Mountain Weekend

It was a fun change of scenery to head West towards the mountains this weekend. Brian's friend, Timmy, got married in Cashiers, NC, at this charming mountain inn. We dropped Collins off in Hickory for a weekend with Mimi and Baba, and then headed up the mountain.

This place reminded me of a cross between "Dirty Dancing" and summer camp. It was awesome! We stayed in a cabin, spent the day hiking and canoeing, and then had a great time at the wedding. Another cool thing is the property has this enormous dahlia garden where they invite you to pick your own flowers. On the way home, we passed through Arden which is where I used to go to summer camp and Brian humored me with a quick tour through Lutheridge (which is still awesome by the way).

 

 

As predicted, Collins barely noticed our return because she was too busy having fun with Mom and Baba. They spent the weekend playing at the park, going to get ice cream, pushing around the babies in the stroller, watering the flowers on the deck, and practicing on the potty (Baba bought Collins a princess potty!).

 

 

Poppy and Nana surprised Collins with a new toy...how fun is this?

After a tasty dinner, we hopped back on the road for the long drive back. It was a lot of time in the car this weekend, but it was worth it because we all had a great time!

First Haircut

It was finally time!

Before...

 during...

and after...too cute!

Collins loved the waiting area filled with toys and a slide. She did not love having to sit still and having a stranger come at her with scissors. But she survived her first cut and has a cute new 'do to show for it!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Does it really have to rain here EVERY day? I am growing weary of the constant summer afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures have dropped a bit this week- do you think there is any chance that cool (dry) fall days are around the corner?

But maybe I shouldn't be wishing away the wet weather seeing how Collins's cute pink rain boots now fit!

We Figured it Out

A cute grocery helper is all I needed to make the shopping run a more pleasant experience. She was like a woman on a mission pushing that cart!

The Greatest Gift

Yesterday was a very special day because Elizabeth Grace Brockway made her arrival in this world. This baby has been the answer to many prayers, and she made her long-awaited arrival on Sunday, August 19th, at 11:17 a.m. weighing 7 lbs 1 oz. Carrie had a long labor, but only had to push three times and out popped Miss Elizabeth. They are both doing great, and Elizabeth is already eating, snoozing, and wearing pink well.

I got to meet Elizabeth yesterday in Charlotte, and she is beautiful and snuggly. She is a true blessing, and we couldn't be more excited for their family!!!

18 Months!

Collins officially became a 1 1/2 year old on Monday. She celebrated her half birthday by sleeping in; we celebrated the milestone by treating her to her first-ever ice cream cone.

It started out really cute...

and quickly degenerated...

to a chocolate disaster and a quick exit out of Goodberry's. Do I need to say she loved it?

We had our 18-month check-up this morning and learned that:

1) Collins is tall (she's 33 1/2" and has increased to the 93rd percentile)

2) Collins is smart (she can already say about 30 words which is advanced for her age)

3) Collins is badly behaved at times (she threw a temper tantrum in the doctor's office and tested me all morning with defiant behavior)

As excited as I am by #1 and #2, I'm equally distraught by #3. I feel like we're entering a new stage that will test our parenting skills and patience. Wish us luck!

Back in the Saddle

Although still a little gun-shy on the slides (with good reason!), Collins has loved returning to our normal playground routine this week.