Katie's Visit

My longtime friend Katie came to visit us this week from North Carolina. It was great to visit with her and spend time getting to know her 7 month old, Owen. We had a great time getting caught up on life and the kids had fun "playing" and watching each other. We were able to go to the park for a little while on Thursday morning but had to go home because it was TOO HOT. Imagine that.

Swaney family visit.

Mom and Dad Swaney came down recently to SC to visit the grandkids..and us, too. Abby is going to be living with us until August, so we are looking forward to having her around. Griffin loves everyone from "G-pa" and "G" down to Joel and Abby, so it was great having lots of people to take him on wagon rides, play golf in the yard, and read books to him. Madelyn likes to smile at happy faces and be held, so it was nice having extra arms and smiles around for a few weeks.

Reunion with the Sipes family.

My friend and college roommate Summer came to visit us last week from Texas. It was the first time we had seen each other since my wedding, so it was fun to finally meet each other's kids and get caught up on life. The boys had fun together playing around the house, and it was a great reminder that true friends don't change even when you live in different time zones and only see each other once every 5 years.

Photo Shoot.

Mom helped me take the kiddies to the Picture People yesterday for their first trip together to the mall, and also their first professional picture together. Everything went surprisingly well. Madelyn started smiling the instant I set her in the chair and didn't stop until it was all over. Griffin was reluctant at first, but he eventually joined in with the smiling as well. I was anticipating crying eyes and blotchy faces, but fortunately there is not a traumatic story to tell this time around.

Bikini time...

Madelyn tried on her first swimming suit this week. As you can see, she has been slacking off on her training regiment and needs to do a few more sit-ups. We haven't taken her to the pool yet, but I know she is going to love it. She loves the water and would stay in her bath forever. Griffin is still a little afraid of the big pool, but hopefully by the end of summer he will be jumping in along with his big cousin, Eliza. It takes an hour just to get Griffin to get in the big pool; as always he is wary of anything new and different. I have a feeling Madelyn will be the risk taker and Griffin will always be the cautious questioner.