Happy Heart Anniversary, Sweet Riley

Well...today marks exactly one year from Riley's big surgery. I honestly can't believe it's been a whole year. SO much has happened and our lives have changed so much...all for the better. Matt and I have been talking about October 20, 2011 a lot lately. We can remember almost every minute of that day (and the one before). It was so absolutely terrifying and I pray that we never, ever have to experience another day like it again. We had no idea what to expect from the surgery, and what Riley would be like afterwards or how long it would take to recover.
She continues to blow us all away with her strength, her infectious giggle and most importantly, her amazing spirit. She is my hero and is the bravest little girl I know. I can't wait to tell her someday about all that she went through, and all that she's accomplished to get to where she is today. She is our little miracle and we are so thankful for her (and for her sweet "sissy") every single minute of every single day.
We're doing a lot of celebrating around here today...we went to the Riverside Farmer's Market this morning with our friends and the girls had a blast. They tried lemonade for the first time and as you can see from the video...it was a huge hit. (NO, she didn't drink the whole thing!!!) This afternoon we'll play outside a lot because I don't think I've ever seen a more perfect day. It's beautiful and cool and there is no humidity. It's fabulous!

I'm putting a picture on here from one year ago today and contrasting it with the video from the Farmer's Market...just to show you how far she's come. (and YES, that's another bruise on her forehead...the kid is just too fast for her own good!!!).

                                                          

And here is a picture from later in the day with both of my sweethearts! (Yes, we got more lemonade...she's addicted!). We had a fantastic day celebrating all of our many blessings!!!

Best Birthday EVER

As usual, I was spoiled rotten on my birthday. Matt and the girls sent me on a scavenger hunt and I was showered with love and amazing gifts all day long! They drew pictures for me and we had a fantastic day. You can't see it too well in this picture, but I'm wearing a big sticker from the girls on my shirt that says #1 MOM! Matt thought of everything...

The next day, Nana and BopBop came! We had more birthday fun and they spent a few days here with us. BopBop helped fix things around the house and Nana spoiled me and the girls rotten! They just left and I miss them already!
Yesterday we met Matt on his lunch break at (where else?) Chick Fil A, and the girls traded their toys in for some ice cream! Reagan wasn't that interested, but what until you see little Squirty! I think we might have found her favorite food!

The wagon

We took Cooper's old wagon and it's become a new favorite.  Today was the first "cool" day we've had. And it was still about 70. I decided to put the girls in some fall clothes and I think they were SO hot...but they still had fun...although they said that they didn't!

And the parent of the year award goes to.....

The Lunch Bunch

The girls and I met friends for lunch today down at the beach. There were 5 moms and 7 kids...I'm pretty sure the restaurant FREAKED OUT when we walked in. I was just amazed that they had so many high chairs! (and I know it looks like Riley is out of it by herself...but all of the moms were on her side of the table, and she got to look at all of the kiddos, so I think she really had the best seat in the house!).
The kids were all perfect and we had a ball...I love the moms (all of the kids go to the same preschool) and we're going to try and make it a weekly thing! I think the key is having an outdoor area to eat in so that when the kids are loud, the traffic nearby drowns us all out! (Also important to notice that there are no other patrons sitting on the patio. I think we scared them away! HA!).

BOO

It was rainy today and we had no plans so here is what we came up with....We're starting to get into the Halloween spirit around here!

Butterflies

We took a SUPER quick trip to Kiawah this weekend (we were there less than 24 hours) but it was still lots of fun! We went to pick up some furniture and Matt had to drive the UHaul back by himself, so he left early Sunday morning. Mom and Dad and I took the girls to The Sanctuary for breakfast and then let them run around on the green. (Have I mentioned before that this is probably one of my favorite places on earth?!?) They had a BALL.  The lantana is out and with that comes loads and loads of butterflies. They see butterflies at school all of the time and love to watch them. The girls chased them all around and had fun chasing Nana and Bop Bop too!

When they were all done, they needed a rest and climbed into the big chairs to take a break! I can't believe these two will be one and a half on Saturday! Time is going by WAY too fast!

A special Happy Birthday

The girls and I traveled to Hilton Head on Tuesday to celebrate my Grandpa (the girl's GG)! He had a big (not too big) birthday and it was so fun to be able to be there with everyone! Gramp said it was the 39th anniversary of his 50th birthday. I like that description!!! He is the youngest 89 year old I know! My parents and Aunt Conni and Uncle Ron were there too, which made it even more fun! We all went out to lunch at Palmetto Bluff. I think it might be one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my entire life. If you've never heard of it...look it up online. It's just unbelievable. I've been talking about it so much since we got home that I think we'll have to take another day trip there sometime soon so that Matt can see it! The girls were well behaved and loved that they could run around on the grass. There was a precious little chapel to explore and Aunt Conni and I even took the girls on the swings. Uncle Ron brought the girls some balls to play with which have been a HUGE hit. He also brought them their very first Whoopee Cushion which is only fitting. It's been a Zellar tradition for as long as I can remember. Not sure if we should be proud of that or not. I'm thinking not....but it's still funny every time. Great Grandma got the girls some books too which they haven't put down since we got home. I think they're getting the wrong idea though...we went there for Gramp's birthday and they were the ones to get all of the presents!
It was a fantastic day and we feel so blessed to live close enough that we could be there to celebrate my wonderful Grandpa! We love you!!