The Summers Family

4th of July

2012-01-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

Five days old.

First days with Ollie.

2012-01-29T17:50:00.000-08:00

They loved him instantly.

Family of Five.

Big sister party

2012-01-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

Relay Race-Diaper, dress, and Swaddle

Making shirts for baby brother.

Yummy treats.

Girls loved the party and talk about it for weeks. I wrapped up the big sister shirts they wore to the hospital so they had a fun gift to open.

Last trip as a family of four

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

Quick nap before we arrived in Pittsburgh. She was ready for the pool.

Crossing the Allegheny river in Pittsburgh on our way to the Pirates game.

Our colonial girls in Philadelphia.

Betsy Ross House.

Nov, Dec 2010, Jan, Feb, Mar, April, May, June 2011

2011-12-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

November - Christmas Tree Decorated.

December - National Christmas Tree Lighting

Merry Christmas 2010

January - It's a Boy

February - Valentine Bouquet for Grandpa in Heaven

March - Emma's Candy Land Birthday Party

April - April Fools

June - Preschool Sprirt Week

Crazy Hat and sock day

Favorite Character Day

Pajama Day

Wacky Tacky Day

Oliver Mikel Summers

2011-08-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Our Little Man

His big sisters are so in love.

We love the color blue. It has been pink for so long.

October 2010

2011-05-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Emma started preschool the middle of October at a High School run preschool.

Carving our pumpkins wsa so fun Ava kept loading and unloading hers.

Emma gets the idea and the texture didn't seem to bother her this

Happy Halloween

Ariel

Jasmin

Found out we are expecting a baby in June.

September 2010

2011-05-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Our September trip to Boston.

Minute Man National Historic Park.

One of the old houses in the Historic Park.

North bridge

Minute Man statue

Louisa May Alcott's family home, the writer of Little Women. The story is loosely based on the life of her and her sisters. I love this book and hope Emma does so I made her go on the tour of the home with me while Ava and Kyle took a break in the car.

In the gift shop the girls and I bought them as Emma says it "a real tea set". They love it.

Site of the Boston Massacre.

Paul Rever's Home

Salem Massachusetts

The girls in one of many old grave yards. Living in the D.C. area I thought we had seen some old grave yards but nothing compares to the ones we saw on our trip.

Maine! We weren't there long but loved it.

The Lobster was so good and these lives ones were so cute.

That amazing rock you hear so much about in elementary school is not worth the drive. Here you go now you can say you have seen Plymouth rock, your reaction will be about the same.

This hat is 10 times more fun then the rock.

The end of september Emma started a ballet class and had a great time.

August 2010

2011-05-10T09:32:00.001-07:00

Swim lessons!!! Emma was on her own but Ava and I did a mommy and me class.

Ava enjoyed the first 15 minutes of swim class then she turned purple each day because the water was so clod.

Emma did great. She jumped in, put her face under the water and floated alone in the water for her swim test.

A day trip to Harpers Ferry and then on to Antietam West Virginia.

Ava was fascinated by the soldiers.

Harpers Ferry was beautiful and the John Denver Song "Country Road" was played much of the trip. The Blue Ridge Mountains(or large hills depending on where you grew up) and the Shenandoah river are beautiful.

Antietam had a visitors center and monuments scattered around the large battle fields.

Ava's 2nd Birthday was little mermaid under the sea because of her love for all things Little Mermaid.

The kids loved the pool and made for easy entertainment.

She loved the mermaid party maybe as much as I loved planning it.

I made Ava and Emma mermaid tail swim suit cover ups. The girls loved them and they were no sew so super easy.

July 2010

2011-03-12T15:12:00.001-08:00

I decided to organize a neighborhood kids bike parade and had a great time.

The girls loved being out with the big kids in the neighborhood.

A group shot.

Fourth of July in D.C.

Hanging out with Abe and Thomas

Waiting for the parade to begin.

After the parade we headed to the hotel we were staying at for the evening. We were able to check in and rest before we headed out to dinner and the fire works.

Kicking around the patriotic beach ball before the fire works began.

The fire works were amazing. The whole day was a blast.

For my birthday Kyle took us camping. We stated in the Shenandoah National Forest.

We hiked .5 miles on the Appalachian trail.

It was wonderful to get way with our family. I love Camping. No cell phone service!!!

June 2010

2011-03-12T10:50:00.001-08:00

Joy School Graduation.

Emma started preschool with 4 friends but the year end with just the two girls.

Fathers Day

Yum Yum

So good I think we should do it every year.

May 2010

2011-03-12T10:23:00.001-08:00

Memorial Day volunteering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Suzanne Sigona

My photo of the wall with the reflection of the Washington monument.

Princesses in this house have to help out too.

We whistle while we work

And the feeling of complettion at the end of a long day.

April 2010

2011-03-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

Lancaster County was nice but much different then I had pictured. Took a buggy ride to see the country side. Visited a few quilt shops. Bought shoe fly pie and homemade root beer from a nice Amish family. Root beer good, shoe fly pie not so good.

Next we were on to Hersey.

We visited Hersey Park. Its nothing like a Disney park. But the kids had fun.

For the rides we had one kisses and one miniatures.

On Easter we visited the Heresy museum. Did a chocolate tasting of chocolate from around the world.

Then headed home to see what the Easter bunny had left for the girls.

Spring Holidays

2010-11-03T07:46:00.000-07:00

No lepercaun was captured this year. He left prints but it lead us know where. Had a fun day with the girls making this rainbow cake.

April fools sushi. Rice crispy treats and fruit roll ups.

Coloring Easter Eggs.

Hope you all had a fun St. Patrick Day, April Fools, and Easter. Now its time to get ready for Christmas.

Cuteness during the snow storm(in feb.)

2010-07-21T13:47:00.001-07:00

I found these cute pictures of Ava last week. I took these in February while the snow was falling and we were trapped in the house.

We did a lot of this!

Mommy was not doing a lot of this. Ava loved this hat and wore it inside as well as outside.

The ER Trip

2010-04-23T07:26:00.001-07:00

About a month ago I was cooking dinner and looked over at Ava sitting at the table. She had her head laying down and would not look at me when I called her name. I was scared she was limp and would not respond to me, I called Kyle and of course he thought I was over reacting. Kyle was in the 10 minutes when he said we needed to go to the ER. As soon as we got to the check in desk Ava started vomiting. That got us seen very quickly. Ava's fever was 104.8. Ava looked horrible it was very scary. They put a pill in her butt forgot what they call it but it is used to bring a fever down. After a bit she started to come around and was interested in a Popsicle. Our other little girl was once again upset that she was not the one getting to wear a hospital gown. The doctors said she had a very fast moving virus. Ava had no symptoms threw out the day and went from her normal self to limp on the table within 25 minutes. The picture of Ava was taken at 11:45pm.

Emma's Pinkalicious party

2010-04-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Our Birthday girl just before the party.

The decorations I would say I didn't over do it this year. But that's just me.

Emma and the Pinkalicious Cupcake(if you haven't read the book Pinkalicious you should, it is a very cute book).

Coloring with pink of course.

Story time.

And the Birthday girl. Emma is so much fun, she makes us laugh every day. She is 4 going on 14 and tells me almost every day she want to get married(I think it mostly because of the dress, thank goodness). I hope to remember and enjoy our time with her while she is still little because she is growing up so fast.

Chuck E. Cheese

2010-04-06T09:30:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Curious George (well actually the commercials just before it) Emma has been asking to go to Chuck E. Cheese for months. He birthday was just around the corner so we decided to finally give in and give it a try. Not as crazy or as loud as I expected but defiantly more expensive and food was what I had thought it would be. GROSS!!! But Emma had a good time and enjoyed her Birthday.

The real Ava

2010-03-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

This is Ava my sweet, tiny, quite daughter to those who don't know her and those that do know that this picture represents her true personality.

The real Ava is loud, crazy, and adventurous. Recently after doing who know what Ava cut her lip open but because of how fragile the lip is they don't do stitches. On an average day at our home I usually find my self hunting for Ava at least once, few days ago I circle the house three times and finally found her in the hall bathroom in the bath tub with the curtain still closed(she loves bath time). I love her personality her sister and her are so different.

Blizzard 2010

2010-03-12T07:23:00.001-08:00

The snow was so deep it was hard for the girls to play in. Emma experinces many lost boots in the deep snow.

This measurement was before the second storm hit.

Kyle had to walk to the main road where our car was parked with two feet of snow we are not able to get in or out of our neighborhood. These pictures were taken after the second storm had started.

After many days of snow and some where around 30 inches we finially were able to enjoy the snow.

Ava enjoyed sledding and had a hard time waiting her turn.

Well all in all being tuck in the house for days was a little boring but we didn't lose power so tat was a blessing. I do enjoy the snow but maybe next year a little less would be nice.

Day 6-8 Dinsey World Vaction 2010

2010-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Day 6 Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.

Mommy and Emma got matching necklaces.

Playing in the fountain at Downtown Disney.

We spent our last day at the Magic Kingdom.

At the airport heading home.

We left Orlando wearing short with 75 degree temperatures and landed in D.C. where it was freezing cold and snowing.

After our long drive from the airport we had Christmas again. The girls and I had not been home since before Christmas so we had all the girls presents from Santa and us under the tree.

Emma got a scooter from Santa and American girl twins from us. Santa brought Ava a doll stroller and a American girl baby doll.

Day 3-5 "Mommy lets save our money so we can go back to Disney World"

2010-03-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Day three was spent at Hollywood Studios. Kyle and I did a few rides and Grandpa and Grandma Summers and the girls saw a few shows. Visited with the Toy Story gang and had a good time.

Day four we visited Epcot and tried to make our way around the world. Before Disney I made the girls Autograph and Passport books. In Epcot they have the world show case I think it is 9 different countries. Children can go to each one and get a stamp and a person from that country writes a message in the passport. We were about half the way done when Emma announces "I am done with this stamping stuff".

On day five we headed back to the Magic Kingdom the girls enjoyed it the most.

Jungle Boat

Its a Small World

They both loved the Tea Cups.

The best seat for the Parade. Ava loved the whole thing.

A giant Minni Mouse caramel apple at Disney World what could be better.

Dinsey World ... We miss you Day 1 & 2

2010-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Emma was so excited for Disney World and we had the best time. Emma, Ava, and I flew from Portland to Orlando(9.5 hours), Kyle Meet us in the airport(he flew from D.C.) it was about 10:30pm. We loaded the bus and head to bed at our resort.

The first day we went to Animal Kingdom and had a great time, took Emma a little while to get over her fear of the kids dinosaur ride. Then it was back to relax and play in the pool.

Emma had been dreaming of going to the Bibitty Bopitty Boutique, long ago we had told her she would have to save her money so every time she found a penny or nickle or any coin she would be excited and say now we can go.

When Emma was done we rode a few ride and visited some princesses.

Ariel called Ava Guppy.

At the end of a long day in her glass slippers the princess agreed to wear her shoes.

2010-02-02T09:34:00.000-08:00

If there is still any one that comes to our blog Thank You. I know I have done a terrible job of keeping our blog updated and to the Grandparents I am the most sorry. My New Year resolution was to keep the blog updated but after a few unexpected events I am just now(February)back in Virginia after the Holidays.

So to start my resolution I am going to post pictures of our top 10 events(from the second half of 2009) in honor of 2010. Happy late New Year everyone.

Ava had her first birthday and of course I went a little over the top but that's what I do right Kyle. My mom was in town for the week visiting and was able to be here for her party. Thanks mom for all your help.

Our house had many late nights this last October, because the New York Yankees won the World Series just in case you hadn't heard.

Baltimore Aquarium

Richmond Train Station

Both of Kyle's parents(Grandpa escaped my camera)came to visit for a week the end of October, it was a blast having them here. We went on a couple day trips one to Baltimore and the other to Richmond.

Happy Halloween. This year Emma wanted to be the purple witch from Scooby Do and Ava well she can talk so she was a cute little flower.

This year Emma and I started a preschool co-op called Joy school. There are two other children plus Emma. We meet twice a week and we trade off so we are only teaching about every 3 months for 3 to 4 weeks. Emma really enjoys it.

This was our first Thanksgiving completely alone(no friends or family), so I had to cook and I would say I did an okay job. But now that I have cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself, I am Thankful for the many women who have cooked Thanksgiving meals for me. Thank You

Our first snow of the season consisted of 24 inches of snow.

After a few months of Ava backwards mullet I decided I would cut her hair. I am please with the out come no cuts and her hair looks cute.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We traveled to Oregon to spend 2 weeks with our family. We had a wonderful Christmas.

Kyle just had his 30th Birthday the 29th of December and to celebrate we had a Wii birthday party. It was a blast to put together and so fun spending time with friends.

Well I hope you enjoyed the second half of 2009(if any one made it threw the post) and I hope to do much better in 2010. Thanks

2009-07-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

A couple Sundays ago we took the girls to walk around the Temple. Often times when we are driving around doing errands in Alexandria Emma will refer to the George Washington Masonic Memorial as the Temple.

This is not the only building she calls a Temple any thing large and shinny is a Temple to her so we thought that it was a good time for her to see the D.C. Temple. We explained that this is the Temple where we are married and that this is a Temple like the one Mom and Dad were sealed in. The next week while watching a opening to a Disney movie she called Cinderella's castle a Temple, well at least we are trying.

Independence Day

2009-07-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Every 4th of July we go to by Fire works not many as they seem to get more and more expensive each year.

Here are Emma and Ava watching Dads fireworks show.

Great American Indoors Camp Out

2009-07-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Roasting mashmallows

Looks like Ava like marshmallows

It was actually the Great American Backyard Camp Out on June 27th but do to Kyle having to dig out a bee nest(details in post below) earlier that day we moved the Camp out inside. We put up our 4 man tent in our unused Living Room and got out our flash lights and sleeping bags. We roasted marshmallows over a candle. Fun family activity.

5 Bee Stings

2009-07-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Emma was playing ball with Harley a couple weeks ago and when she threw the ball it landed in the bushes. Harley being the stupid dog she is just stood there not knowing where the ball went. Emma went in the bushes to retrieve the ball and came out saying she had ticks on her. They weren't ticks she had put her had on top of a bee nest when trying to get the ball. I saw a bee on her head and flipped it off then she began to scream and hold tight to her finger. I ran her inside and thought we were safe tell she started screaming again I lifted her shirt and a bee flew out. She had been stung 4 times on her back. Poor girl her finger begun to swell and kept telling me that she was growing. But luck for her she was able to go to the doctor this girl loves the doctor.

Our Hero(Kyle) got rid of the bee nest the next day and didn't get stung once. One day we will be able the enjoy the back yard.

The Park

2009-07-11T11:35:00.001-07:00

Ava First time in the swing andd she loved it!

Emma down the slide safe and sound.

This slide gives me a stomach ache. Last year she had no interest in this slide now every time I turn around she is coming down the slide. She does ok climbing to the top and coming down except when a bug come near by and she forgets she must hold on.

Update for Grandmothers Febraury - June

2009-06-25T06:41:00.001-07:00

Emma's new to her bike for her birthday.

Emma's Princess Party

I decorated our empty living room to look like a princess castle.

Ava modeling a bonnet at Fort Washington, Maryland.

Looking across the Potomac river into Virginia.

Kyle and I dresses up for the Senior Gala. So fun to be a Women and adult and not just a mom.

April Fools, Hamburger and fires - cookies with york peppermint patty frosting and coconut. Strawberry Pie - Meat loaf with a mash potato topping.

A friend from our ward is a Capital Police officer and we were able to go on an after hour tour of the capital building lots to see that the public tour never shows.

Ava learning to sit up.

Easter fun!

Trip to NY Yankee Game Emma loved the hot dogs, Ava sad the Yankees lost. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2009-06-01T17:10:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA

We are so blessed to be part of your family tree.

Emerald Isle

2009-03-19T10:56:00.000-07:00

The first of February Kyle took a much needed vacation. We went to his Bosses Beach house in South Carolina. We stayed for 5 days and had a great time. On our last day we visited an old Civil War fort that is on the Island, called Fort Macon. The day was so warm and beautiful.

The view from the fort. The Atlantic Ocean.

Emma and Kyle inside the Fort.

Emma in one of the ovens in the fort. My self and the girls going into the fort.

First day at the beach very cold.

My turtle at the aquarium.

Kyle and Emma touching the sting rays.

Happy Birthday Grandma

2009-03-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

We celebrated your birthday today with a play dough cake and birthday banner. Emma had tons of fun but didn't understand why you weren't going to attend your party. Sorry you present is late. Love you and hope you have a great day.

Love,

Kyle, Lindy, Emma, and Ava

Update December and January

2009-02-13T12:20:00.000-08:00

Here is quick update of what has been happening in our lives for the last few months. Starting with my cute girls!

December 12th I took Ava to the Doctor for the second time. The doctor was not comfortable with her breathing and sent us to the ER. We were there for a few hour when the decided to admit her for observation. One night turned into five days we learned about RSV the hard way.

Her is Ava on oxygen. We were lucky she did not need a IV to get more fluids to say down with all the throwing up.

Emma was so sad that she didn't get to say at the doctors. So we go her a gowned to wear and the nurse made her a hospital braclet to wear.

Ava's mask for her breath treatments.

Kyle and I celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary on December 18th.

Nick, Emma, and I made this beautiful cake. Mom and Nick came to visit for Christmas.

Just before Christmas we all went bowling. Emma's first time and she loved it. We need to go again and she reminds us often.

Here are the girls with Santa.

That poor man has such a sweet

smile even when the children are

kicking and screaming. Emma looks

grumpy here but she did manage to

smile for a minute while she asking

Santa for a Pink Kitchen.

Emma right after she sees the pink kitchen Santa brought. She was in shock. She just Kept repeating Santa brought me a pink kitchen. Christmas is so much fun with children.

Emma helping Ava open her present.

My favorite Christmas gift was my healthy baby Girl.

Kyle's Birthday Party!!!!! Just the four of us.

Thank You Uncle Lloyd, Aunt Kirstin, Andrew, Steven, and Lauren.

Emma loves her princess dresses more then you can imagine.

The girls and I at the Inauguration!

Snow Day

Sledding down the drive way.

Ava is talking

2008-11-30T20:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree Is Up

2008-11-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

Emma woke Kyle up this morning to tell him to get the Christmas boxes down. She wants Christmas to be here now and doesn't understand why we have to wait. I just keep reminding her that Santa is watching her and she keeps reminding me that Santa is bringing her a pink kitchen.

Ava

2008-11-30T20:00:00.000-08:00

Ava is such a great baby. Last week at the doctor she weighed 11 pounds. She is so smiley and easy going. She loves to suck on her hands. Ava has just realized that Emma is fun to watch and will stare at her as long as Emma remains in view. Oh she is growing too fast.

Leafs

2008-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

Saturday we had some family fun raking the leaves. The hill on which our house, along with our neighbors', resides is surrounded by trees, but the majority of leaves happened to land in our yard. It took us a few hours to rake all of the leaves and it was very cold outside, but we had fun.

Hair Cut

2008-11-30T19:35:00.000-08:00

On Monday morning, a week ago, I came in to the family room and found hair and scissors. She was so proud of herself for cutting her hair, but I guess it could be a lot worse.

Ava's Blessing

2008-11-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

This was my blessing dress which we also used for Emma.

Kyle gave Ava a beautiful blessing.

Pumpkin Lot & Halloween

2008-11-30T19:25:00.000-08:00

We don't have pumpkin patches here in northern Virginia. They are called pumpkin lots.

Here Emma is carving our store bought pumpkin. The ones at the lot were between $10 and $20.

Emma on Halloween making a mummy dog.

Ava just hanging out before we head out for trick or treating.

Our pea is not too happy.

Emma aka Tinker Bell.

Happy Halloween

She loves the Doctor

2008-11-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

While we were visiting the west coast, Emma and I came down with a cold. After a few days I decided we needed to visit Urgent Care. Emma was thrilled, she talked about it for days like we had gone to Disney World.

I think her love of the doctor may come from all of our trips for my prenatal visits. Shes loved going with me, but she learned too much. One day I walked in the family room to find Emma

pretending to pee into one of her toy stacking cups.

Amtrak

2008-11-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

After spending almost a week in Puyallup we headed to Portland. But there were too many of us to fit in mom's car so we took the train. It was very relaxing and Emma had a great time.

Grandpa Emma and Grandma

The Beach

2008-11-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

Almost 2 weeks after Ava was born we all hopped a plane set for Seattle to visit family(Nick my brother had just returned from his mission in Mexico). We spent 3 days at Grandpa and Grandma Marecle's Beach.
Emma hated the boat ride.

Picking black berries with Grandpa. Those same black berries came back up on the ride home.

I have so many memories of the beach from when I was a child. It was so fun to watch Emma enjoying those same things.

What is better then a peaceful morning at the beach. Thank You Grandpa and Grandma we had a blast.

My Amazing Wife

2008-11-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

The New York Yankees are moving to a new stadium next season and I had one last chance to travel to New York to see them play in that stadium. That chance happened to fall exactly one week after Ava was born. But thanks to my amazing wife I was able to leave her home alone with the two kids(one being a newborn) in a lot of pain and with no sleep. I sure owe her. Thanks Lindy

AVA Update

2008-11-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

We were at home for 3 days when Ava's doctor called and said her bilirubin levels had not gone down. The levels were too high so Ava was admitted that nigh to Fairfax Children's Hospital. Very stressfull time and I am so glad it is over. The first time I had to put her in there she cried for 2 1/2 hours(and so did I) before it was time for me to feed her. We were in the hospital for 2 days. I was so grateful to be leaving with my healthy baby.

First bath almost 2 weeks and still yellow
3 weeks old
First smile but not a very good picture.
Almost rolling over at 4 weeks.

Her new love is the mobile.

A New Addition to the Family

2008-09-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that Kyle Jr. has matured from a Tropical Storm to a full blown Hurricane and will soon be kicking butt and taking names in New England. Keep checking back often as I update little Kyle's Beaufort Scale as it attempts to destroy the Red Sox.

Random pictures from the last week

2008-09-03T14:11:00.000-07:00

Sleeping so peaceful DURING THE DAY!!!!

Grandma Summers With baby Ava. Grandma and Grandpa arrived on the 18th of August and baby did not arrived until the 23rd a week and a day after my due date. We came home from the hospital on Monday and Grandma and Grandpa had to leave the next day. But we are so grateful that they we able to stay with Emma while I was in the Hospital. Sorry no picture of Grandpa some how he got away with out having his picture taken.

Cute Feet

Ava Lynn Summers

2008-09-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

Born August 23rd at 3:16pm
7lbs 5 ounces and 21 inches

Labor was okay but very different compared to what I experienced with Emma . We are all doing well adjusting to our new family. Kyle was on maternity leave last week (what a lifesaver that is living away from family) so this is my first week on my own. I think I am doing well so far no major melt downs. Sorry this post is so late but I will try to keep it updated.

Monticello

2008-07-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

While Grandma (Renae) was visiting, we were able to take a day trip to Charlottesville, VA to visit Thomas Jefferson's home. The house is very interesting on the inside, but definately not my decorating style. Sorry no pictures of the inside because photography was not permitted. I guess you will have to come visit us so you can see his decorating style for yourself.

Here is Emma throwing pennies on Thomas Jefferson's Grave. Grandma gave her pennies to throw as it looked to be the tradition. As we walked away my wise husband helped me put two and two together. We should have been throwing nickles being as Jefferson is the President that is located on the nickle.

Look I am almost as big as the 200year old trees here at Monticello.

Emma's Style

2008-07-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

I will start off by saying that it was a 95 degree day when she chose to wear her rain boots. The pants are capri and the shirt is getting a bit small (not her style I guess just her mother being lazy). Then to top it all off are the retro sun glasses and the suit case.

Pajamas are the majority of accessories in this look (Thanks to her once again mom). The gloves she found in a box of old clothes and I guess thought they would be good for the 90 degree weather. The necklaces were randomly picked, but oh how they complete the outfit.

One thing that seems to be a running theme in each outfit are the sunglasses. Maybe this is were she gets her passion for creative style.

I would call this her shy schoolgirl look. The glasses once again but today they are a bit crooked if you look closely. She is also wearing the retro shorts to match the glasses. The backpack worn around the neck makes a statement that no one will tell her how accessories are to be worn. Then we have the lunch sack to finish off the look.

There is a definate lack of accessories in her look here, but she is able to work the camera with nothing but her natural talent and her retro sunglasses.

Fathers Day

2008-07-22T14:02:00.001-07:00

Fathers Day was low key as we attended our new ward and then layed around the rest of the day. Emma gave Kyle a Black and Decker tool kit. We were not in the house 5 minutes and Kyle had to see his present. Kyle always has to know what his gifts are. In fact, one year, when we were dating, I hid Kyle's birthday present in my brother's closet but that did not stop him from finding it and ruining his surprise. So this year I put the tool kit right under our bed and for the first time I think he was surprised.

Picture's not that great, but I love her smile.

Big Sister Class

2008-07-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Back in June we took Emma to a new siblings class offered at the hospital. They watched a crazy movie in which none of the kids were interested, had snack and a story, and then practiced taking care of the babies. At the end they toured labor and delivery and got a certificate. It was a good 45minutes.

Baby Lu Lu Update

2008-07-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

A little update on baby Lu Lu, she will be arriving some time around the 15th of August. The placenta has moved just enough to allow for a vaginal delivery. So Lu Lu will be baking for about 5 more weeks(I hope no longer). The heat and humidity are killing me but besides that the baby and I are doing great.

Rolling Thunder

2008-07-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Rolling Thunder has nothing to do with with an occurrence in the weather. Rolling Thunder is made up of thousands of Veterans that ride their motorcycles (a Harley hopefully) in a Parade from the Pentagon to the Capitol Building. Rolling Thunder is just a small part of a 3 week long statement these Veterans are trying to send to Americans and Our Government that we need to find the Servicemen that have been left behind in Vietnam. The Veterans start in California and ride to D.C. in what is known as Run for the Wall.

My Father and Mother at the start of Rolling Thunder in 1995. My Father was a Vietnam Veteran. He started going on the Run for the Wall in 1994 and went for 3 years.

This is a picture of the first bikes to go by at this years Rolling Thunder.

This man rides in the parade each year to show how the prisoners of war may live.

When Dads away...

2008-06-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

Emma and Mommy will play. Kyle traveled to Ottawa, Canada on a business trip about 4 weeks ago While he was gone I went with my friend Megan to to her moms house. We stayed just over night but had a great time. Emma and Seth had a blast running and playing. Emma favorite part was a green flute and it was very cute but we are not getting one at least not until I am done with this pregnancy.
Seth and Emma

She hears something

First Hair Cut

2008-05-26T17:22:00.001-07:00

Emma was not happy to have her hair cut, but the candy at the end made the whole experience worthwhile.

Potty Chart

2008-05-26T17:06:00.001-07:00

Emma has done really well with potty training. She almost always tells me she has to go potty and can hold it when we are trying to make it to a bathroom . The best part is when she says

"Bye Bye Pee Pee, See you later".

When she first started on the potty we used the chart. We have filled the chart now and I think we have moved past our potty chart.

My 4 week Check Up

2008-05-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

I had my 4 week check up and Emma came with. She always lays on the table with me because I am afraid of what her curious hands will find. Emma loves to listen to Lu Lu's heart but never wants the doctor to touch her stomach with the Doppler. Oh, by the way, the Placenta has not moved and the doctor is not feeling very hopeful for the possibility of a vaginal birth. Will update on that matter later.

100 Days tell Lu Lu's Arrival

2008-05-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Our rain day activity a few weeks ago was to make a count down chain for baby Lu Lu's arrival. We glued, cut and colored 100 pink chains. We are now down to 81 days till Lu Lu's birth if I deliver in August. Take off about 21 days if I have to deliver by c-section. Each day we get a little closer.

Our House

2008-05-26T15:56:00.001-07:00

About a month ago Kyle's boss did some downsizing at the company which gave Kyle more responsibilityand work. As an incentive we were given an opportunity to move into a house purchansed by the company. We were given the amount we could spend and an area in which to buy. This is the house we have decided on and if all goes well we will be closing on Friday May 30th.

Manassas Battle Field

2008-04-14T13:25:00.001-07:00

Emma reenacting the Civil War Battle is Manassas.

The is a monument for Stone Wall Jackson.

Emma and I at one of the houses that was here during the Manassas Battle.

Easter Morning

2008-04-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Emma woke up early to find what the Easter bunny had left behind for her.

Dying Easter Eggs

2008-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Emma really enjoyed dying Easter eggs. It was a mess but hey it is only once a year.

Lu Lu

2008-04-04T10:46:00.001-07:00

This is baby Lu Lu, Emma came up with her name we have no idea why but it has stuck. We had our ultrasound on March 14th. They think maybe Girl but not real sure baby was not willing to really open up. Every thing with the baby looks good. I on the other hand have placenta previa complete. All that means is the placenta is completely covering my cervix. I was put on pelvic rest and you all know what that means. I go in for another ultrasound next week and hope the placenta has moved. We just hope for no bleeding because that could mean bed rest or early delivery. If the placenta has not moved completely out of the way by 32 weeks I think she said then a c-section for me. For now we are doing great.

Nemo

2008-03-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Emma has a new best friend and I mean best friend because she never wants to leave his side. The first thing out of her mouth in the morning is NEMO and in the evening is good night Nemo. The name Nemo comes from her new favorite movie Finding Nemo. I am so glad we don't own 1o1 Dalmatians.

Emma Dancing

2008-03-20T12:31:00.001-07:00

Emma's new style of dancing, don't pay any attention to the outfit please.

Happy Birthday Emma

2008-03-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

Emma had her second Birthday on February 19th and WOW how time flies. We had a few friends over, but nothing too exciting because I felt like throwing up the whole evening. We had a few Thomas the Train things, including a cake and decorations, by which she was extremely thrilled. While we sang Happy Birthday Emma wore the biggest smile we have ever seen. Happy Birthday!!

Disney World

2008-03-09T16:27:00.001-07:00

The food in Disney World is amazing, being pregnant at the time of our trip, my favorite was the pretzels with dipping cheese. Yummy

Kyle, Emma, and I had the opportunity to go to Disney World at the end of January. We met up with Mom and Dad Summers, and Kirstin, Steven, and Lauren. We had the best time and weather was amazing.

Expecting

2008-03-01T16:33:00.000-08:00

For anyone that does not know, we are expecting again, due some time the middle of August. This is my reason for not posting since the middle of December. This pregnancy is much different than the last one. The migraines and morning sickness(all day sickness) is kicking me in the butt. My house looks horrible, I never cook meals, and Emma is in pajamas most days all day. The doctor gave me medicine for the migraines that is safe for the baby and I hope that the morning sickness will be letting up soon.

First Snow Fall

2007-12-05T12:53:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful cold winter day.

EMMA

2007-12-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

Our little girl is a crazy, energetic, Thomas and Teletubbie loving kid. Here are a few pictures of Emma is that last few months.

Emma is enjoying the sounds of the colonial
marching band in Willimasburg.

Jamestown Emma's dress in the men's traditional helmet and vest.

Emma's taking a rest after a hard morning of bear making at the Boyd Bear Factory in Gettysburg.

Our Little Teletubbie Laa Laa out trick or treating.

Snowman Glasses

2007-12-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

While in Willimsburg this September I went to a

store called the Christmas Mouse that place was

amazing. They had all sort of these cool glasses

that turn all the lights into different shapes.

Emma loves to wear the Snowman one.

Chritmas Tree

2007-12-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

We put the Christmas tree up last Saturday, since we are going home for Christmas I wanted more time to enjoy having the tree up. Our tree is artificial and was found in the garbage, I am sure you are thinking gross. I love to dumpster dive here, the things people throw away are amazing. I found a children's play kitchen sold for $20.00, fisher price child's table and 2 chairs sold for $10.00, and another is a blues clues chair sold for $5.00. Here is a picture of our tree before it was decorate not bad being that it was found in the garbage right?

Emma had a great time helping to decorate the tree. As well as smelling the lights.

The Day After The Big Feast

2007-11-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Well, the day after Thanksgiving was very quiet because there were no good deals on Black Friday. We got up and headed out to get a few presents, nothing too exciting.....I apologize to anyone that will be receiving these gifts. We went to our local mall and were surprised at how quiet it was. We got the things we needed and headed to the arcade where we played the video game version of Deal or No Deal. I took a risk and picked the case we had chosen and lucked out because we won 100 tickets(wish it had been dollars). With that big win we were able to get Emma a ugly stuffed lion that she doesn't care about.

That evening we went to Alexandria for the Christmas tree lighting. First, a little geography lesson. We live in a small town called Lorton, Alexandria is just north of us about 15miles(that's where Kyle works) and D.C. is north east of Alexandria about 10miles. Anyways back to the topic at hand, Alexandria is a very old Colonial town along the banks of the Potomac River. The tree lighting ceremony started about 7pm in Market Square when the town crier announced the start of the Christmas season and introduced the Mayor.

The Mayor then came out and lit the town Christmas Tree. Sorry the picture is not very good.

Emma's favorite part of the night was Santa's Frosty something. They are a group of kids from a local dance company. The name is weird but they were fun to watch and kept Emma very entertained. They danced a bit then it was time for Santa's big entrance. Emma learned about Santa that night and has not stopped talking about him it helps that she sees him everywhere.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

Preparing for the Thanksgiving meal started around 9am as Kyle and Emma went down to Stafford, VA where a friend of ours, Ammon, fried our turkey. Emma was gone for about 4 hours and I was able to clean the whole house in peace.

A few days before Thanksgiving Kyle said "this is our first Thanksgiving doing all the cooking our selves" and I told him it is more like warming up. Our menu consisted of Stove Top Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Brown and serve rolls, Olives, Jello Pudding, Sweet Potatoes(I did cook this), and Mashed Potatoes brought by Haley and Turkey.

The food was nothing that Martha Stewart would have cooked, but I am sure but it was good. Although I did take a little inspiration from Martha for my table. I think the table turned out great. Wish I had gotten a picture before it was covered with food and people.

Over all Thanksgiving was nice and low key. We had great food and good conversation. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and remembered to count your blessings.