4th of July 2013!

We had a great Independence Day celebration this year!  The past few years we have been at the beach, but this year we stayed home.  Our day started out with the Coulwood parade, which is a tradition from my childhood.  Elise and Grace enjoyed the parade, but Isaac didn't like the loud noises from the fire engines.  He also got hit by a Tootsie Roll, and that kinda put a damper on his morning.  He mostly clung to Steven and my Dad, and they gathered candy for him.  Elise got her own bucket full of sweet stuff!

We stood in my Aunt Donna's yard like we have for so many years.  Donna was there, along with my cousin Lee and her family, Lee's Granny, my Granny and Pawpaw, their friend Ms Jean, my parents, Kati, and our  next door neighbors Kristin, Chad and Jacob.  It was so much fun!

Afterwards we headed to our house for lunch with my parents and Kati.  Lee and Michael (and their son Carl) dropped by to see our bees.

Lunch was hot dogs, tater tots, watermelon and blackberry cobbler (made by my Dad!)

I was worn out from a night of Grace not sleeping well, so I took a nap after lunch.  When I woke up, I learned that my Dad, Mom, and Steven had also napped.  Thanks, Kati, for playing with the kids so we could all rest!!

The evening was simple - our extended family left and Steven, me and the kids played and talked together before baths and bedtime.  After the kids went to sleep, Steven and I watched a hallmark movie to end the night while many of our neighbors did fireworks.

It was a wonderful day to celebrate our freedom as Americans.  Here are some pictures of the day...

Harp Concert!

This past Saturday we had the pleasure of attending a Harp concert by my cousin Katelyn.  She has been playing the harp since age three (she is now 19) and has won many awards nationally and internationally.  The kids were mesmerized by the music, and it was a great opportunity for us all.  We were able to visit family afterwards which was a treat.

Elise enjoyed trying out the harp, too!  She strummed on it for quite a while after the concert... 

And of course Gracie stole the show...

The Mauney Swim Team!

Little Gracie is Four Months Old!

Can you believe it?!? I hardly can.  Grace is the sweetest thing.  We are totally in love with her.  She is growing up so fast and we are trying SO hard to embrace every moment. 

Lately she has found her feet!  And she has started grasping for things that are held in front of her.  She is quick to smile and laugh when people pay her attention.

She is such a super happy baby!  She loves for anyone to spend time talking to her, holding her, singing to her, or even reading to her.  

She has been sleeping most nights from about 9:30 PM to either 3ish, 4ish or 5ish AM.  I am very thankful for these long stretches at such a young age!  She still sleeps in our bedroom in a bassinet.

She is growing well and already wearing 6- and 9-month clothing.

During the day, she likes to spend time in the pack-n-play, swing (mostly when she is sleepy), under her mobile, or, most recently, the Exersaucer and Bumbo seat.

We LOVE having this sweet little blessing in our lives and can't wait to see what God has in store for her!

Silly pics!

Father's Day 2013

Father's Day was a great day for our family!  It started with breakfast in bed for Steven and cards from us.  Then we headed for church.  After our service, we went to lunch at my parents' house.  My Daddy cooked a delicious meal of London broil, roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, bread and a yummy salad.  Granny and Pawpaw Gurley joined us.  After lunch, the kids sang "Happy Father's Day" (to the tune of Happy Birthday) to all the dads.

Then the kids played outside while the grown ups chatted (an I got a nap!). Eventually my Dad and Steven also got naps.  After late afternoon snacks, we headed home and put the kids to bed.  Then Steven and I enjoyed a rare treat of take out Mexican.

It was a great day celebrating some truly great Dads!

Fun at the pool!