickly and after a few hours of playing, I was convinced I would have to hire a babysitter to get any time with her myself!  We just stayed up late instead.  Nana brought lots of fun goodies for the kids and spread them out over the weekend so they always had something new and fun to play with or read.  Her thoughtfulness and creativity were inspiring.

We spent most of Saturday out and about.  The morning was spent riding on the Nene Valley Railway

The views out the window were beautiful

Bridgette enjoyed some Nana cuddles throughout the morning

It was a treat to be with my mom and Nana on mother's day.  Thank you for visiting us, Nana!