In the middle ....

I've been slow on updating the blog lately, but it's only because we've been living life and this blog-lovin' mama is just tired sometimes!  But in between all the trips, new beginnings, and just plain ole life we still have fun - just living in the middle!

This little mama has always been expressive - both girls are - but this wee one has got some serious faces that sure make us laugh.  And that hair - that wild, curly hair - it's the best combination of hot mess ever!

Cheese

Mad face

I mean bidiness face

Our fabulous, sweet, wonderful, live too far away friends, the Liles, came to visit us in July for a few hours.  We had breakfast before school and a bit of play time with these precious children.  We always look forward to the next visit - sure love this family!

Piling up

Love these two besties - absence makes the heart grow fonder

Two of my most favorite ladies in the whole wide world

Earlier this summer another favorite family of ours moved to the mid-west - BOO!  They live too far away, but thank goodness for technology and visits back "home" - look forward to seeing them this fall.

Saying goodbye to Steph and Brooks

Love us some Farrells too - we celebrated the fourth of July a little early at the I Love America party in Vestavia at Ward Park.  It was a blast to swim with these dear friends.  Funny how a new pool is better than the same pool.

We've not had many rainy weekends this summer, but the girls and I did take advantage the weekend before our beach trip to get a little spa treatment and get our toes did.  Caroline insisted on wearing her princess dress.  She was a hit.  Catherine Ellis loved every minute and every detail.  She is old enough to truly appreciate a good leg rubbin'.

Catherine Ellis attended St. Mary's VBS again this summer and had a blast.  We signed up to help make sugar cookies for the kiddos to decorate.  Five dozen batches to be exact.  I thought it would be a good opportunity to brush up on our baking skills in prep for the holidays.  We love to bake around here.

We celebrated the School of Medicine's accreditation this summer and had a blast at the Baron's game.  Fun time with great friends!

And last but certainly not least, we enjoyed the hottest weekend of the summer at Camp McDowell a couple of weeks ago with our parish family - we had a blast but I didn't do a great job of taking pictures.  We hiked to Tillers and the girls had the best time on the rapids with the tubes - probably a highlight of the trip.  The pasture party is another favorite!  Wide open green spaces to run and millions of stars in the sky at night - it just doesn't get any better!

Mary Bentley and Caroline running free