4th in the North...

We were very fortunate this year to have the flexibility to spend 8 straight days in Alexandria over the 4th of July.  My company offered a "summer break" and Scott was able to use some much needed vacation days.  It was the most relaxing vacation up north with family.  We had perfect weather the entire week with perfect conditions.  We couldn't have asked for more.  We felt so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by Scott's family and soak in some much needed R&R.  It was hard to leave and come back to reality, but it helped to remind us that we are so incredibly blessed and lucky.  We can't wait for our next trip up North this summer.  A big thank you to Jim and Linda for hosting us and spoiling us for an entire week! Harper misses you like crazy! 

Harper and Ali on their first boat ride of the summer.  

 Alexandria sunset...

 Miss Harper and her balloon...

 Harper driving the boat with Grandpa Jim

 Booze cruise...

 Hello...

 On July 4th we woke up and played 9 holes of golf.  Then after golf we jumped on our bikes and took a 20 mile bike ride.  At the half way point we stopped at the Panther Distillery in Osakis, MN. We sampled some whiskey and then jumped back on our bikes.  

 Rather than just going straight home, we made one more stop at The Corral in Nelson.  Of course we did a minnow shot and had a beer before heading back to the house.  

 Our little family on the 4th! 

 Harper's first jet ski ride with Grandpa

 Amy & Snakes

 Our night out at Zorbaz! Thanks Linda for babysitting :) 

 The ladies - Keri, Amy, and Cara

 The brothers - Dave and Snakes

We hope that everyone enjoyed their 4th of July holiday.  We sure did.  Now back to reality.  Until next week...

Stop and Smell the Roses...Harper Rose!

With our busy schedules it is easy to forget to stop and smell the roses.  We forget to count our blessings and remember what is important.  Thankfully every night after work, Harper reminds us.  Harper Rose is our little miracle.  She brings us laughter and is our entertainment every day/night.  Thank you Harper Rose for keeping us grounded and reminding us what is important in life...

Smiling for the camera :) 

As I took this picture she said "HI".  She loves her little chair.  

It's FINALLY summer!

Yes, that's right, it's FINALLY summer! The weather is great, the activities outside are FUN, and it's time to get outside and enjoy it! Here are some pictures from the week at our house...

Waiting for Nana and Gampy so we can go see Auntie Bridget in Chicago.  

I'm hungry...can you put me up in this high chair! 

Harper likes to play with Mommy's makeup...

 Hey sassy pants!

 Harper and Auntie Bridget at Portillos! 

 On Sunday we had to take Kirby to the emergency vet.  Her entire left side of her face swelled up (look at her eye), she got bumps on her head, and both ears swelled.  They think she had an allergic reaction to an insect bite.  Her body fought most of it off, but she still needed a super duper dose of Benadryl and steroids.  We stayed home on Sunday with our fur baby to makes sure she was ok.  

 Harper playing with the puzzles at the vet...

 Since we couldn't go to the lake we turned the hot tub into a pool on Sunday.  We turned down the temperature and went swimming.  Harper LOVED it :) 

 Yucky! Don't drink the water! 

 After the "pool" we played in the water/sand table. 

 Monday morning...ready for daycare!

Have a great week! 

Cheers to an Awesome Daddy!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy a girl could ask for! Scott is the best Daddy to our little princess and our fur baby.  Harper is absolutely in love with her Daddy.  When he leaves the room she gets upset and cries out "Da-da" until he returns.  Scott helps to support our family in so many ways, we appreciate his hard work in the office and at home.  He always knows how to make us smile and laugh.  He is my best friend and I couldn't imagine my life without him.  Cheers to a special husband and Daddy.  We love you Scooby! 

Reading with Daddy before bed...

 Cuddles...

 Showing Daddy how to this sleeping bag/sleep mat works...

Practicing...

 Father's Day - breakfast in bed :) 

 She grabbed the stool from her bedroom and carried in through the hall and into our room.  She placed it in front of the window so she could look outside.  She was so proud of herself.  Such a big girl :) 

 Proud little girl looking out the window...

 On Father's Day we headed to a Birthday party for Lena.  She turned 2 on Father's Day.  Harper loved the balls and treats.  

 Time for a cupcake! 

Father's Day swim at the pool :)  

 Time for a Father's Day dinner on the deck! 

We love you Scott! 

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ARE HAVING FUN!!!

Wow, it's been 2 months since I posted on the blog.  Time really does fly by when you are having fun.  We have had a very busy Spring.  It's been an amazing 2 months.  Here are some quick pictures to show you how much fun we've been having...

Mama & Harper.  Check our her piggies...

 Daddy & Harper on the swings...

 Daddy, Harper, and Kirby on a walk in the wagon...

 Mama & Harper wearing our shades...

 Good morning everybody!

 The week of April 22nd Scott and I had the luxury of going to Savannah, GA as a rewards trip earned by Scott for his hard work at the beginning of the year.  Scott has received the "runner up" award before, but this was his first time winning this award.  It was by far one of the best trips we've ever attended.  We were given the royal treatment from the minute we arrived.  We are so blessed to have the opportunity to attend these amazing trips.  We were thankful to have Nana Rosa & Gampy Mike back in Madison to take care of Harper.  This was the first time we had left Harper for an extended period of time, it was hard but we knew she was in great hands.

Eating breakfast with Nana & Gampy

 On a boat ride across the river...

 Getting ready for Lionel Ritchie's performance...

Prom picture - Night 1

The top 1% of Liberty Mutual - Jan/Feb contest.  A very elite group of people.  Thank you to Scott for working so incredibly hard to provide for our family.  His hard work never goes unappreciated.  We are so incredibly proud of him. We are lucky to call you Daddy, Husband, and best friend.  Keep up the hard work.  We love you! 

Prom Pic - Night 2 - Private concert by Sara Evans & Lonestar

 Prom Pic - Night 3 - Private concert by Lionel Ritchie 

 Friday night Happy Hour with Nana & Gampy.  Enjoying the outdoor patio. 

 I stole Gampy's hat...

 Someone got into the hair accessory drawer again...

 A long and exciting week in Savannah, GA was followed by a celebration weekend back in Madison.  I turned the big 3-0.  Thanks to the small crew that came out to celebrate, it was a great night! 

 My beautiful bestie Sara

 Some guy I think is pretty cool...

 Birthday bike ride to Riley...

 Birthday trip to the zoo! 

 Rawr - a polar bear!

 Harper likes frosting! 

 Piggies...

 Brushing our teeth before bed

 Someone likes to make phone calls...

 An annual tradition - the Kentucky Derby party at Adam & Carissa's house! May 4th! 

 An attempt at a family photo.  Harper didn't like her hat!

 Take 2 (or 10)

 Look at me in my pretty dress. (thanks Ellis & Buell family)

 Hmm...what's wrong with this picture? 

 Good Bye...

 Harper's first trip to the Union...the BIG chair!

My two babies looking out the window! One with a side pony and one with floppy ears...

 Goofy at the dinner table...

 On Saturday, May 11th my cousin Monica got married to an incredible guy, Kaleb Anderson.  Scott's Mom, Linda, came down from Minneapolis to watch Harper while we went to the wedding.  It was such a fun wedding, congrats to Monica & Kaleb!

Uncle Doug & Monica

 The beautiful couple...

 The view of the Capital from the Inn on the Park. 

 The Mother-of-the-Bride and Mr. Carter

 The O'Malley Clan + Bucky!

 Casey + Bucky

 Sisters! :) 

 Mom, Cara, and Bridget

 Colleen's newest Son-in-law. 

 My hubby!

 The O'Malley Clan (nice one Casey!)

 My Mother's Day present...woohoo!

 The day after the wedding + Mother's Day - Cousins!

 On Monday, May 13th we traveled to the most amazing place! THE BAHAMAS! 

Sunset day 1

 Day 2 - morning walk with Auntie Bridget.  We found an aquarium...

 Look - a school of fish!

 I LOVE FISHY!!!

 Day 3 - the water park!

 Little Miss Harper was obsessed with the mini fridge.  It was the perfect size!

 Night 2 Event.  

Scott, Cara, Monica & Matt - CASINO TIME! 

 Another big fish tank! Look at that grumpy fish!

 SHARKS!!

 Hello fishy!

 The sharks were swimming right over us...

 Look Mom!!!!

Woah, those fish are BIG!

Harper in her wet suit before we went swimming with the dolphins! 

 Harper + Auntie Bridget in matching wet suits!

 Harper + Mommy feeding the dolphin

 Our little family with the dolphin

 Take 2

 Christmas card :) HA!

 Scott getting close with the dolphin...

Hall of Fame dinner!! A group of hard working guys!

 I made the Liberty Mutual video...

 Ladies in purple...

 More prom pics 

 Ladies!

 Last dinner...

 The Wisconsin crew...the biggest crew we've ever had at Leaders before!

 The Wisconsin winners!

 My love!

 Dancing to the band the last night!

 Fun times!

 Wisconsin/Minnesota - the Plums!

 Last night!

 Wisconsin/Illinois - the Listers!

 Kissing the dolphin!

 The most amazing and beautiful place EVER! The Atlantis!

 Saying goodbye to the beautiful water and fishies...

 Sad to say goodbye...

 Family photo...

Siblings on Memorial Day weekend...

 Harper wearing Mama's coat...

 Harper wearing Mama's shoes...

 Harper LOVES pasta!

 Watching the Twins game with Daddy!

 Harper is growing up! She graduated from the baby room and moved up to the 1 year old room on June 10th.  It's been an interesting transition.  She has a harder time leaving Mommy and Daddy in the morning.  She has become much more attached to us since our trip to the Bahamas.  Right now she hangs very close with her teachers during the day because she isn't quite sure about these "big kids".  Below is the report card from her first trial run in the big kid room.  

 Buh-bye! Time for school!

 Look at me - I'm a big girl - I eat with a fork!

 On Saturday, June 1st Sara had her baby shower in Madison.  Caitlin came up from St. Louis.  It was an amazing weekend with my best friends! Caitlin is getting married in August and Sara is due with baby girl Durston in July! 

 After brunch by the lake...

 Sunday afternoon playing in the yard and watching Daddy mow...

 Buh-bye Kirby!

 Pretty flowers!

 This girl is obsessed with shoes...she brought all of these shoes to Mama while she was doing the dishes!

 Watching Hockey and Harper paused during the National Anthem.  

 Going Away party at daycare.  Harper is growing up! 

 On June 8th we went NORTH to Duluth, MN for Andy Sodersten's Wedding.  

 While we were at the wedding, Linda had her retirement party back in Minneapolis.  Harper played with her cousin Ali and Auntie Amy while Mamma & Daddy were away.  

Cara & Scott

 Cara & Carissa

 Adam & Carissa

 The 4 of us :) 

 I'm a big girl...

 Caught on camera - buh-bye!

 I may be a big girl but I'm still a little peanut!

 Celebrating Adam's birthday at the Union on June 13th!

 Ducky! Ducky! Why won't you play with me?

 Checking out the water and walking off into the sunset

 This is just a snap shot of our lives over the past 2 months.  Wow, time flies when you are having fun.  Good thing I took a few pictures!