The Mamas and the Papas.

My parents were just in town for 17 days. It was pure bliss. I have some extremely special people that birthed me. Not only because they didn't give me up for adoption for being born 20 years behind their first child, but for so many other reasons.

Not to overkill on gooey-but they are absolutely the most generous, kind hearted people you will meet. I think the crux of their goodness comes from giving until it hurts, even though they often haven't had much to give. I'm not talking about fancy gifts, but my parents have done so much for us so many times (driving cars across country, allowing us to live with them when I was pregnant with Ava, coming through their arch nemesis, winter, to be here when Kaiya was sick), and expect nothing in return, except for as my dad always says "please just do the same thing for your children."

Glad they got to come be with OUR children!

And another testament to good parents: good kiddos.

I am of the absolutely firm belief that there are not any better, kinder,more integrity filled, God loving people than my 3 siblings. I hope I can be like them when I grow up. They are my closest friends (besides Mark :)), and highest role models. So thankful for my family!

When life hands you lemons, make donuts.

We went up to the lake last week but as aforementioned, our summer hasn't been too conducive to sunny days in the water. So-we did what any logical people would do and made donuts. ("We" being Christina and Ava. I documented.)

When the rain stopped for even a few minutes, we did try to run out and enjoy....

And special thanks to Aunt Barb for babysitting all our kids so we could get some late night tator tots! Mmmmmm....all fried, all weekend! I love being pregnant! :)

Coldest Summer in 100 years...

That's the classification of our Michigan summer this year...so we ran for the border.

My first year of teaching I made a new friend. She was pregnant with her first baby and I was single and alone. :) She and her husband let me be a 3rd wheel all the time (even on New Year's Eve!).

In a stroke of extreme good fortune, when I met Mark, and he met them, it got even more fun. We all loved each other and lived happily ever after.

We had fun playing, dancing, trying not to touch sweaty people, and Mark especially enjoyed holding some of the local wildlife.

It was so absolutely beautiful...totally perfect vacation.

We were even able to re-enact some of the enjoyable pictures that made us excited to go there. :) You know there's something special about a place where you can chat with someone in the tub!

Ohhhh Mexico.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the bed.

We had a really fabulous weekend. It was the first of the summer where we were home with no plans. I love being busy, but Saturday was so gloomy and we had so much fun staying in our pajamas all day and watching Shark Week. :)

Ava chose her own pajamas. Yep, we're getting to THAT stage. I remember being there myself and wearing pink candies for the better part of a year. Oh well. The top left picture is SO classic Ava.

Have I mentioned how much I'm loving this cuddly baby who is almost not a baby but hopefully stays cuddly??

Some things haven't changed around our house. The old pink purse and baby are still the go-to entertainment option. Ava just headed right out the door with them. I guess she is pretty used to us leaving all the time!

The Terrible Part about being Two

From this...

to this. In 8.4 seconds.

I've been missing Liz Lange...

So it brings me great joy to peruse that section of Target once again!

The third DeKorne baby will be joining us this Spring. Yippee! We can't wait. :)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Oh my. A little taste of the future??? If only I could keep them in the Cozy Coupe forever.

Kaiya had a blast playing with Aunt Greta at the beach this weekend...

And Mark and Ava spent lots of time filling up a hole in the sand with water. Oh to be 2!