Last week, we ventured back to our old stomping grounds in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Darin's firm hosted a lovely conference for all the families in a resort town east of Seattle called Suncadia. The weather was perfect and we took full advantage of the great outdoors. Ellery and Dane spent most of their days swimming, and searching for the perfect rock or stick. If you have never visited this part of the country, put it on your list. . . .there are few places this lovely(just make sure you go in the summer)!

This child LOVES beans and it is the one food that he will consistently eat. I did not say it was pretty, but it is pretty cute(as long as he is not throwing them). Bring it on, Carrie, I know you MUST have a comment for this one!

We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place where we can enjoy the outdoors year round. We live about 5 minutes from the "Self Realization Center" at Swamis. This is a famous yoga mecca and meditation center that happens to be right on the ocean. It also houses a lovely garden, which is fortunately open to the public. We took Darin's parents and Aunt Nancy there for a visit last weekend. Dane is such a sensory learner and had to stop to touch each and every single plant and flower(including a cactus--boy I have to be fast with him).

We had a lovely weekend, which included TWO date nights in a row(thanks to Darin's parents), a neighborhood party/BBQ, and a beautiful day at the beach. These are from our 4th of July BBQ at a friend's house. Yes, I forced the entire family to wear festive attire and I like it!

The Mesquite Rodeo. . . .anyone from Texas remember this? We took the children there with their Chicago cousins, and it was a hoot! We were not able to stay for the entire show, as it started late and the children were EXHAUSTED. The best part--our nephew, William, was chosen as one of 8 children to ride a sheep. They gear up the kids in padding and a helmet and then strap them to a sheep as they attempt to hold-on as long as possible! This was HILARIOUS to watch. . . .William held on for a few seconds to this wild sheep and we were so proud!! We weren't able to snap a shot of him on the sheep, but did get a few of him riding the mechanical bull.

A few more from our Florida trip. One morning after getting dressed, my sister looked at me surprised and stated that she had the exact same dress. Her sweet daughters insisted that she put it on so that we would match. Yes, we wore these matching "sister" dresses all day long(Muezetta, yours is in the mail). We only went to one public place that day and certainly received some interesting looks. I suppose we are more alike than we realize. . . . we live in different states, people. . . and we purchased these dresses from COMPLETELY different stores!

My baby brother, Mark, met Dane for the first time on our visit to Florida. He is such an amazing uncle and Dane took to him right away. Oh how I wish we lived closer!!

While visiting Florida, I was finally able to meet the newest addition to our family, baby Justin. He is the third child and first son of my beautiful sister, Melody. He is such a sweet baby that he ALMOST made me want a 3rd(until my son reminded me that I am NOT equipped to handle another at this point). Isn't he a handsome boy?

We just arrived home from our crazy adventure across the country. I took Ellery and Dane to Texas, then flew Dane and I to Florida, then back to Texas for a few days with daddy. We had a great visit and are now feeling a little exhausted from the whole trip. This first post is from our first few days in Texas. We were fortunate to stay at my best friend, Carrie's house, for the first night. Ellery and Hagan were so sweet with one another. . . .holding hands, helping one another out and lots of hugs!!!

Today marks a historical day in the Libby household. I was able to put Ellery's hair into 2 braids. Yes, I am actually posting about this, as I have been waiting 3 1/2 years for her hair to grow long enough to wear in such a fashion! I didn't say they were long braids, but I am thrilled that there is enough hair for these petite little braids.

Ellery just finished her first year of preschool and what a great experience it has been. Although she was the youngest in her class, she is quite social and thrived in a classroom setting. We were fortunate that she had 3 veteran teachers who did not fall for her dramatic antics! After the first few days of school, she came home sad and told me that she was upset because her teachers said she HAD to come in when they rang the bell. I can only imagine the look on her face when she realized that she was NOT running the show! I LOVE teachers! Here she is with her best friend from school.

Sweet baby Dane is walking everywhere these days and rarely stops for anything or anyone. When we drop Ellery off at school, he is always excited and anxious, as if he were going to stay, too. As a result of this, I have to let him walk around as much as possible without interrupting the other classes. Then, I typically let him cruise around in the back of the car for another five minutes before wrestling him into his car seat! This child keeps me moving!!!

Last weekend, Darin played "Mr. Mom" while I attended a 40th b-day party on Friday and a baby shower on Saturday evening. I am pretty sure he was completely exhausted by the end of the weekend, although he would never admit it. Here are a few pictures from the baby shower. . . .I have been so fortunate to make good friends in San Diego. These are a fantastic group of women whom I am blessed to call friends. By the way, the picture of me with the pregnant woman, Beth,--that was my "Hollywood" pose(NOT SERIOUS).