Basking in the Sun

It was a pretty day and Keith was outside washing the car-- washing the car for him is like me going shoe shopping -- who will ever understand men! ;) However, not wanting to be stuck inside on a pretty day, we joined him outside to bask in the sun and feel the grass between our toes. There is nothing better than that.

Plus, Samantha got more practice sitting up - of which she is fast becoming a pro. She looks like such a big girl - is it pathetic that each new thing she does makes me incredibly proud and sad.

Happy 1st Father's Day

Happy 1st Father's Day sweetheart and Daddy! Samantha and I love you so much. You fill our lives with so much love and laughter. I just love watching you and Samantha share giggles over your fountains and bubbles in the pool, your burps (yuck!), and your poopy dance. You always put us first - taking on extra jobs and still pulling your weight at home. You work so hard to provide for us, and you always live each day with a smile and a positive attitude. It has always been you that has eased my fears and calmed by worries -- I can already imagine how great you will be with all the things she will go through - skinned elbows, mean kids, or the multiple struggles every girl faces. ;) We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Samantha has a great Dad to look up to. I know that she will fall in love with you day after day, just as I have the past 12 years. Though, I can already tell by the way that she bats her eyelashes at you, that she will have you wrapped around her little finger. That is okay -- that is the role of a Daddy's Girl.

WE LOVE YOU!

Scrapbook of More Disney Pics

Disney - What a Magical Place To Be!

Keith, Samantha and I just had the best vacation ever in Disney World! We met up with my whole family. In fact, it was the first time we have all been together on a vacation, including all the kids and husbands, EVER! So, this was incredibly special.(The housekeepers made designs with towels every day and the first day was of course Mickey Mouse ears, so we couldn't miss the photo op)

I was initially worried about bringing an (almost) 6 month old to Disney World, but it was amazing! Samantha was so adorable. Her head was just bouncing from side to side constantly trying to take everything in and she was just smiles the whole time. I have decided that I have an amazing baby - yes, I know I keep saying that and yes I am extremely biased....but all that being said, she did not have a meltdown once, she kept up with us and she didn't seem scared of anything. And there was a lot of firsts for her - first time in a pool, first time meeting giant stuffed characters, first rides, and first major vacation. Many days we were going from sun up to sun down, and bless her heart , she got very few naps because every time she would close her eyes we would go in a show or on a ride, and she would pop awake as if she was afraid of missing something. :)(Samantha getting a better view of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show - her favorite! She was bouncing around almost giddy and towards the end you could see her fighting sleep so hard. :) ) (Hanging out at the pool at the Lodge - despite her pucker, she loved it. She'd splash and giggle and we had a great time watching her!)

It was esp. magical to not only see Samantha enjoy Disney World, but to see my wonderful neices - Jackie, Reagan, Dani, Maddie, Grace and Allyson - just be giddy with excitement. They range in ages from just over 1 year old to 9 years old. They really got to enjoy all Disney has to offer and for the older, it will be lifelong memories!

(Grace and Maddie (4 years old) being goofy at the playground at the Lodge)

(Jackie, Dani and Reagan striking a pose before we entered the Magic Kingdom. And sporting their Disney pins -- the best money making venture Disney has come up with -- if you have been there, you know!)

(Samantha on "It's a Small World" -- she was mesmerized!)

(Tara's youngest Allyson was in love with Sami and kept hugging her. It is amazing how babies love babies)
(The Carters - Brian, Grace, Tara, Allyson, and Dani posing with Pooh)

On top of that, we met with a photographer to get our first professional pictures in almost 17 years! Luckily, they turned out great!

(First picture is in the lobby of the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the other is outside by the pool, and the last in the hotel as well)

The resort we stayed at - Animal Kingdom Lodge - was wonderful! We had rooms that looked out on the Savannah and you'd wake up to Giraffes, antelopes, zebras, ostrich and so much more. We also had some great meals at this and other resorts at Disney.

(We got to eat with the Princesses one day -- what a treat for the older girls - unfortunately Samantha was pooped out! But, I still got a picture with Ariel, Tara and Allyson -- heck, I was in higs heaven myself -- Disney makes you feel like a kid, and makes you want to be a princess!)

(The last day we ate at the Floridian Resort with a Cinderella show -- we got to snap some great photos and enjoy some more great food. It was bittersweet though, because we knew it was coming to an end. ;( )

(The Bach family - Tia, Jackie, Reagan, Ed and Maddie)

Thanks Mom and Dad - aka Nana and Papa -- we had a great time and we came away with some amazing memories!

Moments in the Life of Sami...

Here are some of the latest pictures of Samantha. Poor girl always has Mama flashing a camera in her face. How adorable is she, though -- I know, I may be biased, but that is my right as a Mama! :)

Mallory and Logan's Graduation

Keith, Samantha and I went to WV this weekend to celebrate his niece, Mallory, and his nephew, Logan's, graduation. We had a great and crazy weekend. We got into town Thursday evening and just got home today. Between catching up with Keith's family, going to a graduation and celebration dinner Friday and Saturday, having a picnic (and corn hole competition) at Tami's house, and the drive to and from Parkersburg - we were on the go the whole weekend, but it was a lot of fun.

It made Keith and I sad though, to see Mallory and Logan graduating. Keith is incredibly close to Mallory and Logan, having grown up with them his whole life - they were always more like siblings. I have known them since they were 6! It was hard to see them so grown-up and it made us feel SO OLD!! But, it has been an honor seeing them grow up into such amazing adults -- what an honor to have them in our lives and to have such great people for my daughter to look up to! Though, it did make me realize how quickly time goes by and how one day I will be there with Samantha crying my eyes out.

Mallory graduated from Warren High School on Friday night. She is going to Wheeling Jesuit scholarship and is planning on doing Sports Medicine or being a PA, plus she is playing basketball for the school.

Mackenzie (above) and Vicki (below) loving on Samantha. They seriously fight over who can hold her next. In fact Mallory's first picture after graduation was even with Sami -- she is well loved!


Logan graduated from Parkersburg High School (our old stomping ground) on Saturday night. He is going to Marshall in the Fall. Here the Brooks take time for their photo op. :)

Of course, we had to have pictures with both graduates -- we were so proud of both of them!

(Below) Logan is pictured with his family. I was proud of his Mom, Vicki, she held up well without too many tears. I know it must be hard to see your first born leave the nest. Heck, I cry with joy (and sadness) every time Samantha does something new (yes, I am pathetic). ;)

Samantha did well for both graduations, even though they made for long days for her. Here she is sporting her new baseball hat. However, as you can see below, they did wear her out a little bit. She had a busy weekend for such a little girl.
To celebrate Logan's graduation we all went to Outback Saturday night. Friday night we also had a great meal at Da Vinci's, but Samantha was fighting sleep so much there that I didn't get pictures -- oh well, she is only 5 months old. ;)

Overall, it was a great weekend.

Congrats again Logan and Mallory - we are SO proud of you!!