Finally Five!!

Thursday Miss Linley Brooke turned five years old.

Allen happily took Friday off so we would have ample time to celebrate.

The princess had the privilege of planning our day.

We began with breakfast at IHOP (which I responsibly took pictures of. On the real camera. The real camera that is now full of salt water. We really should never be allowed to own an expensive camera. And hence, the remainder of Linley's birthday was captures solely on iPhones).

Next up, the beach. The heat index was 115 degrees, actual temperatures between 100 and 105. Perfectly hot and sticky to enjoy salty water frolick.

Ryder loved swimming in the ocean.

I loved having someone swimming with me.

Linley loved socializing.

Tess didn't really love the sand or the sea. She far preferred passing her time downward face dog.

For dinner, the birthday girl requested Macaroni Grill. She has a thing for writing on tables.

The night concluded with cake and presents.

The best part of a ridiculously dramatic child: facial expressions whence opening gifts. Priceless.

Happy Birthday Linley!!

You are truly breathtakingly beautiful, inside and out.

I love you, my little five year old princess.
 

Splishing and Splashing

I totally stole these pictures from Tara's blog. I'm such a klepto. Actually, I've never stolen a thing in my life.

Oh wait.

Nevermind.

Not the time or place.

Friday we played at a park with a little splash pad. Tessa gleefully gulped down gallons of infested water while I basked in the sunshine. It was blissful.

She now has the worst case of Hand, Foot, Mouth I have ever seen. We're talking oozing blisters all over her mouth and tongue. Poor child.

I, however, have a rad tan.

Priorities.

It was a good time had by all. And now we are diseased.

Just another day at the park.

(Thanks photographer Tara for capturing these sweet moments with my babies. You're brilliant!!)

Sisters!!

Mom and dad surprised me and flew Amanda home. It was like Christmas. Except better.

God Bless America.

Red Lips: All the better to smooch you with.

Monday's Firework Spectacular may have been drowned out, but nothing could rain on our own celebrations.

Our cameraman is old. And shaky.

Reunited. And it felt so good (not at that particular moment though. Right then, it felt freezing. And wet.)

Babe.

You Come from Georgia Where the Peaches Grow

They drink lemonade, and speak real slow....

We just returned from a week in Georgia. It was perfection. While we did spend a day at the pool, Tessa and cute cousin Carson were a little impatient. Nothing a few buckets and measuring cups couldn't quickly resolve.

We did the Georgia Aquarium. That place really rocks my socks every time we go.

We splashed in the Fountains at Piedmont Park.

We took a joyride to Stone Mountain.

And watched the Laser Show and fireworks.

We spent Sunday night playing pyros.

I come from good stock.

We celebrated America's birthday.

We became obese at Fogo de Chao

(Sidenote: Ten years ago, to the day, the four of us spent the evening at this very same Fogo de Chao stuffing ourselves. This would be the trip where Allen first met my parents, asked daddy if he could marry his little girl, and got down on one knee and made all my dreams come true. It was a fairly busy excursion.)

We ate. A lot. This particular evening off the grill, in celebration of Independence.

We swam, we shot guns, we played endless amounts of Taboo, we ate ice cream, we had spiritual discussions.

We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the people we were with.

We will not be waiting two more years for a repeat.