Before and After

After a summer of chlorine and sun exposure nearly every day, Lucie's hair was due for a good cut. Looking over some "old" photos together (well, old for a five-year-old), we found a shot from when Lucie was about three-years-old and had her hair cut just above the shoulders. She loved it, and decided she wanted to go for that look again.

Here's Lucie's latest look after instructing the stylist all on her own. The new short cut is great for staying cool and quick dry-offs after the pool. We all love it (and I not-so-secretly wish I had Lucie's hair too...)

Uncle Greg and Aunt Jessica

We just returned from a week visiting with family and enjoying Greg and Jessica's wedding festivities. It was a wonderful time, and the kids are now having fun switching from saying "Uncle Greg and Jessica" to "Uncle Greg and Aunt Jessica". Hopefully by Thanksgiving they'll have it down...

The day of the wedding was gorgeous with perfect weather, a radiant bride and ecstatic groom, and, all modesty aside, a cute and poised ring bearer, and an equally sweet and dedicated flower girl.

Though we talked about the wedding a lot leading up, Lucie and Ryan had no idea what it meant to be a ring bearer or flower girl. All they really knew was that it was a special honor, involving wearing fancy clothes and shoes, and at the end of it all, they could eat cake. Beyond that, things seemed a little unclear to these little guys.

Thanks to an on-site rehearsal and a few stick figure diagrams, the kids did great on the wedding day, and each took their responsibilities very seriously. Ryan cruised down the aisle at the perfect speed, cradling his pillow, and giving Greg a high five as he reached the end. Lucie was so dedicated in her petal tossing, making sure Jessica had plenty of petals to grace her steps, right up to the officiant's feet (this caused a few giggles from the audience).

We were super proud of Lucie and Ryan, not knowing how they'd react to the attention. The only moment they exhibited the slightest bit of apprehension was when the DJ announced the wedding party. Lucie and Ryan were supposed to walk in the reception hall together holding hands, but as soon as they opened the door to a room full of cheering people, they bolted back by our sides. Instead the four of us walked in together, which was just how we all liked it anyway.

Congratulations to Greg and Jessica! We are so happy for you, and were honored to be a part of your day.

Flow Control

Pre-potty training:

Post-potty training:

To be fair, the post picture represents two years of trial and error. Fortunately for our bathroom hardware budget, Ryan now has his aim under better control...

Summer

Despite our strange on-again/off-again weather, Ryan and Lucie have been enjoying all their favorite summertime pleasures this month.

Beach days:

Cool treats in the backyard:

Pool time:

With swim lessons four days a week, the kids have been making great progress. It's so fun to see them glide and kick, with faces in the water, across the pool. Thankfully, the water is heated, as our overcast weather has made for some shivering towel-offs. Though I'm not sure any amount of teeth-chattering would stop these two from loving the pool.

The Many Faces of a Ferris Wheel Ride

Big smiles and confidence:

Apprehension:

Anticipation:

Pure joy!

Not sure what to expect:

Warming up:

Comfortable enough to check out the crowds:

Loving the ride:

Happy Summer!