Family Reunions

This week, we had a surprise little family reunion when my grandparents, aunt, and cousin showed up at my apartment unexpectedly (they did try to call first and couldn't reach me, but I'm glad they came by anyway). I was so excited to see them all, and so was Lacey. So, at the risk of making Grandma Welker very jealous, here are a couple pictures.

Here's Lacey with Aunt Sandra (that's Lacey's GREAT Aunt Sandra). It's hard to get that little monkey to sit still for 2 seconds!

And here's Lacey with Great-grandma and -grandpa Simmons. The best part was the hanger that Grandpa is holding. At least, Lacey thought so.

Lacey was SO sad to see our visitors go. But we got to see them again on Saturday for the Simmons family reunion, which happens every July 24th. That's my grandpa and his brothers and sisters, and their kids, and their kids, and their kids, etc.

Lacey and Aunt Lorrie. I was amazed at how long Lacey sat in her lap. She certainly won't sit in MY lap for that long!

And Lacey FINALLY sat in Grandma Simmons's lap long enough to get a picture.

Lacey loved playing with cousin Melissa, especially cousin Melissa's necklace. It was the coolest thing! And, when Lacey wanted crackers, it was to Melissa she went for help getting them out of the package. And I don't blame her, cuz Melissa is one of the sweetest people alive.

Eventually, she found the croquet set that no one was using and started throwing the balls around. I was okay with it until she started throwing them like bowling balls between the tables where everyone was standing. Then it was time for a new game.

Cheers, and happy Pioneer Day!

Fourth of July

I'm finally blogging about our Fourth of July weekend. It was cool to have a 3-day holiday for the Fourth. It was great to have Daddy home with us for three days, and we had a nice time hanging out with family and friends. Saturday we didn't do anything to celebrate except chill at home, and I watched the fireworks at Stadium of Fire from the kitchen window. I had to practically sit in the sink to do it, but it was fun. Sunday evening, we headed over to Phil's brother's house for a family barbecue. And here is where the pictures begin (and thank you to Grandpa Bobo for sharing his pictures with us).

The two babies and babies' mamas enjoying some dinner.

Here's some of those pictures that we'll look at and wonder which baby belongs to whom. Here's Phil with Lacey's cousin Mark.

And Lacey sitting with her Aunt Sarah.

Saturday I got Lacey some "Mega Blocks" at a yard sale. She really loves playing with them--and here, she was pulling out all the blue ones. I guess blue is her favorite color!

Monday afternoon, we got Lacey a new front-facing car seat. She was a little dazed when we put her in the first time, but she really likes it.

Monday evening, we visited some friends--Phil's mission companion and family. Phil lived with them for a few months before we got married. Here, Lacey is playing with her books with Travis.

And here's, she's playing with an empty water bottle with Marilyn. She played with that thing for ages.

The youngins played some wiffle ball. Lacey wanted to join in.

So she went to catch with Daddy.

And here she's stealing Camee's cake. Just walked up, stole the fork, and started eating. I was actually impressed with her fork skills.

And that was our Independence Day holiday!

Sewing project

Here's my first sewing project for Lacey is completed! It only took me a couple days, but it was the second one that I made. The first one I made for another little girl, and it took me a lot longer. I think this one turned out pretty well. Granted, it was a really simple pattern. Lacey makes it much cuter than it really is, too.