Dad time.

Piper and Phil did yard work together. In the rain. We love that Piper is now at the age where she can "do" stuff- and when I say "stuff, " I mean chores. She helps unload the dishwasher, sort laundry, put laundry away, clean up her dishes and sometimes her toys, throw Lily's diapers away and most recently, plant hostas in the rain. Excellent. Here are some pictures of that very fun and very dirty time with Dad.

her new trick.

Lily has discovered a lot lately- one of her new tricks is playing with her feet.  She also loves snorting through her nose, bouncing on her bottom as she's sitting and making as much noise as possible.  It is so fun to have her in this stage.  We are so thankful for both of our girls.

One of the greats.

Grandpa with Lily.

There's a reason that our grandparents were referred to as "The Greatest Generation." Although, I like to add that when they came up with that, they hadn't yet met me....However, a few weeks ago, I was privileged (as I always am after my visits) to spend time with my Grandpa Cushing, my dad's dad, in New Hampshire. He is part of that generation of people who really understands what it means to give selflessly, save well, the art of telling a story, the art of being quiet and how love in different ways. Just like my dad, my grandpa possesses the gifts of giving and hospitality. He gives generously and seems like a tough New-Englander, but he also loves life, learning, his great-granddaughters, fresh air and people. I am so thankful that Piper and Lily have the opportunity to sit face-to-face with one of the greats of my lifetime. Grandpa is 91 this November and has lived a full and remarkable life. He decided a few months ago to buy a Mac so he could learn how to use a computer. He has never stopped learning or teaching or giving and I'm so glad to be a part of that.

Here are some more photos of our trip:

A Summer Update

I'll be posting more pics of our different trips soon. We obviously have had a busy summer since I haven't been posting much lately- we've been doing a lot with friends around town, playing at camp, going to New Hampshire and Atlanta! This begins a crazy (but fun) season of travel for our family.

Two more weeks of summer camp for Phil; I have mixed emotions- so excited to have Phil back again but sad that camp won't be used for what it's made for. Camp without campers and counselors is kinda like a glove laying on the floor alone. It's just not being used for it's intended purpose. you know?

Here is just one picture to get you excited about what's to come.....

"Lily is my best friend," says Piper.

I am loving how our girls really love each other. Piper already wants to share a room with Lily and Lily lights up when she sees Piper (and our dog, Boone). It is a special connection that sisters have. I have it with mine and am so thankful for them. They really are my best friends and I pray the same for my girls.
that's really Lily and not a doll.

at 5 1/2 months

Oh, camp is the place to be.

Here are a few of the many wonderful moments of being a camp family. The one of her falling in the mud is my very favorite! She didn't cry- she was just concerned.
Piper's 1st ride on Possum

Piper & Lila

Scott and Lily

just after her fall in the mud

just after she rode "Possum"

My Arch Nemesis.

So it's an inanimate object- can it still be my arch nemesis? I'm at a loss for what to do. We let go of the pacie, but the potty is not an object of my 3-year-old's affection. Seriously, the other day I cleaned up "messes" ELEVEN times. It was a horrible day which led to lots of "family discussions." So that's where we are right now. Any encouragement/ advice would be helpful or just something to make me laugh. And I know people say she won't go to school in diapers or walk down the aisle in diapers, but there's always the potential for that special story on Oprah about the kid that is still diapers. yikes.