Blueberries, Oh My!

Summer time in NC means mosquitoes and high humidity, but thankfully it also means loads of fresh, juicy berries. And now that we've discovered a blueberry farm 15 minutes from our house, we have started a new summer tradition--blueberry picking!

After a short training session on the ins and outs of blueberry picking, Penelope was off to fill her bucket.

But for the next thirty minutes, she asked us over and over and over and over again, "Is this a good one? Is this a good one?"

In no time, Penelope was an expert blueberry picker.

We made sure to sample a few berries along the way, for quality control purposes, of course. Yum!

Baby Henry also came along for the experience.

Hello, expanding waistline!

Penelope giving Daddy some tips on finding the perfect berries. 

Sometimes you've really got to stretch to get the good ones.

Two buckets of berries later, we were ready to call it a day. 

Time to go stuff our faces with blueberries!

Memorial Day

I think we joined the rest of Raleigh at Pullen Park on Memorial Day. Despite the crowds, we had a fabulous time following Penelope around as she played and rode the rides.

Pool side

Bathing beauty splashing around in her new pool.

Tea party with Daddy

Daddy Love

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

some sweet time reading with my sweet girl and soon-to-arrive little boy

First Bike Ride

On the day after her birthday Penelope was eager to try out her new bike.

After a quick pep talk from Poppy, Penelope set off on her new set of wheels.

A quick pause to test out the horn.

Steering proved to be quite a challenge for little P

Some help from Daddy with the hills.

DeDe gets in on the action.

What a big girl!

P Turns 3!

Happy 3rd Birthday Penelope!

Last year her party in the park was ruined by tornado warnings. This year made up for it. Not only did we get to celebrate Penelope's birthday with friends at one of our favorite parks, but the weather was beautiful and Poppy and DeDe got to join us for the celebration.

The parents trying to keep up with the kids as they followed the colored yarn through the park to the "buried treasure."

Reading a birthday card from a sweet friend.

Cupcake time!

Penelope wasn't quite sure what to make of all the people singing to her.

Make a wish!

After all of the weeks and months of talking about how she wanted cupcakes at her birthday party, this party girl took a few bites of the icing and said she was done.

Party guests mingling under the trees.

Trying to climb the big tree kept the kids occupied for quite awhile.

Penelope with one of her school friends.

Balloons for the birthday girl.

After the party was over we headed back home to open a few presents from family.

Can you say surprised?

The biggest surprise of all--a new bike from Poppy and DeDe.

Happy Birthday Penelope! We love you!