Celebrate William- Wash Park

This past Sunday afternoon we took the Washington Park for a celebration of new life- William! Mary and Nelisha organized a righteous BBQ. This was such a fun "baby shower" and way to celebrate. I appreciate the way the ladies were open to making this a family event. William may be growing inside my body, but Steve and I are a team and I love it when he's included! There are so many elements that are geared strictly for the pregnant woman; her body is changing and she can bond with this life growing within. Perhaps I'm incorrect in saying this, but I think including the dad is just one more way to make him feel part of the event and changes happening.

Our friends at the shower: As I said, you are important to us and we are grateful for your friendship and support. We are incredibly blessed to have you in our lives! Thank you for joining us in our celebration of God's precious gift.

Nelisha and Mary- we can't thank you enough for the planning! (Especially with Nel's wedding two weeks away and Mary being a thousand miles away for six weeks!) Much thanks also to our many friends who made special sides and desserts!

Couldn't resist MD!

Baby (obviously) Caroline- now about ten weeks old? Mary and Noah! You always look beautiful!
Noah, Mary and Ryan (Lilly Kate- absent- must be running wild with Will!)
Steve, Brian and Sara-"wing-man" is taking on new meaning as Brian has been schooling Steve on fatherhood
Jacob is having a blast!
Dara and Jeff in a rare picture sans Jacob and Caroline.
Dave and Ian
Sara!
Brian- Much thanks for hauling the BBQ's and grilling scrumptious grub!
Renee and Ian
Odette- my doctor loves you for making yummy cupcakes with sugary icing- I'm putting on the lbs! Hope our doctors are correct and that we'll be raising boys together!
Jacob made countless trips to the dessert table- he thought he was pretty sneaky- that made it hilarious!

Brian at the grill!
Lilly Kate (LK) and Ian-couldn't resist the opportunity to snap this shot
So Will decided to join in. At one point Will was asking about the Will inside me- it was really funny- I wish I had a better memory and could remember his inquiry.
Noah- can't decide which sport?
Brian and Nel- our first ever CO friends- two weeks to go!
Bethany- you crack me up!!

Mary and Renee
Ian
Nel-Nel
Will- Great scary face dude!
Is it possible for a calm Will moment? Impressive!

Sweetest ever Emily
Caroline Sophia has brillian blue eyes!
We enlisted the help of Will and LK- it's only natural for kids to want to open gifts! They selected the gifts for us to open and aided in ribbon removal etc. Thanks Will and LK!

The day before and day after provided afternoon thundershowers- we were positively blessed with PERFECT weather! It was BEAUTIFUL!!

Family Tree/Baby Belly

We were going to have an "adventure theme" for William's room, but with our family so far away, we had a brilliant idea- family tree! Now it's still a work in progress as we finish collecting photos, but here's the general idea. Holly side left, Walton side right, aunts/uncles on the bottom with nieces on the ends. The center photo will be a photo of Will with Steve and I.

Baby belly at 31 weeks. We're nine weeks away from our due date!
Tomorrow puts us at 8 months el preggo. Will has been pushing back now when we touch him. Also, instead of feeling his movements at the front of my belly, I feel his movements on my sides. He's been tickling me in the groin too!

July CA Trip!

Buddy & I before I left. I knew I was going to miss him- and I did!Salt Lake City Airport- I haven't given in to my pregnancy cravings (which have been few), but with a four hour lay over I completely gave in to my Cinnabon craving.
Averie and Windsor showing their swim skills!
Go Austin! Way to jump off the diving board!Taylor snuggled up after swimming.
Windsor's adorable smile!
Nicole and Taylor cooling off.

I was really enjoying Taylor's giggling! You can't help but smile when you hear her giggles!

Bee and Windsor at dinner. We had spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa Scott in Fresno. Windsor was pretty tired.
Olivia drooling over the dessert menu. Mmmmm....
Grandma and Grandpa Scott

Windsor getting the most of her ice cream before we headed out. Much like her dad, Bryan, who use to use a straw to drink half and half at restaurants.

Even California has beautiful skies.
Bee in Gram and Gramps magnolia tree. Olivia and Windsor spent the night when we came back from Fresno.

We took Biscuit for a walk Monday morning. Mom and dad's yard is looking majestic- it's really colorful and lush. Good work mom! I even helped to weed a couple times in the evening. I remember when I was paid maybe a quarter an hour or something crazy when I was a kid! Now I just help for free?!

Windsor and Julie make squeaky noises.
Fresh California produce can't be beat! These photos show the produce we saw on our short walk. Above, plums.
Delicious peaches! Sweet and Juicy!
Almonds!

Vineyards!

'Liv cutting up a peach we were given on our walk.

We went to see Kit Kitridge and 'Liv was enjoying the popcorn!
Girl's Treat!

My friend Monica and I have gone to The Ice Cream Co. for years. While there, we split a "brown and gold"- a pyramid of vanilla ice cream with with hot fudge on one side and caramel on the other side. The nieces and I have indulged in the "girl's treat", but on this occasion, we invited their friends to join in. Perhaps the tradition will live on.

After girl's treat, we went to Pam's Hallmark store. She had parasols for the girls- left over from Erin and Caleb's wedding.  Obviously, they LOVE them!

Olivia, Alexa and Juliette