Summertime

It's the middle of July.  In another month, the kids will be heading back to school.  We've been hard at work here in Ohio, making this place our own, but that doesn't mean we haven't had fun, too.  Actually, a lot of our time has been spent in Michigan.  We have gotten TONS of time up at the cabin, where days are filled with all sorts of fun.

This summer has been unbelievably hot-even in Northern Michigan.  On the hottest days, we go right from our pajamas to our bathing suits and spend all of our time in the lake.


We even snuck back into the water a few nights after dinner and swam until dark!
Of course, I got some fishing in with Owen...
And on his last cast of the night, he hit the jackpot!
 
We did manage to have a couple of bonfires, but it was SO hot, we couldn't really enjoy them!
 
The nights are always late ones, and most mornings are pretty lazy, but we always work our way back to the beach.
 
When the beach gets too hot, we pile in the boat and cruise around the lake...
And we usually make a pit-stop to jump in!
 We also celebrated the Fourth of July with a late-night boat ride to watch the fireworks!

We had a ton of fun spending time with family! The kids got so much time with some of their favorite cousins!
 
 And when you're completely exhausted and need cuddles or just a quick catnap, there's always time for that, too.
 Mostly, it's just good to be together, having fun.
 It's always sad to leave, but we know we won't be able to stay away too long. After all, who can resist sunsets like this every night?
 

Another Year

This year, she's settling into life in Ohio.
 One year ago, she was digging the country life in Tennessee.
Two years ago, she was a crawling, swinging little girl.
Three years ago, she made her way into this world.

We've been on our own little roller coaster the last few years, but we're going with it. Alayna has been a trooper, quickly adapting to new places and new homes. She's a show-stealer these days, with her infectious laugh and her HAIR. Her hair actually needs its own blog post. It has a life of its own and turns heads wherever we go.
 
We celebrated her birthday a couple weeks ago in Michigan, and she was nothing but smiles.

You'll notice that all of the photos of Alayna are outside-that's because she LOVES to be outside! I can't keep her in the house!
 
 Alayna's favorite things are orange juice, playing with mommy's phone, eating other people's food and avoiding sleep AT ALL COSTS. Things she doesn't like? Being in the car, getting her face wet, and SLEEP. It's pretty hard to say no to this face, let me tell you...
It's been a crazy year, but I wouldn't trade it. This little girl makes me happy-from her giggles to her hair. She's a lover and a cuddler, and I find her irresistible.
 Happy 3rd Birthday, Alayna!