one of our favorite pastimes is reading together.  there are a few of isabella's books that i so adore & want to keep in her 'keep forever & never let go' box.  one book in particular that's super sweet is 'love is like a handful of honey' by giles andreae.

if you're looking for something sweet to read with your little one, or would like to give a great gift, this is a good choice.  happy reading!

chocolate kisses, belly giggles & smiles that make a mom's heart melt.  who knew making chocolate chip cookie bars would make her night!  she sang while licking her tiny fingers, with small breaks to simply say 'yummmm'.  i hope she stays exactly like she is. . . 

i heart you isabella!

4th of july weekend

we could not have asked for a better weekend - family, friends, lots of food & the weather was fantastic! 
my sister, aunt sandy, uncle michael, maxwell & lola (loya, as isabella calls her) came up from fl to spend the weekend with us.  the weekend was spent swimming, playing, eating & sharing family moments.  
this was isabella's first 4th of july experiencing fireworks.  we tailgated with some friends at our local park in duluth - set up a picnic & camped out until dark.  they had music (loud terrible music), amusement rides for the kids & lots of food.  during the fireworks isabella sat on my lap & held her ears as tight as she could with her hands & starred straight ahead.  when it was over she said 'the fireworks were pretty'!  
these are the moments we cherish & keep as photographs in our minds. . .
hope you all had a fantastic holiday & have several photographs to carry with you.

out of the mouths of babes. . .

totally random but love it just the same.
we've been enjoying our extremely HOT summer so far & having fun as a family.  we went to the library friday morning - my little pea pod was in heaven with all the books!  we checked out 5 & she continues to look through 'read' them several times a day.  i love that about her.  she could sit all day & read her books over & over if you let her.   
last friday night during dinner we were deciding whether or not to join friends at the park in norcross for a concert, or simply go get an ice cream cone at the local dairy queen.  after disussing for a few minutes my husband said 'maybe we'll just stay home tonight'  & isabella chimed in with 'no, i want to go to the DRAMA QUEEN'!  how cute is she?!  i love this stage - she keeps us laughing & truly amazed with the things that come out of her mouth!  LOVE HER!! 
we're looking forward to company this friday for the 4th.  isabella can't wait for aunt sandy, uncle michael & her cousin maxwell to arrive.  lot's of pooltime, cookouts & family time!  ENJOY your holiday!!  happy 4th of july!!