Sneak peek...

We had some family pictures taken with Jon's side of the family a couple of weeks ago.  I finally got the picture CD in the mail last week.  They all turned out beautifully!  I can't wait to show you more!!
But for now, here is one of my favorites...

All growed up...

These pictures are literally 3 months late but I wanted to post them anyway.  Our dear friend Rae took Callie's 2 year photos for us just after her birthday and I think she did a great job.  Enjoy...

 Very typical 'Callie scowls'...

I wonder who she gets her scowl from? :)

Or should I say $1.25?

What could be more fun than playing at the "Dollar Store?"

That's right.  Nothing.

Callie's hardcore face proves it. ;)

Poser...

Most of the time, I have to force Callie to have her picture taken and there is rarely a smile to go with it.  But for some reason today, as I was walking around the house taking pictures of furniture that we'll be selling, Callie started pestering me to take her picture.

Over and over she kept saying, "Tate my pitcher Mommy, tate MY pitcher!"  

Alright little Miss cuteness, I'll take your picture.

So she promptly lay down on the floor and gave me this face:

As soon as I had snapped the photo, she started yelling, "MORE!  More pitchers Mommy!"

So we took a few more, just for good measure.

I mean, really... who could resist?

As soon as we had finished taking several pictures, she proclaimed "Dood job Mommy" (translated, Good job Mommy) and left the room.

What a stinker :)

Splish splash...

If I had to pick ONE of Callie's most recent summer highlights, 

it would probably be the new splash park that opened up, just 5 minutes from our house.  

I think we were there 4 out of 5 days last week. :) 

What I love about the splash park is that no matter where you're sitting (on the lush green grass), you can see your child.  Its a great layout for keeping an eye on your kids.

And its just so darn fun :)

Thankfully, we've finally seen some hot, summer weather around these parts lately 

so the splash park has given some sweet relief from the heat.

Apparently the water tastes great too... ;)

What trip to the park is complete without a snack?  

If you can't decide, just take both.

Thank-you City of Chilliwack for adding this wonderful feature to Garrison Crossing!

We anticipate many, MANY more days spent at this fabulous park. 

Busyness & birthdays...

I'm not exactly sure why I thought we'd have a relaxing, quiet summer.  I should know better than that by now.  As usual, we've been incredibly busy.  The nice thing is that even though it hasn't been that "quiet," we've had lots of fun stuff to do.  Things like....

Playing with the cousins at Gramma & Grampa's farm...

Enjoying a bit of sunny weather with Auntie Ginny & Uncle Steve &

the rest of the Massie family...

Swinging...

Feeding the chickens at "Auntie" Carole & "Uncle" Bob's house...

A delightful garden party at a dear friend's place...

Me & aforementioned dear friend, Rachel...

Wrap-up BBQ with our Life Group from church...

Celebrating Daddy's 29th birthday...

And then, celebrating Callie's 2nd birthday, 3 times over! :)

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Birthday Celebration #1

Callie's 'actual' birthday (June 30th)

High tea at Appledoorn's with Auntie Vivie & Elijah...

.... and Grammy!

"Its my party and I'll pout if I want to..."

All 5 of us enjoying our afternoon tea...

"I'll take that one Nammy."

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Birthday Celebration #2

A morning at "Go Bananas" with 

Konrad, Ava, Calvin, Liliana, Auntie Naomi & Gramma Esau...

"So fun, Mommy!"

Opening gifts with her cousins...

And what 2nd birthday is complete without a Dora & Diego cake?

The picture doesn't capture just how excited she was about this :)

"Mmmmm.... cake!"

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Birthday Celebration #3

Family BBQ & cupcakes at Grammy & Grampa Glen's...

"Wait Momma... 

I need a quick water break before I can blow out my candles!"

And... more cake,

although she was far more interested in the M&M's on top than the cupcake itself :)

Eli, on the other hand, LOVED the cupcakes ;) 

More presents...

"Let me just see if this one will fit.

Yup, its a keeper!" 

Books, books and MORE books!

Trying to find Uncle Craig & Auntie Jen's gift...

There it is!  My very first children's Bible!

The whole fam...

So lucky to have Uncle Craig & Auntie Jen there to celebrate!

Uncle Steve & Auntie Ginny...

Birthday coloring with Auntie Gin...

Daddy & Mommy with the birthday girl...

As you can see, this little girl is deeply loved.  We're so thankful for our families and friends who love & cherish her.  It was definitely a very special birthday for this little girl.

So there you have it.... a ridiculously long post about our very busy summer, so far.  I'll try to update more frequently, but let's be honest... I can't make any promises ;)  Thanks to those who still actually read this :)