back from summer break...

it's been awhile since i've checked in.  life here has been full of summertime stuff. pretty lazy, yet busy at the same time.  is that possible?  we've spent our days at the swimming pools, going to the park, visiting the library, and taking long naps in the air conditioning.  joe had a few long trips (dallas, singapore), we made our annual trek to the beach, and the kids spent a week at camp grammy. lots of fun stuff. it just went so fast.  this was my last summer before any of my girls will start formal school.  we get a couple of bonus weeks for the last time.  it's been a sweet time. we're moving out of the baby stage into the terrible twos and all the mischief that comes with it.  Maggie is a headstrong, determined little being who's cuteness outweighs any terrible thing she can muster.  Annabelle turned 5 years old today and I must say it has really sent my emotions whirling.  She is so grown up.  And it has gone faster than I could have ever imagined.  It was as if as soon as she came out of the terrible toddler stage when you think the days will never end, time started moving at lightning pace.  She is the most delightful thing in my life.  She has the most tender, sweet heart and she has the bubbliest personality.  She genuinely loves people and people just can't help but love her.  Blessing is an understatement.