Snapshots: End of Summer

Two years ago, we discovered our very loud and loyal outdoor pet, Kermie. After we moved into our house, we knew that many frogs were displaced when we cleared out the swamp-like habitat that was our backyard. Night after night, we would hear the loud croaks that made it sound like we had a frog in the house. Kermie has spent his summers in his new home, under our umbrella stand or in the girls' water table. Joe gently removes him to the edge of the yard when the girls want to use their table and each day he faithfully returns home. Abby informed us that we don't need a pet right now because we have Kermie. Thank you Kermie for buying us some time. We hope you'll come back next year little buddy!

Both girls came over to join me while I was relaxing and reading on the hammock. Abby snuggled in and REALLY relaxed by falling fast asleep. To me, there is nothing like a perfect afternoon like this. 

This last month has been filled with "brave" and "all by myself" big girl moments for Abby. She now loves swinging as high as she can go, taking a shower by herself and using the hand dryer in public restrooms. She even went tubing for the first time! All things she was deathly afraid of just weeks ago. I love seeing the smile on her face when she takes such big personal steps.

This girl loves her daddy! 

post shower burrito

Then there are those fun summer days that leave you passed out in your bed like this: 

Abby went bowling for the first time at her friend Isaiah's 4th birthday party and really liked it. Joe caught her response after she rolled her first ball down the lane.

The girls really enjoyed the little animals at our church's Community Day.

Ella rode her first pony...but hopped off in seconds. She was not so sure about the cute little pony once he started moving. Though, she did stay on long enough for me to snap the pictures.

sweet teething baby girl needed her mommy to sleep that afternoon

spontaneous ice cream date with friends after an afternoon at the pool...no wonder summer is so hard to say goodbye to!