Summer Happenings + Two Giveaway Announcements

Let me start by saying that yes, I know it has been FOREVER since I posted. I didn't plan on taking a break, it just sorta happened. But, I'm back and I am ready to start writing about all things related to my little family and life! I have some super important events that deserve their own special posts - Kristin's wedding and Emery's birthday!

So, let's start with five things that we have been up to this summer.

{ ONE }

One, One, One. My baby girl turned ONE! How did this happen? I feel like I blinked and now I have a one year old who talks nonstop and runs lap around me. A year ago, I wouldn't have been able to fully comprehend the amount of love that she would bring to not only John and I, but to our entire family. This little girl makes my heart sing!

There will be more posts to come on my sweet girl turning one!

{ TWO } 

The beach has been our official vacation spot of the summer. Anytime we can get out of Atlanta for a long weekend or a week full of fun, we hit the road for some sand, sun and saltwater. Bonus: Emery loves the beach and isn't afraid to get a little (or a lot) sandy.

{ THREE }

Water Time. It's safe to say that we have spent as much time as possible, either near the water, in the water or playing with water.

Pool. We have also spent many a days at the Atlanta Athletic Club. They have an amazing kid's area....like Ah-mazing! And, the water slides are pretty fun too....

This picture doesn't even come close to doing it justice. 

Water Table. Emery got a water table for her first birthday from my sister, Kristin, and her husband, Josh. Most days, it is just best to let her out there in just a diaper to play because she ends up soaked (and I usually do too). Recently, she has been hiking her leg up there to get her foot in the water (that's a major no no). Maybe a baby pool is our next purchase?

Centennial Olympic Park - Fountain of Rings. My sister and her friend, Gwen, made an impromptu visit down to Atlanta and we took Emery to the Fountain of Rings for some water fun. To say she loved it, would be a total understatement. Every couple of hours, they have a water show where the water and the music are timed to each other (much like the Bellagio Fountain in Vegas). Emery couldn't wait for the water show to be over so that she could head back to the water. She was constantly arching her back to try to get down and make a run for it.

If you are visiting Atlanta with children in the summer, I highly recommend a visit to the Fountain of Rings. Plus, it is across the street from the Georgia Aquarium.(also a recommendation).

{ FOUR }

Swim lessons. Because our little fish loves the water so much, I signed her up for swim lessons.  We just completed the 4th class so we are now halfway through. We sing songs while practiicing various swim skills - kicking, reaching and pulling arms, blowing bubbles in the water and floating on her back. She has also been dunked a few times so she could practice holding her breathe under water. Another huge skill that we practice at each lesson is climbing out of pool. It's elbow, elbow, knee, knee for anyone who wants to practice with their child.

Pre-lesson 

Post-lesson snack 

Asleep by the time we got home

{ FIVE }

Aquarium. We purchased annual passes for the Georgia Aquarium. We have only made one visit so far, but plan to go again real soon.

 

I just love her face!!!!! 

All of these pictures were taken by our friends, Paul and Jenn, who joined us at the aquarium. Next summer, they will have there own little miss that will need a trip to the aquarium. Jenn is due at the beginning of August!  Side note: She also writes a fun blog called pinterestdreams.blogspot.com!

So, there they are...a few of our summers happenings! 

And lastly, I will be hosting a BEAUTYCOUNTER giveaway next week! I know that I  mentioned this before  but it's really happening next week. Please be sure to stop by to enter. In the meantime, check out their website, their products and my friend and BEAUTYCOUNTER consultant, Vironica Dawson.
I will also be hosting a giveaway from Belly Dance Maternity in the coming weeks. I expect all of my newly pregnant mommies to be and readers to stop by to enter!