Monday, August 17, 2009

Summer in Fast Forward

Gosh it's been fun. Summer, that is. I look forward all year to the three blissful months I have off to spend with Lia...and just be. We have made the most of the dog days...and there has been nothing lazy about them. We have been on vacation for four weeks this summer...more than we have spent at home. In the 7 weeks we have been off, Lia has attended three week long camps, one week of intensive swimming lessons (which she loved!), and completed an introductory gymnastics course (which she also loved!). We came home yesterday from another week with grandparents and beloved cousins where she swam, attended campfires complete with s'mores and mountain pies, had makeovers galore (another fave!)...and just generally lived the good life.

.great minds.

.cousin posse.

Like a fish...and happy as a clam!

Nature's Fireworks

During an early summer visit we went with Lia's older cousin while she got her ears pierced. As I suspected, Lia was VERY interested in that! I really hadn't planned to get her ears pierced until she was six (a completely arbitrary number that just sounded about right to me)...but after giving it careful consideration...and near constant discussion time for two weeks, Lia convinced me she was ready to take the plunge. The day of the big event we were at the mall before the doors opened. She was beside herself with excitement...until she was up in the chair. We had two false starts...and then she decided she could do it if her dad was there. We waited at the mall FOR THREE HOURS until Jim could come over for lunch and moral support. We had them do both ears at the same time...and I am not even sure Lia cried any real tears. She was thrilled once she saw the earrings...and has told me at least once a day how happy she is that she has earrings. She also has been very good about reminding me to clean them three times a day. I wasn't sure I was ready for earrings...but they do look awfully cute...and she is so happy with them.

Oh yes she did!

So now we are home for the rest of the summer...registering for fall activities, getting organized for the school year...and of course getting ready for our next big adventure...our trip to Disney World in September. Plans have been underway for several months, and we can hardly believe it is almost time. It promises to be the second best trip I have ever taken (behind China, of course! :-)). More to come on that later!

.LoVe PuRe aNd SimPle.

.It's nEveR JusT blAcK aNd wHitE.

.CamPy CHiC.

That about sums up our summer...pretty simple everyday stuff to most...but exactly the stuff my dreams are made of.

20 comments:

Jboo said...

Oh my goodness Kate -- you have had a busy and fun summer, haven't you! Love all of your photos -- am blown away by how incredibuly beautiful Miss Lia is and your photos -- simply awesome! Her pierced ears are so cute!

You are going to have so much fun at DisneyWorld -- what a blast!

Janet

a Tonggu Momma said...

Sounds like a wonderful summer! Glad your days were hectically lazy. Those are the BEST kind of days.

3 Peanuts said...

Sounds like a GREAT summer. I am envious of 3 things in this post...

One-your photos are breathtaking!
Two~I am dying to take Kate to Disney World. You are going to have SO MUCH FUN! We have taken the boys once and we plan to go again next year when Kate is 4.
Three~ I am just drooling over Lia's beautiful hair and wishing for what was. I LOVE those long pony tails in the last photo....I dream of the day I can do that to Kate's hair again:(
Enjoy the rest of your summer. Kate starts school on Wednesday and the boys next Monday!

fleur de lis cottage said...

Sounds like a great summer and beatiful images to go along with the memories.

Courtney said...

Great pictures. It sounds like you have been very busy this summer!

Shelly and Family said...

WOW - what a great and truly very busy summer! I just know you all are enjoying this beautiful time of year...

Jodee said...

Wow! It sounds like the perfect summer to me! Your pictures are beautiful!

Gail said...

Sounds like you've had the best kind of Summer to me Kate!

And you will LOVE DisneyWorld...we were just there in May...

Beautiful pics as always. :)

Gail

Kim and Dennis said...

When is your Disney trip? We are going September 17-24, Land/Sea vacation. I can hardly wait!

After much begging, Lia got her ears pierced back in March. There were a few tears. Of course, I just happened to have a camera on standby and posted about it.

Casey said...

Kate!! Just LOVE, LOVE all the pictures. Such talent you have!

Sounds like the perfect summer to me! And Lia looks adorable with her ears peirced... Em has loved having hers done and takes really good care of them. Which kinda surprised me b/c she was only 3 when she got them, but she really wanted them.

Enjoy the last taste of summer!

Laura said...

Beautiful pictures, beautiful post, beautiful summer. All your dreams coming true. So glad to be sharing your second favorite trip with you. Which someday hopefully soon will be your third favorite trip?? Am I making sense.

xoxo,
Laura

Don and Lisa Osborn said...

What a beautiful and blessed summer you've had. You weren't kidding when you said you've been busy.

Lindy and I just had a detailed discussion about pierced ears the other day. She was very curious and I think she was going to tell me she wanted them until she found out the process (scaled down version). I think she decided she's never getting them done because she found out there is some pain involved. I am sure that'll change later on...

Enjoy these days~
Lisa

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

What a wonderful summer : ) We love Disneyworld!!!! You are going to have the best time. I think the girls loved eating in the castle with the Princess' the most...: )
Your pictures are so beautiful and so is your model!!!

Sharon said...

such gorgous, gorgeous shots!! What talent. and beautiful subjects. Glad your summer was so wonderful!!!

Jennifer said...

Kate~Your photos in this blog post are amazing!

Great job!

Jen

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

You have had a really busy and exciting summer....one that Lia will always remember!! The pictures are gorgeous and will remind of you of your summer of fun!!

I really cannot believe we are getting ready to start a new school year.....I am not ready for those early mornings filled with begging and pleading for Nick to get out of bed so we won't be late!!

Enjoy your last days of summer:)

Lisa

Lucy said...

Looks like you had a wonderful summer! Have a wonderful time at Disney. I will look forward to coming back to see your photos.
Take care,
Lucy

Eloise said...

I loved catching up on your summer through your beautiful pictures! Lia's new pierced ears look darling.

Erin said...

Really stunning photos. I love the last one... so serene. I. like Kim, am loving Lia's hair. I am trying to grow out Libby's, but the bangs are now bugging. We're in the hard stage! I know you're looking forward to Disney!!! Have a great transition back to school...

Mireille said...

What a beautiful pictures, a nice way of remembering this summer isn't it? I love the ear piercings, my daughters want it too, but when I say OK let's go... they say... hmm maybe another day... a little bit scared!