Happy 4th of July

We went to the coast for the 4th of July to visit our friends The Sheller Family. We had such a fun time! We got out of the heat for a few days and visited with some friends, went to the beach and played in the pool.

Celebrating Colbie's birthday Minnie Style

Happy 2nd birthday to our beautiful & sweet Colbie girl! She turned 2 and loves Minnie Mouse so we had a minnie zebra party. I was so happy with the way it turned out.

Channone helped me make these adorable cupcakes. We also made minnie ice cream.

We had a candy bar for the kids as their party favors.




She got lots of fun presents! She finally has her "own" things that her sister can't take from her.



Happy birthday sweet Colbie girl, we love you so much!

Happy Father's Day...BLAH

Today is Father's Day, and while I know it is a day to celebrate those I love that are Father's, this year it is very difficult. I lost my dad less then 2 months ago and I ache everyday. I miss him so much I can't even believe he isn't with us.

Since I live so far away I often think he is still with us and I go to call him and remember that he is no longer here. It makes me so sad.

At church this morning the pastor went on and on about Father's and I did all I could to hold back my tears. I try not to let my feelings ruin the day for the most amazing man in my life, Justin. Without him I just wouldn't be able to get through this. He is the best husband and father to our daughters then I could have ever asked for. I like to think that GOD knew he was going to take my dad from me WAY too EARLY and so he gave me Justin.

My dad and I had our ups and downs in our relationship, but as I became a Mother we became really close. He called me all the time and checked on me and the girls. I miss him so much! He was an amazing grandfather and the girls adored him. We all wear necklaces with his picture on it and they say "Papa". It breaks and melts my heart at the same time.

My dad was so funny. I try to remember all those funny memories that just make me laugh so hard. He always made everyone laugh....anyone he met. I miss his stupid jokes...I miss his laugh....I miss his pep talks.....I miss his smile.....I miss his phone calls....I miss his silly way with my girls....I miss everything about him and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him.

Dad I miss you and wish you were still here for me to wish you a Happy Father's Day....life just isn't fair and I feel empty and saddened that you aren't here.

love you dad until we meet again.....Happy Father's Day!

Colbie's yearly heart exam

We took Colbie the day before her birthday to Children's Hospital for her annual check up with her heart. They told us that everything is the same as last year and she is good for another year, which we are so happy to hear. We just pray that her heart will last until she is at least 7 years old. She has a "leak" in her heart and will eventually have to have an artificial valve put in. But, we hope that she can make it until she is 7 because then they won't have to open her chest back up, they can go in through a catheter. AMAZING!! So pray for her that she makes it until she is 7!

Happy 2nd birthday to Colbie!

Colbie woke up on her birthday and we let her open the presents from us and the ones that came in the mail. Justin's mom and dad came out to visit too and they made it for Colbie's second birthday and party. Thank you grandma Debi & Papa Dave for the Minnie Mouse outfit, she loves it and looks so cute in it as you can see.
Colbie's second birthday was a Minnie Mouse party because she just loves Minnie Mouse! I was so happy with how everything turned out. Colbie and I weren't feeling 100%, but we made it through and managed to have a fun time. We had a HUGE turnout!! Wow she is so loved!



We got to open some fun presents, she got a ton of stuff! What a lucky 2 year old!

Justin's mom and I made the pillowcase dresses (mostly her, but I learned how easy they are to make)! They turned out so cute!
What a sweet girl we have! We love you Colbie Alexis, Happy 2nd birthday!

Happy Easter!!

We had a beautiful Easter day with great friends! We started the day with church, then went to our dear friends Kelly and Randy's parents for lunch. The girls had so much fun. There was an egg hunt, bounce house, lots of running and playing. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends in our life! Thank you to Kelly & Randy for including us since we don't have family here.




The Easter bunny came and brought the girls some fun things!
We went to our friends house before Easter and decorated some eggs with them! So fun!

Wild Animal Park

Mom and I took the girls to the Wild Animal Park now known as the Safari Park. It was a lot of fun to see the animals and to get out of the house for a bit. They were walking a cheetah on a leash...beautiful!

We had a nice picnic lunch before heading home.