Our October

We loved our Indian Summer and had lots of fun things we did outside.
Bonfires, s'mores, spooking Halloween walks, picnics, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and carving, and leaf jumping. My girls love to be outside and after only a few weeks of being locked in the house, we have already had a few stir crazy days!

 

Halloween was a blast. Carli took advantage of two trick-or-treat nights and one awesome Halloween party on our street. Kennedy was a "hoot" as a little owl and Carli proudly dressed as the Tooth Fairy.

She has now lost 4 teeth and has another wiggly one.

 

We trolled the neighborhood with our cul-de-sac and as the kids ran from house to house, the adults sipped on cider. We also got to extend the celebration with my mom since her bday is November 1.

Such a fun few days!

 

Onto November.....

Kennedy is 1

Kennedy turned 1 on September 30th and we hosted an Itsy Bitsy Spider Party! She loved tearing into her presents and her cake. Once she warmed up to the house full of people, she enjoyed the singing and playing.

She is such a happy baby. She is walking and jabbering. She can say mama, dada, uh-oh, and we are pretty sure we have heard, "sis" and "duck" but not often enough to be sure.

She is a great eater and wants to try anything we have. Her favorites are fruit and cheese.

 

Our Itsy Bitsy had a wonderful first bday!!!

and just like that it's September!

I have been failing miserably at keeping our blog updated. I feel like our family is FINALLY settling into a bit of a routine and I am hoping to devote a little time each week to blogging.

Carli turned 5, started pre-k, and lost a front tooth all in the same week! My baby really isn't a baby anymore! We had a Moana birthday party, a trip to American Girl, and a pool party to attend. Talk about best birthday ever. She is equal parts sassy and sweet. She is a little mama to her sister and all her baby dolls. She has recently taken to tree climbing and bug searching too.

Kennedy is walking!! She really is the coolest baby around. She is so happy and funny!! I love watching the girls interact and Kenny's personality is really starting to shine. She is full of jabber...mama, dada, CC....she loves to see dogs or cats in the neighborhood, has a adorably devious little laugh, and is such a little piggy. She wants to try anything we are eating. She is especially intrigued with bubble gum:)

 

 

I started a new job in July that has given me so much freedom and flexibility to spend more time with the girls. I am working shorter hours and a few days a week from home. It is an amazing blessing to find an organization that values work/life balance and I am so grateful. 

 

We officially added to our family this summer! Megan and Shane got married!!! The girls were both flower girls and looked adorable! Carli was a little nervous but did an amazing job and Kennedy looked cute and stayed quiet during the ceremony, which is what we were hoping for. It was a super fun night and we are so happy for them!

 



 



We also headed North for a week to enjoy beautiful Lake Michigan. It was so nice to spend our days swimming and having fun. Carli loved the pool and the waves in the lake and after a bit Kennedy loved the sand. I fell in love with the mini van we rented and I am ready to make a purchase later this year. I know there is nothing "cool" about it but I am picking convenience and practicality for now. Even Nick admitted, that is has cool features and is totally made for a mom on the go!

 

We had to return to the great State of Ohio before football season started! We are only two games into the season and Kennedy has got her O-H-I-O down and Carli likes to yell, "boo, Michigan!"

My Buckeye Babies!!



Pool time!

We have tried to be outside as much as we can this summer. Running through the sprinkler, sliding on the slip n' slide, and splashing in our neighbors pool! Lots of water fun!

Carli has learned how to put her face in the water and is no longer afraid to jump in from the side of the pool....two very big accomplishments in our house!

Kennedy loves splashing around and watching the big kids play.

Work days really seem to get in the way of my summer fun!

Growing Groves Gals

Our girls are getting so big. Kennedy is 8 months old. She is crawling and pulling herself up. She is so silly and will babble "dada" all day. She loves walks in the stroller and playing with her sister.
She lights up with a big smile when you walk in the room and it melts my heart...every time!

8 month picture!

My super star!

 



I think the girls look more and more alike all the time. Alyssa snapped this picture (on the right) of Kennedy outside in the yard and it immediately reminded me of a similar picture from 4 years ago of Carli....how sweet are these two?

Big sister graduated from pre-school at the end of May. She had a wonderful year and we can see how much she has grown and developed. We are so proud of the kind, thoughtful little girl she has become.

First and Last day of 4 year old pre-school.

 

Disney Sneak Peek

We had the most amazing trip to Disney in March. It truly is the most magical and happiest place on earth. The weather was great and we only dodged raindrops once for a few minutes. Carli was in awe the entire time and we soaked in her innocence and joy for 4 straight days.


She was a total rockstar! When asked her favorite part of the trip....the swimming pool!

We started our first day in the park having breakfast at Cinderella's castle. Look at the smile on her face!

Carli loves Mary Poppins and to be honest, I wasn't sure we were going to find her. I don't know why I ever doubted Disney because there she was. It was a magical moment and Carli got to hold her magic umbrella!

And of course, Minnie Mouse!

We can't wait to plan our next trip to see that crazy mouse and take Kennedy with us!

Easter pics

Yes, I realize Easter was several weeks ago but these pictures are too cute to not post.


I LOVE dressing the girls in matching or coordinating outfits. Carli has serious opinions about her wardrobe lately and luckily, she also loves the ideas of matching her baby sister.

I may be partial but they are the cutest little things I have ever seen!

Blink and two months goes by

The Groves gals and guy have been so busy this spring.


Kennedy is 7 months old and thisclose to crawling. She is such a joy! She is a pretty chill baby and really only gets upset when it's nap time or time to eat. She has turned into a belly sleeper and consistently sleeps 10-11 hours a night with two naps during the day. Her schedule is pretty predicable. She has also found her tongue...and it is hilarious!

Carli has been busy being 4 years old. She loves playing outside with her friends. Those kids are always cooking something up....from dinner outside to trips to the park. They all play so well together and we love being able to stand outside in the evening, chat with our neighbors, and watch our girls.

These girls don't wear their sunglasses at night but they sure do look cute during the day!



Summer in February!

Our weather has been so nice lately! We've had several afternoons playing outside without hats and mittens. Its pretty amazing and we are hoping it means spring comes soon!!

Kennedy has been such a joy to our family. She is really a happy baby! Carli has told me multiple times that she hopes she stays this size. They love each other so much. Kennedy will just watch Carli play and giggle and smile.

 

Carli had a busy month with 2 of her friends birthday parties and an overnight with Mamaw. She finds so much happiness in being with her friends and family. She loves "surprising" daddy with dinner when he comes home from work and has recently started cleaning and organizing her room....bestill my heart!

She loves coloring pictures for neighbors, family, and teachers. She has such a giving heart. Nick and I have said that we are really loving this age. She is so smart and inquisitive and we love seeing her wheels turning as she figures stuff out.

Picked her own outfit and was so proud!

Has recently become OBSESSED with her hair. She wants it brushed, smooth, and hairsprayed!

 

Celebrating Mamaw and her retirement!

 

Kennedy is 5 months old! How is that even possible? We didn't really know when to "celebrate" her 5 month bday because there is no 30th of February. She has started eating oatmeal and green beans and LOVES both. She sleeps like a rock star for 10 hours a night. She loves to be held and walk so she can look around. She is ticklish, cuddly, and oh, so sweet!

Daddy and his girls!

Dressed like a princess for the party!!

 

Loves her toes!!