Yesterday Julia and Mason came over to play! Erin was doing some of her creative and perfect painting for little Nathaniel's nursery (Chris and Lauren's boy due in September!) and we enjoyed some cuddle time with her kiddos :)

Kate doesn't necessarily have the same love for looking through books that Vivian does, but she's been having more extended book times lately. It's sweet when they are looking at a book together and Vivian "teaches" Kate.

Sorry for the technical problems with the Picasa albums...I think I fixed it (thanks for the tip, Kristin...you were right)! Enjoy!

These are the pictures from Kate's party last Friday! We had the party on her actual birthday and I really liked doing it that way...it ended up being more of a busy playdate than a huge Saturday deal. Kate enjoyed herself and we think everyone else did, too! She has always been fond of bugs and the ladybugs that infest our house in the winter, so we thought we could turn it into a cute party theme :) Check out the pictures for more details!! The first album includes pictures from my camera, and the second has all of the pictures that another friend, Kristin, took. I couldn't figure out how to mesh the two albums, but neither of them have too many pictures, so you don't mind, right?!? Some pictures are duplicated, but some are only in one or the other album (for example, pics of the cupcakes are only in the second album), so that's why you need to look at both :)

After breakfast on Kate's birthday morning, the girls had to get out some of their birthday party jitters and excitement. She is happy to be 2!!

Yesterday after the party, Uncle Joey stopped by to give Kate a special birthday gift. She has been playing with it ever since...loves to go shopping!

Yesterday when I was making the PB&J lunches for Kate's party, I got a glimpse into what Michelle Duggar's kitchen counters may look like when she's getting a meal ready. Crazy!

My dear friend Molly and her husband Nate (live in Alabama) had their twins boys on June 21. Their names are Mark and Timothy (Tim). So sweet! We are so happy for them and can't wait to go meet them (maybe this fall, Molly?!). The girls and I have been praying for them every morning. Mark had a little trouble with his eating and was in the hospital for a solid month after he was born, but was able to go home on Sunday!

The brothers were finally reunited and cannot be more precious together. Praise the Lord, for He is good.

We came to the beach today! We spent only about 30 minutes at the water this afternoon because the wind was too fierce, and Vivian was rolling in the sand...this is what she looked like after 30 seconds: covered head to toe. We are going to have a fun week :)

Today at their music class, the teacher had them sit on a tape line...they sat so attentively and listened so well, it made me smile at the thought of future school days!