Summer Swim Team

Summer swim team is off to a great start ! We were happy to see some familiar faces from Em's class when we arrived.  Today, they practiced starting from the blocks.  Em is up and ready every morning ready to jump right in.  I love her enthusiasm and love that she is having fun.  She is pretty darn fast at freestyle.  We are looking forward to her first meet this Saturday.  

The Peach Festival

E and C went on an outing with Nana and Papa to the Peach Festival in Queen Creek.  They had a fun morning picking peaches and snacking in between.  

Sweet Em

I am so lucky to be the Mom of this beautiful girl.  My cousin Brian always says that she has an old soul, with her big brown eyes, her laid back way and her kind and loving heart.  She was such a gorgeous flower girl and a great big sister, helping Caitlyn every step of the way.  

She is our little miracle and we are so blessed to share this life with her.  We went to confession together last weekend, it was her second one ever.  She was a little nervous but was brave and said that she and Father Sergio even laughed a little.  Both girls were asked later at mass to bring up the gifts, it was a very special day.  

Bryan and I are so proud of her and how well she has done at Neely Traditional.  She took the school change in stride, made a lot of new friends, has had a fabulous year and ended the year with straight A's with the exception of one B+ in Math third quarter.  We think you are amazing Em, keep up the good work and keep being your cute self.   

Caitlyn sillies

Caitlyn makes us laugh out loud on a regular basis.  It is usually one of the following; her sense of humor, her dramatic/excited take on life, her love of all bugs and animals or her singing of top billboard hits at the top of her lungs.  

While we were in DC for Nate and Laura's wedding, I took the girls to get their nails done.  After her pedicure, Caitlyn was talking to Papa all about it.  She reported to Papa "I got my feet boiled."  Her report is pretty accurate considering she soaked her feet in bubbly water.  

While also on our trip, we were all sharing a very small bathroom.  I was in the shower and had my lady garments on the counter.  C walked in and saw them and proclaimed "MOM, you have a sparkle on your boob covers."  Had to laugh...where does she come up with these things.  

Laura shared the next story with us.  Caitlyn and Emma were both over joyed to be flower girls in the wedding.  As those that know C, she wears her joy so the whole world can see.  As Nate and Laura walked down the steps of the church after they said their vows, Emma and Caitlyn were right behind them.  The rest of the wedding party was still exiting the church.  Laura said that Caitlyn came out of the church beaming and exclaimed "Laura, I love your dress, I love your vail, I love your belt, I haven't seen your shoes but I love them too", as she walked down the church stairs.  

We love your zest for life Caitlyn.  You have a big heart and a big personality and you are loved.   

Aunt Jane - author

We are so proud of Aunt Jane.  Her first book, "Hallelujah Moments" was just published.  Below is a summary.  Find it on Amazon !! 

Finding it difficult to be joyful in your journey of life? Do moments worthy of a rousing "hallelujah" seem to elude you? In her first book, Jane Lynn Simmons shares stories from her own personal journey that are oftentimes poignant, sometimes humorous, and always inspirational. Within these pages, you will find a collection of diverse short stories, each accompanied by a few "thoughts to ponder" designed to help you look beyond the obvious and discover your own "hallelujah moments" Open the book to meet a unique collection of folks whose stories are sure to leave you finding hallelujah moments every day of your life.

Happy 5th Birthday Caitlyn Bear

We love you C bear- you asked to have your party here and it was perfect ! 

We had a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends at Build a Bear and Dairy Queen. 

Thanks to my talented friend Tara for all the wonderful photos :)