Kelly's New Do

Kelly got a trim to even out the uneven pieces from when we did the big cut a couple months ago. It was her first haircut that included a shampoo and blowdry! She's getting so grown up!

Hiking in the Park

On the 4th of July we went hiking in Prince William Forest Park with our friends Staci, Danny, Anthony, Evan, and Audrey. 

Kelly was a champ and did the entire hike on her own, even running with the boys for part of the way. 

The destination was a stream that runs through the park. 

Staci, Audrey, Alyssa, and I sat on a blanket.

You wouldn't know it by looking at them, but Audrey is only 8 weeks old to Alyssa's 10 months!

Holding hands.

Alyssa was a little bit apprehensive about the whole experience.

Meanwhile, Danny and the boys played in the water...

and Kelly watched because she didn't want to get her hands dirty. She did give me some good hugs though, and I wasn't complaining about her clean hands :).

"King Kelly"

Whenever Kelly plays, she is the king. I try not to make any assumptions. She's cute regardless!

The Third of July

On the third of July we went to an Independence Day parade in our town. We made it to the festivities a little bit late, but the girls didn't mind.

Kelly loved "waving bye" to the people on the fire truck (including Sparky the fire dog).

Enjoying the festivities.  It was pretty easy to get a great spot to watch, probably because people didn't realize the parade was a day before the holiday this year.

Alyssa and me.

Side By Side

Lying on Kelly's bed together.

Alyssa decided she was ready to get off and just dove head first! Good thing I was there to help her.

"Get one of me by myself!"

Snack Time

One good thing about having a curious infant is that she eats anything I give her... unlike her three-year-old sister who has become a picky preschooler.  Here she is feasting on some of Kelly's play food.

Play It Again, Alyssa

My little maestro...

Alyssa and Evan

Alyssa and Evan, Ryan's baby brother.  Such a sweet pair!  Evan (5.5 months old) is only three and a half months younger than Alyssa (9 months). 

He had a little bit of trouble sitting up at first.  It's a difficult feat for a less-than-six-month-old!  Alyssa was fascinated by his hair.

Once he was righted again, he was interested in Alyssa.

Distracted...

Smiling at the big kids playing nearby...

Smiling pretty for daddy.  Don't just just love the bow?  It's a miracle it stays in!

Kelly and the White Dress

Alyssa Interacts

Alyssa eats the dog whistle...

...Stops to smile...

...and plays a game. This is one of her favorites and she's really good at it. She yells and waits for the person she's playing with to yell back. Here she is in mid-shout. She really gets into it!