Summertime

Here we sit as Ainslee settles in for a nap, or not,  next to me in Daddy's chair.  We are just enjoying the days as they are passing quickly.  Here is a little glimpse of rando thoughts on us these days.

Lena Kate is with her Leelee and Paw this week for her first ever visit "without mommy, or Daddy, of Ainslee."  She was so exited ad apparently has had much fun.  I think she may be missing mommy a little now but I know she is being treasured and treated.  Little sister has stated that she misses Dodo several times now.  I love that they love each other so much.  Since LK was away I transitioned Ainslee into Big Sister's big girl bed.  She has done well and I only had to stay with her about 20 minutes last night.  Hopefully when sister is back she will suffice as a bedmate and they will officially be sharing a room and the crib can go to baby cousin twin boy or girl.  

We have been to the beach and aquarium with our friends and are gearing up for our West Texas trip.  

I ran a 1/2 marathon on July 4th and got 2nd place by only about 5 seconds.  It wasn't a huge race, but I was so proud of my 1:50:03 time. 8:18 a mile was way faster than my goal.  I haven't run outside  or more than 6.5 miles since and I am good with that.  It is hot and I am ok with treadmill miles for now.

We got a new pastor at church and I think Pastor Beth is wonderful so far.  Her sermons haw been great as well as children's time.  Lena Kate is slowly warming up to her.  Ainslee is a wild chins in church these days.  I sure try, but sitting quietly just doesn't happen with the 2 year old of mine.  I hope she grows past that as LK did.  She is doing great in church these days.

Ainslee is now "on the charts" at 22.5 Lbs at 2 yrs old, 2% and proud of it!  She is talking up a storm and conversing with everyone.  I can understand most of it.  She sings so sweetly, love to say and sing happy birthday, even if it isn't your birthday.  She tells me, "I love you so much," and grabs my face with both hands and kisses me square on the mouth.  I just love it.  She can also really throw a fit is she is tired and doesn't get her way or is asked to so something she doesn't want to.  Daddy doesn't like that so much.  He tends to escape with big sister following his heels.  Lena Kate is such a Daddy's girl.  It is so cute.  Ainslee remains a mommy's girl for now but sure lives Daddy too.  She Lao really loves to feed Buddy, buddy, happy Bull, ad their cows too.

Both girls love to go swimming at Mimi and Papa's.

It is also birthday party season.  Lena Kate has had tons of fun at preschool classmates' birthday parties. Two little boys, Ronan and Nolan, seem to think se is pretty special.  I can't say I blame them:). She had her first bad behavior day at school a few weeks ago, but it must have jut been a wild day for some reason.  We had a long talk that it shouldn't happen again.  She just loves school and I love that she does.  Two days a week is perfect right now for her.  She is as spunky as ever and can be so sassy:). Before Pastor patti retired LK called her Daddy out twice during children's time.  One day (father's Day!) after asking what Daddy's did Patti mentioned that Daddies bring their children to church, and LK said, "well, sometimes they do." We shared a laugh. Not two weeks later they were talking about Daddies again and what they do.  In addition to taking her horseback riding hers also yells at his sister.  Oops!  Poor Daddy:)

Birthday boy hugging Lena Kate randomly throughout the movie!

I have been baking and trying new recipes all the time.  A few favorites: lemon drop cookies, chocolate coffee toffee trifle, chocolate snickerdoodles, oatmeal cookies, lots of coconut granola, browned butter banana bread bars, mounds brownies, lemon buttercream topped buttermilk poundcake, lemon cheesecake breakfast buns, brown sugar poundcake...and the list goes on!   I love Pinterest!!!  I have also baked some super-fun birthday cakes these last couple of months for friends.

Well, the dog is snoring loudly and Ainslee is still awake....not good.

Happy weekend to ya may God bless it!