Photos from our beach trip

Every summer we go to the beach. Just Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach), but we always have fun and as the girls get older we get to enjoy more and more things together. Mostly we hang out at the beach or the pool, but in the evening we usually try to enjoy some of the activities. We play putt-putt, ride the rides, go shopping, see a show, ride bikes. Its just great being together without the daily distractions.

Some recent ones of the girls

I have not really picked up my camera since we've moved. Just don't feel the inspiration. I don't know what is wrong. But a few days ago I did pull it out and snapped a few of the girls. I think they are so beautiful and am so thankful God has brought them into my life. I just realized that the only photo of Bailey was the one under "Pillow Talk".

Photos from the 4th...

We had a great July 4th day. As usual it takes me a bit to get my photos up, but better late than never. We spent the day with Aunt Jan and Uncle Mike, at their lake house. The girls had so much fun. We enjoyed boat rides, where each of the girls took a turn driving. They loved that. We swam in the lake, hoping that no fishies would nibble on us. We went fishing, a first for Peyton and Reagan. Bailey had gone once with her Papa, but she only remembers the photos taken. And we had great luck, with each girl catching a fish. Bailey really liked it and took it quite seriously. Papa would be so proud. In the late afternoon we cooked out, the traditional 4th meal, hot dogs and hamburgers. Played some croquet (is that how it's spelled), had a bonfire with s'mores or course. What else? I think that about covers it. We had such a fun time. We missed the fireworks on the lake, because we needed to head back home, but I don't think the girls cared one bit. They were too tired to care. Thanks Aunt Jan and Uncle Mike, you're the best!!!

Pillow Talk

I have never been big on letting my children sleep in the bed with me. Maybe that seems mean, but it is my only haven away from them and I feel I deserve some privacy. But this week, with John away, I have been letting each one of the girls sleep with me. So last night was Bailey's turn. I snuggled her into the bed and I jumped in ready to begin the new book I had just bought. But Bailey wanted to talk, and talk she did. It was so great. As much as I think that I talk with my kids and listen to them I realized last night that I do, but with Mommy ears (yes, I have mommy goggles and Mommy ears). I don't usually just sit and listen to them as an individual, letting them say what they want without fear of getting in trouble. But last night, Bailey shared her feelings about being a big sister and I listened, just listened. She said that earlier in the day she had read a note that she had written to me. In the note it said that she would try harder to be a better listener. She said when she read the letter she felt bad because she didn't always do what she should. She shared that it was hard sometimes to be the big sister, because she is expected to be the leader. And her little sisters make her so mad that she just really wants to hit them, even when she knows she is going to get in trouble. And I just put on my listening ears and really listened. It was the best and I could tell she enjoyed that special time with just me. I haven't done that in a while. I feel like such a bad Mommy sometimes, because I feel so stretched, and I don't give my girls the special attention they deserve. But I am only human and as I told Bailey lastnight (I can't keep my mommy mouth turned off forever!!), all we can do is ask God's forgiveness for the mistakes that we make today and help us to do better tomorrow. A good lesson for my girls and myself. Tonight is Reagan's turn. Wonder what I will learn tonight...