Summertime Funtime

 Seriously, where has the summer gone?

I can't believe we are nearing the end of August. The summer is flying by much quicker than I had hoped but what I am very grateful for is all of the time our family has spent outside, soaking up the rays. This year we've created our own mini backyard oasis which has really helped draw us outside.

I believe all of the water she plays in, combined with the sunshine, has contributed to the huge growth spurt that Brielle has had this summer. I look at her and am amazed at how tall she is. Our baby is gone and has been replaced with a little girl. A very independent, adventurous, fun-loving, silly and extremely smart little girl.

This little girl has brought a bit of something we weren't quite prepared for; THE TERRIBLE TWO's. We secretly hoped it would pass us by, unnoticed.....but it's upon us in full swing and we've really had to adjust some of our parenting tricks in order to deal with this moody little girl. Time-outs are in full swing in our household! Thankfully the TERRIFIC TWO's are with us a majority of the time, but those TERRIBLE TWO's sneak up at the most inconvenient times. I'll be the first to admit that I can't wait until we are past this phase.

Despite the typical two's, we still love this little girl to the moon and back and enjoy being a part of her life. Just look at that little being. She is filled with so much wonder and amazement that even the tough days are worth it.

I can't imagine how extremely boring the summer would have been without her. We have had so much fun going to the park, walking the paths, playing in the back yard, having lunch in her playhouse, splashing around in her paddling pool, running through the sprinkler, licking ice cream, bouncing in her bouncy house, barbecuing and spending time with family & friends.

We're not ready for winter yet.