Conversations I Never Thought I'd Have...

"Sophia, look around the Fest House right now.  Is anyone else naked?"

"But why Mommy? Why is no one naked?"

"Because this is a public places. Public places are places other than our house where other people are. The rule is that you cannot be naked in public places."

"Who says that? Who says that rule?"

"The Policeman."

"Where? Where is the policeman who made that rule?"

... I glanced again around Das Fest Hous and realized the power of social control. There really was no one here telling us to keep our clothes on.  Yet, with the exception of my daughter, the masses were complying. And I am grateful. We have seen the alternative. It's called Water Country USA and we try to stick to the kiddie pools.

Welcome Baby Lydia!

Olivia and I went to meet Baby Lydia today. She is beautiful! Olivia had never seen me hold a baby before - she's been the youngest around here for a while. Being around Lydia made Olivia seem so big! Congratulations to Seth and Leah and Big Brother Judah!

Pool Time

Re - entry from vacation has had its challenges so it seemed a morning at the pool was definitely needed. Olivia was so happy to be back with her friends Braden and Addy. Her favorite parte? "Holding hands with my friends."

Pic of the Week

What will her future hold?

Summer 2k9 Wedding Finale

Luke and Alexis got married last weekend and it was an incredible party! For those of you W&M grads - the reception was in the UC Tidewater  - I had to fight the urge to hide from a mixer at first...but it was such an amazing time!

What a family picture...

I have no idea who these people are.

Our "small" group was a force there to celebrate Lex - 15 strong and the LBD has never looked so good!

Bringing in the Professionals...

There is a great place in Virginia Beach called "Pigtails and Crewcuts" full of stylists trained to cut the hair of kicking, screaming children. I decided they could be up to the challenge of Olivia's hair, damaged by my homemade attempts. I was thrilled with the results! I feel like she has gotten some dignity back...Lloyd Christmas has left the building...

VA Beach Vacay!

We had a great time in Virginia Beach last week. We spent plenty of the time at the beach and pool and surrounded ourselves with wonderful family. 

(Though they probably felt like they were the ones surrounded) Michael commented today on how big his house seems now that we are gone and he is allowed upstairs.

Olivia definitely has some Dominicci in her!

Busch Gardens with Cousin Addie!

A more family-friendly gesture from Addie...

Olivia celebrated her 9 Month Birthday the day we were there!

And this kind of sums it all up....

Right, Together, Left, Together

Sophia had her wedding debut a few weeks ago in Jen and Smez's wedding. Let's just say she made it down the aisle, lured their by the Officiant (Travis) waving Swedish Fish. She looked fabulous though - very pristine in all white. 

The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl being announced at the reception. They had to be carried by their adult escorts at this point...