Let Freedom Ring!

I was going to post some random, vain shots of what we did over the 4th, but I am going to save them for another summertime post. For now, view the video that reminds us why we are allowed to celebrate so many of our freedoms. The following video makes me so proud to be an American, but it makes me even prouder of my home state, Georgia, who truly honors our fallen soldiers. Killed in action the week before, the body of Staff Sergeant First Class John C. Beale was returned to Falcon Field in Peachtree City , Georgia , just south of Atlanta , on June 11, 2009. The Henry County Police Department escorted the procession to the funeral home in McDonough , Georgia . A simple notice in local papers indicated the road route to be taken and the approximate time. This was filmed during the procession by a State Trooper. http://e.blip.tv/scripts/flash/showplaye....k&enablejs=true

My Little Swiss Miss

I have always loved playing with hair, dolls, and barbies. Thankfully, God didn't think I needed to give it up so soon, so He gave us Kensley! She is really good about letting me do her hair. On this particular day, she had enough patience for me to braid it for the first time. It was so hot outside and her hair stayed out of her face and kept her cool. We love our babydoll. YAY! My real doll!

She was so patient during the whole process. Kensley loves for Mommy to brush her head.

Bathing Beauty

Just-a-fwimmin'

That little button nose!

Prissanna

Here is a picture of what Kensley looked like on her day to play in the water at the beach. Just imagine her in the crystal blue waters instead of the cute little flower pots. We went to a longtime friend's pool yesterday and Kensley kicked around in the little tube like it was second nature... We soooooo have our hands full when we are around the water!

Beach Trip 2009

This past week, we went down to the Destin area for a couple of days and "beached it." Kensley did not hesitate to hop right into the clear, cool, refreshing, (should I keep going?) relaxing water as soon as she thought she had a chance. Being an AWFUL mom, I left the camera in the car, but it was probably best, since Kensley has NO FEAR of the water. Kensley was proud of her little beach self in her ruffly trunks, suncreen shirt, wide-brimmed hat, and matching sunglasses. (I hope to immitate this look again soon and post a picture.) Her beach attire was no more than a second thought when she could rush off to the sand and waves. She giggled most of the two hours we were there - even when the waves would crash into her little body and knock or nearly knock her over. It was ALL grand to her. The following night, we met up with some friends and ate at The Crab Trap. Thankfully, they have a playground just beneath the restaurant, so Kensely got to play on the playground at the beach. What a life! After we ate, I changed Kensley into a beachy outfit and took some shots. Unfortunately, the batteries were dying, so some of them didn't turn out as well as expected. At any rate, we had a GREAT time and can't wait for a speedy return! Oooo-eeee! The BEACH!

Kensley stripped down to her diaper chasing a black "chicken" (pigeon).

Three girls who love the beach!

Kensley LOVES this hat! We are thankful that she loves "yo-shun" (lotion - aka: sunscreen) and her sun hats!

Hot Days and Cool Times

We are still living it up in ATL. Kensley, Libby, and I have had the best time hanging with family. Kensley has become quite the outgoing one anywhere we go! She will say, "Heeey!" "Hi!" or "Hello!" She will generally narrate her day after that while we fill in any gaps or misunderstandings for strangers. Speaking of, Kensley has turned on the switch to coherent talking. She has had a decent vocabulary for some time now, but she is rapidly stringing her thoughts together to make phrases upon phrases. It happened overnight. Now, I really feel for all of my past teachers; she talks as much as I did!!! (I use "did" because I can barely get a word in edge-wise anymore!) Kensley had her first opportunity with Play-Doh. It was a success!

This picture has a couple of thoughts: 1) Cutie in the curlers. Turns out, I didn't leave them in long enough, so there was minimal curl. Kensley enjoyed every secong of this playtime 2) Those INCISORS!!!

HANG TIME! Kensley's newest love is hanging. She does it at the playground and has extended onto any object anywhere, anytime. She loves to hang like a monkey...and will even provide endless giggles or monkey noises for your enjoyment.

Fimmin'. Kensley absolutely LOVES the water...any water! Hopefully we harness some of this passion and put it constructively toward actual swimming and RESPECT for the water. In the meantime, we are super-vigilant keeping all eyes and hands on her around the water.

Fimmin' with my little buddy.