Deep Creek Lake

We took a last minute family vacation with Uncle Matt, Aunt Nicole, Ella (4 in August), and Olivia (10 weeks)to Deep Creek Lake, MD. Dan and Matt found a beautiful house with a view of the lake, a playset, a hot tub, and a fire pit. Everyone had a great time hiking, swimming, playing, and relaxing. I hope it becomes an annual tradition.

Cora says of Ella-"She is my cousin and my friend". Indeed!

Friends

Andi

We have been so fortunate to have time with Andi and Aunt Anna over the past few weeks. We've watched her go from newborn to a smiling sweet girl. Its so hard to be away from her as I know she changes by the day. Thank goodness for technology, it does help us feel closer during the time between visits.

Isaac!

Isaac is 18 months old! He is a little firecracker of love and energy. He and Cora have a special relationship and it is fun to watch them able to communicate and play together more and more. She really looks out for him and he definitely looks up to her. Lately he has been climbing on everything. He is quick and quiet. I have to keep quite the eye on him. He is giggly and often has a mischievous glint in his eye. As you can see from the pictures, his hair has become his trademark and I can't go anywhere without someone commenting about it. I hope he doesn't look back and hate me for not cutting it, I LOVE those curls! The things that make Isaac most excited are: trucks (from garbage to pick up), trains, dogs, books, Dan (dada), Cora (RaRa), and being able to run free.

Cora's Birthday

We celebrated Cora's 4th birthday with 2 parties, dinner at John & Ems(with special guest Grandpa Pat), a family camping trip, and even more celebrating at Aunt Anna's house in GA. Some might say that we went a little overboard...the fun just kept coming.

Cora grew like a weed this year. Went from the 25% to 75%. I was wondering why I had to keep buying her new clothes and shoes until we went to her 4-year well appointment. Its strange for Dan and I to have anyone considered 'tall' as one of our children, maybe she takes after my dad...

Cora will start her last year of preschool in September. She learned to read this year which has been pretty incredible to witness. She literally just picked it up and can now read just about anything you hand her. She is also excited because she is learning to swim. She loves babies and has enjoyed meeting and helping with her 2 new cousins, Andi & Olivia. She is begging for a dog but we're hoping that IshIsh, the beta fish she got for her birthday, holds her off for a while. I'm so proud and so in love with my growing girl.