Can't live without out it!!!!

As a shower gift my sis-in-law- gave me a hand made 'minkee' to act as a comfort toy for my sweet baby girl. I had never seen anything like it and immediately fell in love with it. . . but I never knew how dependent I would become on in, or should I say how dependent Brielle would be on it. Our bedtime routine is never quite complete until I place this adorable little puppy in her arms. Instantly, her fingers go to work caressing and loving her soft friend. I'm sure each one of us can think back to a special something that we loved no matter how dirty, tattered, and disgusting it got. When I was small I had a handmade blanket that was for me what this minkee is for Brielle. I wish I knew where that blanket was because I would love to have it as a sweet childhood keepsake. My hope is that years down the road when Brielle has long outgrown the need for her minkee she will still treasure her little friend and cherish the memories that naturally attach themselves to such comfort toys.

To see some adorable minkees visit this link http://www.atouchofkami.blogspot.com/. Every little one needs one of these!!!

Below are a couple of my favorite pics of Brielle and her minkee. Sorry I tried and tried to get the first one flipped but alas still sideways.

A NOT SO HAPPY BRIELLE WITH HER FRIEND

WORK THE CAMERA SWEETHEART

WET AND WILD!!!

Every year our ward holds a community party for everyone in the ward boundaries. It is always a huge hit! Great food, friends and fun!! This year the activities committee rented a gigantic blowup water slide for the KIDS. After the water fight (that the adults started :) we decided to give the water slide a try. I had no intentions of getting even a drop of water on me, but as the pics reveal the BIG KID in me came out. Luckily, I was not alone!!!

WE ARE ALL DRENCHED! This group of women kind of adopted me when I moved into the ward 4 years ago. I am so glad they did!!! What a kick in the pants they are!!

The guy on the slide is my brother-in-law, Jon. It is hard to see but I am actually standing at the top of the slide. We both agreed to take the plunge together (which was a much bigger deal for him because he was sporting his dressy work attire).

The sad saga of the night involves a little boy, a big water gun, and my precious Brielle--well, not all of her, just her face. I think you can put the parts together. She handled the first shot fine, but the second resulted in lots of tears and a very cute sad face. Sorry no pics!

THE LAKE, SOME PLANES, AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF "I DOs"

I got my pictures back--Yea!!! And like I said, this summer has been a very busy and exciting one. I have tried to capture the gist of it in the photos below. SO here it goes. . .

We flew to Oregon for two weddings. First to Ryan's cousin's and then to his brother's. They were both absolutely beautiful!!

Ryan walking his mom down the isle at his brother's wedding

Ryan was the best man in his brother's wedding (Scott is far left and Ryan is standing next to him)

The minister wanted Ryan to pretend like he lost the rings just to make the whole ceremony a little more interesting and memorable. You make a gorgeous couple Scott and Amy! CONGRATS!

Daddy and his little girl lookin' pretty for the wedding.

Daddy and his little girl lookin' pretty for ANOTHER wedding ;) Don't tell me you can't see the resemblance in these two.

Ryan and his cousin Kelly at his wedding

Grandma and Grandpa Bill chillin' at the wedding

We have also been spending a lot of time in the camp trailer this summer. I have decided this is my favorite thing to do with my baby girl and my hubby.

Brielle is such a good sport! No bath tub in the camp trailer so she makes the best of the little kitchen sink instead. She loves being naked!!

Here we are hangin' out down at the beach at Bear Lake. We spent an entire week here doing nothing but playing beach volley ball, catching some sun, and eating junk food.

Despite my efforts Brielle still came home with a little sun kissed face. OOPS

This pic is out of order but we had to get one of Brielle going for her first plane ride to Oregon. This was a special moment for her daddy because flying planes is a love of his. Brielle has averaged one flight for every month-old she is (that means 4 plane rides ;)

Brielle's Famous Noise When She Is Getting MAD!

This is Brielle's warning noise that she is about to get REALLY upset! I LOVE IT!! I am sure that most babies make noises like these but it is always WAY more cute when it is your own.