Girls {HEART} Bling

Daddy sure loves 'em!

The Way to Ride a Bull...

Over the weekend I observed the proper technique on how to ride a bull. Stay low- tight to the bull's back, have four points firmly planted-more if you are able (hands, knees, feet, elbows, etc.) and hang on tight. Only fools wave their arms around!

Gavin starting out:

Getting smart:
Rockin' the bull-riding:

And there he goes:

We attended TRACEN's (Kit's base) annual Coast Guard Day celebrations on Saturday. It was a blast! They really knew how to throw a party! There was tons of food (hamburgers, hot dogs, barbeque and all the fixings, ice cream, etc), a DJ, a live band, rock-climbing wall, clowns, bounce arounds, laser tag, a mechanical bull (as you've seen), volley ball games, petting zoo and so much more. The weather was gorgeous- (yes, I am gloating now) a comfortable, sunny afternoon in the 80s and we were able to spend all day without dying of heat exhaustion. I, of course, forgot to bring my camera, so bear with the phone pics.

The Petting Zoo:

The big boys went and played laser tag with their daddy. They were on team America against the pirates. Jos was the last one standing the first game, but his team struck out quickly the second. His explanation for this-"They followed my plan of action the first time, but no one was obeying the commands the second time!" Gee, a little dictator at heart...

While the "men" were off doing their macho thing, Gunner, Emme and I went to view the petting zoo again. Gunnison was in love with the little goat. I don't know what it is about Applegate men and their love of goats...well, does my father-in-law have this fascination?? Hmm...I don't know...maybe it is just a "Kit Applegate and sons" obsession...

Gun petting the little goat for the, um...50th time:

Admiring the sheep:

He thought the Shetland pony was pretty awesome, too. He kept smiling and saying, "See, Mama, it is my size!"

We didn't love Emmeline that day, or Josiah very much...their love meter was on no-love-for-you. So, not very many pictures of them. Sorry...

Just kidding...we were rotten parents and only took pictures of our favorite children ;)

Good Things to Come

Thank you, Annie, for posting this. I just had to share it too, for all those who need the uplift and hope...really, who doesn't?

I want, I want, I want...

I feel like I have the gimmies...it seems to be the topic of my posts lately. I promise a good one soon, but I found something I want! Have any of you heard of the Silhouette?

Well, I have. I have seen them all over the place on the crafty blogger world! It is a vinyl cutter, a fabric cutter, a paper cutter, heat transfer paper...you design and blip...there it goes! All of your crafty dreams come true. Can we say signs, wall art, cards, clothes, pillows...Ahhhh...does anyone else desire one as much as me? Check out a giveaway here. Is your creativity flowing yet? What would you do?

Gettin' Carried Away

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but my children tend to be a bit, ahem...clingy as infants. I pick them up, carry them and attempt to accomplish tasks while still maintaining a content beastie/beastette. I discovered (or I should say my sisters) discovered the best mode of transportation for such little ones- a sling. A hands-free way of carting...ahhh...smiles all around.

So why this post? A favorite site of mine Little Birdie Secrets is hosting a giveaway of-you guessed it-fabulous slings! Go over and take a look...or maybe don't...the less competition, the better!

Fashion Show

Emmeline is modeling her *hot pink* knit skirt, *navy* puffed sleeved onesie shirt, and the ever-present bow. Note how feminine doesn't necessarily mean uncomfortable

Here, Miss Emme-Lou-Who is sporting a *pink* and *white* checked bib (thanks Grandma B). She is stylin' (in her functional, yet fashionable, cover-up) while downing her yummo-cereal

In this next photo series, Littlest is embodying how femininity is not merely defined with *pink & purple*. She is girlie to the core in her daring *black*, *white* and *yellow* ensemble (thank you, Grammy)

Look! She's actually smiling!!

Her favorite pose: "hand-touching-face"

My Fav!

The Dad Life

This made me laugh...Thank you to my dad, my sweet father-in-law, my sweetie and to all other daddies out there rocking the "Dad Life"