Lounging at the lake

Over Fourth of July weekend, we had a special treat. We met up with the Vaughans at Sandra's parents' house in Lake Anna. It was a gorgeous weekend and we had a blast hanging on the dock, riding on the boat and taking dips in the lake.


"Hang on, Mia, we go for a ride!"

It didn't take long for Emilia to get used to the lake:

The boys were a little more adventurous:

All the excitement wore Baby Andrew out:

We took a beautiful boat ride in the early evening: At first, Nathan was sure to hold onto Emilia to make sure she wasn't scared: But pretty soon, Emilia was really getting into it:

And of course, the weekend was complete with popsicles and s'mores:

We were so grateful to have the chance to enjoy such a special weekend. Here are the kids up late getting ready for the fireworks:

Carnival kids

The carnival was in town recently at the Dulles Town Center Mall. We met up with the Hills and Vaughans for an early dinner one Sunday and then hit the rides! Luckily, it was not crowded at all and the kids got to go on a bunch of rides.

The evening ended with an adorable group hug with Nathan and his girls.



Watch all of the action on the Hills' Web site.

Baila baila!

After swimming lessons and a birthday paty in the park one Saturday, Emilia took a 4 1/2 hour nap, not stirring until 6:30 p.m.! Since we knew she wouldn't be ready to go to bed on time, we ventured over to the Reston Town Center for the Saturday night summer concert series. That night was a fabulous salsa band. After eating a quick bite, Emilia went right to the stage to practice her moves.

Blowing bubbles

Emilia's swimming lessons continue. At her last class, she started blowing bubbles in the water. She's starting to get the hang of it.

Twilight at the farm

A couple weeks ago, Eric went to the Nationals game with Corey and Kyle. Emilia and I decided to make our own fun. We picked up Chick-Fil-A and went to Frying Pan Farm Park, which is open late on Wednesday nights in the summer. Dinner outside was a hit, but for some reason, Emilia was more timid with the animals this visit. There was even a "moo" exchange with one very large cow that caught Emilia off guard and brought on the tears. It was pretty hilarious - wish I had it on video. Here she is getting a good look at a sheep.

Father's day

Emilia’s top 10 reasons why she loves her daddy: 10. He pushes me WAAAY higher in the swing than mommy would ever push me and tosses me around, even right after I eat!

9. He has broadened my shopping horizons to include favorites such as Home Depot, Lowes, Bass Pro Shop and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

8. He gave me my unique singing ability, complete with the propensity to make up words and sing totally off key.

7. He’s working extra hard right now to convert our basement into a play area for me and my baby sister. Yes! My plan for total house domination is slowing coming true.

6. He’s the reason I have sweet dreams at night after he gives me a bath, reads me my favorite books and prays with me before tucking me in.

5. He’s generally on the same sleeping schedule as me – taking afternoon naps on the weekend and starting to quickly fade after dinner (“Daddy tired. Mia tired.”)

4. He gave me my insatiable appetite and introduced me to all of the important food groups, including an array of salsas and other condiments. He can go toe-to-toe with me when it comes to snagging as many Costco samples in one shopping trip as possible.

3. He teaches me important lessons about which lure to use in various fishing conditions and how the NASCAR Sprint Cup scoring system works.

2. He’s the funny one who’s always telling jokes. Not like that stuffy mommy.

1. He loves me, and I know that because he tells me and shows me all the time!

Happy father’s day, daddy!

“aw mon u”

-Mia

Opening presents this morning...

Sending wishes from the top of the ferris wheel today...

Happy father's day to our dads, too!

"Gammy" goes home

Emilia was so sad to say goodbye to Grammy this evening. She had such a blast with her all week. Thanks, "Gammy!"

Rides, slides and tunes

After church this morning we went to the Alexandria Waterfront Festival.
Emilia rode some rides...including her favorite, the horsies...and she found a new ride of choice, the big slide...




We even got to hear a "music band," Rocknoceros. It was a Father's Day activity that we all enjoyed!

Happy day day, Laura

"Baby Laura" is a baby no more. Next week she turns one (the same day as not-a-baby-anymore-either Henry). We raced from swimming lessons to Laura's first birthday party. Here is the happy Hill family celebrating:Emilia and Nathan were taking turns giving each other big hugs:
Laura goes to town on her beautiful cake while helpful big sister Clara makes sure she has her special hat on:And all of the kids launched an impromptu series of ring around the rosie:

Splish splash

Saturday was Emilia's first swimming lesson this season at the Reston Community Center. Her last class was more than a year ago, but it took no time for her to warm up and get used to the water again. This will be a great activity for us this summer.