Our pool

Welcome to our backyard...here is one of Addie's favorite "pools." She loves filling up big plastic bins to play in...it's rather funny. The heat has kicked up a bit so we find ourselves getting creative when we don't want to load up to the real pool or water slides.

Nina and Pots 2011 Visit

We had one of the best visits with Nina and Pots this year. I love watching them both interact with the kids...it warms my heart. Addie was a huge fan of them both and was constantly wanting them to play with her. At one point, I walked into my bedroom to see Pots with a "crown" on his head pretending to be a king with Princess Addie. Nina was always willing to engage in Addie's pretend world of dolls and whatever else they came up with. It was great. This was Brody's first official meeting with Pots and he thought his glasses were amazing. :) All in all, we were so sad to see them leave and wish we saw them more.

2011 Mid-State Fair

One of our favorite times of the year is the fair time in Paso Robles. Yes, it's a great excuse to eat greasy foods as well as enjoy rides. Addie is a HUGE fan of everything related to the fair. She is still talking about it and it was over a month ago. :) Brody enjoyed his first ride on the carousel as well.

A few pictures of Mr. 8 Months Old

We went over to some of our sweet friends house for me to snap some pictures of their newest addition. Addie and Brody tagged along and played in their amazing backyard. Between the hammock and tire swing, Addie was in heaven. When we were done, I used some of Amy's props to snap a few quick pictures of Brody since I LOVE their backyard...it is the best place for pictures. Brody is a weed growing before our very eyes. Chris and I were just sitting on the couch last night wondering where the last 8 months have gone. Brody is still the master of sitting up and has no (I repeat no) intentions of crawling anytime soon. Funnily enough, Chris and I will try to encourage BroBro to crawl almost every day but the little man just rolls over and laughs. I guess it will happen before we know it so we should enjoy the lack of mobility on Brody's part. Brody is all about babbling and is saying "Dadadadadadadad" all day long...Chris loves it even though Brody is not saying it in reference to him. :) Addie is a sure laugh for Brody and is interacting with him more each week. Just tonight we were at a BBQ for Chris's work and Addie kept yelling to get Brody's attention to tell him that she made a new friend. It's sweet to watch the friendship form between them...I pray it just gets stronger and stronger.

Family Pictures

I am elated right now! We finally had our family pictures taken and I am beyond thrilled. My associate, Kayla, met up with us last week at one of my favorite spots and captured my sweet family. It was interesting being on the other side of the camera...I know we were so awkward. Nonetheless, we love them all...here are just a few.

July randomness

I find myself stocked that July is going so quickly. We have had an eventful last few weeks and sadly I have not been too great at the camera front...I am trying to "be" with the kids instead of behind the camera all the time. Here are a few funny moments int he Blake household:

Brody has started sucking his thumb. The does this reverse suck and it's really funny.


Addie has been getting herself dressed lately and this is the latest outfit...two tutu skirts...one becomes the shirt and the other the bottom. She thinks she looks beautiful.

No way, Brody has big eyes?! Hehe. Brody is all about eating these days. Addie has enjoyed helping out with his food. He looks like a little bird because he mouth is always open for the next spoonful. :)

Capitola 2011

We went on our annual trip to Capitola with Chris's family. Unfortunately Chris couldn't join with him only being 4 weeks into the new job but we had an incredible time. We started the trip off with a visit to the Monterey Aquarium and Addie was in heaven. She has been asking to go there for about 2 months now. She loved running around with Savannah and she even got to touch "Mr. Ray" in the tank. :) The weather was absolutely amazing this year so the beach was a blast with all the kiddos. We spent another day roller skating (Addie passed but the Boone kids were rockstars) and another at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. I found myself not wanting the time to end. It's always a blessing to be with the Modesto gang and I always leave knowing I have an incredible family. Thanks for the trip, Mimi and Papa!