Iowa and Nauvoo

The impetus for our midwestern trip was to attend my cousin Lindsay's wedding, which was beautiful, and also a great reason to reunite with relatives I haven't seen in years. My parents and brother came too, and the six of us plus my grandmother drove to Nauvoo, IL, to see a part of our church's history. We were able to attend the exquisite Nauvoo temple, which you can read about here. Thanks to everyone for your hospitality--it was great to see you all!

The girl knows how to shop!

Today Audrey accompanied me to DSW, a great discount shoe store. She silently watched me try on a pair of sandals, then immediately began removing her socks and shoes. She carefully took a pair of new shoes out of their box, tried them on, and strutted around. Continuing to follow my pattern, she returned the shoes to the box, then started over with a new pair. It was pretty cute, and she was really good--didn't protest at all when it was time to go. She also wanted to hold my bag with the newly purchased shoes on our way out. We then made a quick stop in Old Navy (where I found a shirt for $2.99), and she was happy to hand me items, change her own clothes in the fitting room, and loudly request "Again!" when a song on the store's sound system ended. She was quite relieved to hear a new song commence. What a fun little shopping partner I have!

Happy Bday Tracy

Yesterday Audrey and I went back up to Rome for Tracy's 30th birthday. The girls enjoyed playing together, especially after a trip to Toys R Us, where Tracy got a slide for Carlie and I got a stroller for Audrey. They had the best time sliding into the kiddie pool on the deck. I also got to hang out with Tracy's mom and aunt, who were a lot of fun. When Wes came home, we went out to eat at a Japanese hibachi grill--my first time and it was great. Happy Birthday Tracy!

Audrey could not get enough of going down the slide. She thought it was hilarious!

Tallahassee

We had a fabulous weekend in Tallahassee, staying with our amazing friends, Robert and Meri. I haven't been that relaxed in as long as I can remember. Nor have I eaten such incredible food, well, since Thanksgiving, the last time we were there! Meri is a gourmet cook--I made sure to come home with recipes. Plus they are both so fun to talk with. Thanks you two!

On the Fourth of July, which we celebrated with a small group of friends, barbecuing and swimming in the pool. Audrey was also introduced to donut holes, although something Meri is cooking seems to be distracting her.

Here's a smile! Audrey slept so well and stayed happy. We got to sleep in until 8:00 every morning and she took great naps too! See what I mean about relaxing? And Audrey loved Meri--I've never seen Audrey warm up so quickly.

Yup, more relaxing at their awesome screened-in pool.

Saturday we went to the beach for a picnic and some relaxation. The environment was gorgeous. Spencer noticed all the trees and appreciated their great beauty.
Speaking of great beauty, look at us beach babes! This wasn't really a swimming beach, but still fun. We saw horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, jumping fish, fiddler crabs, and Audrey discovered she doesn't like sand. Or oppressive Florida heat. But she was pleasant enough regardless--what a sweetheart.Audrey had so much fun exploring their spacious home, bugging their cats and charming the socks off us adults. Every morning when we brought her out to the living room, her first words were "Cat! Cat! Hi! Hello! Cat!" She became slightly obsessive with the cats. On our last day in Tallahassee, Meri and I took off for girl's day out, while the menfolk took care of Audrey. We shopped, getting books and some stuff for Audrey, including these much-needed sunglasses (too bad I didn't have them for our whole sunny trip!), and we went out to lunch. Then we came home and made yummy cookies. Audrey continued to nap for 2 1/2 hours after we got back from our girl's day, so I had quite a break. Relaxing.

Our day in Rome. Rome, Georgia, of course.

Today Audrey and I visited Tracy and Carlie at their new house in Rome. The house is GORGEOUS and we had so much fun with our friends. They've only been gone a week and a half, but we already miss them!! Tracy took us to Kangeroo Jake's, a fun center with bouncy inflatables to play on; out to lunch; and made dinner for us. I felt spoiled and the girls had so much fun playing together.In the playroom--the ONLY picture I got with both girls looking. They were far too busy to pose for pictures today.

Playroom--Audrey in a serious phone conversation.

Playing in the sandbox.

They kept switching hats, snatching them from each other's heads and putting them on, then changing their minds immediately and switching back. Here they're wearing each other's hats.

In a bouncy tunnel at Kangeroo Jake's. Relaxing at Kangeroo Jake's.More bouncing. Thanks for the wonderful day Tracy and Carlie!!

Dress by Little Londyn

My friend Megan made Audrey this dress a few months ago. She owns a company called Little Londyn, selling her amazing creations. My sister Laura took these adorable pictures.