Fun times at the beach
This collection of picture is over the family relaxing on the deck and Julianna running up and down the beach.
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- Papa and Adrian looking out over the deck
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- All giigles
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- Julianna, Adrian, and Papa getting in on the action.
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- Papa and Adrian trying out the backpack
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- Adrian playing around on the sofa
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- Momma and Adrian
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- Adrian with Papa’s hat
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- Julianna loved running up and down the beach
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- …running…
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- …running…
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- Looking out over the waves
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- All smiles!
Going to the beach!
Last month we went to the Outer Banks and had a great time. Here are some pictures from our many trips down to the beach where the family enjoyed surf, sand, and shells.
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- Adrian loved playing in the sand.
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- Adrian watching his sister playing.
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- Adrian hanging off of Daddy.
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- Julianna wants in on the action.
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- Adrian hanging in his backback people watching.
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- Julianna loved playing in the waves.
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- Julianna working on her sand castle
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- Adrian giving his signature funny face
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- Adrian didn’t know what to make of the waves.
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- Captain Daddy
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- Julianna decorating her sand castle
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- Adrian and Dad taking a stroll
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- Julianna, Adrian, and Dad walking down the beach.
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- Shot of everyone
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- Adrian and Dad playing in the surf.
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- Julianna and Mom playing in the surf
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- Big wave!
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- Mom and Julianna waiting for the waves to come in.
Lemon cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting
My quest to teach Julianna not only how to bake but to love to bake continues. This weekend we switched things up just a little by making lemon cupcakes. Julianna has learned very quickly the steps to follow. Sugar and butter, mix together, now 2 eggs - 1 at a time, etc. I can ask her at any point in the mixing process and she knows which item is next. So smart that little one of mine. Oh, and this post features our new mommy and me aprons from Ms. Diane! We love them and I think we are adorable!
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- Helping Mom with the Mixer
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- Watching Mom separate an egg
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- Cutie
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- Ready for Cup Cakes!
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- Helping work the sifter
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- Checking it out
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- Here is a beater to lick!
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- Finished!
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- Time to test!
Happy New Year and More
Julianna made a New Year hat and a maraca to shake and celebrate. In addition, she still loves boxes and she and her brother are becoming the best of friends. Enjoy!
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- Happy New Year!
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- Julianna shows off her 2015 hat and Happy New Year Maraca!
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- Julianna is a true Photo Bomber!
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- Julianna is very good a cups now — who needs a sippy?
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- Julianna squeals, Adrian winces 🙂
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- Our Julianna in the box
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- Sweetest Girl
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- Pop goes the Julianna
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- Brother and sister play time
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- They literally crack each other up — so cute!
Chef Mommy & Chef Julianna
Recently Julianna and I baked cupcakes together for the first time. They were chocolate buttermilk cakes with pink vanilla buttercream frosting. They turned out fabulous but for me the very best part was sharing the process with Julianna. She loves to help and is getting quite good with how to do basic things for baking. Enjoy!
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- Time to bake some cupcakes
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- We beat the sugar and butter together first
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- Julianna is excited about this part!
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- Almost done…
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- Now we add eggs
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- and another
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- Julianna holds the measuring cup steady for Vanilla
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- Now for dry ingredients — COCOA!
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- Stir it ALL up
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- Loves to stir
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- and stir
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- and stir
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- and STIR
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- Two of a kind
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- Time to taste the batter before baking
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- Into the baking cups
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- final licks of the spoon…yummy!
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- Pink frosting of course!
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- So pretty Julianna says
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- Must taste the frosting
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- so YUMMY
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- Waiting for baking — Julianna doesn’t love the wait so much 🙂
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- Our finished product
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- Taste test time
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- Dive In!
Girlie Girl
Julianna is a Girlie Girl -- she loves ribbons, bows, fairies, wands, boas, glasses, hats, and shoes -- everything that makes a girl, well girlie! She also likes to think she is in charge and loves animals of all kinds. Enjoy!
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- Looking for duckies to feed
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- Lost in nature?
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- Ready, Set…JUMP!
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- Cooking up something sweet!
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- Welcome to Cafe Clay
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- Sweet Girlie Girl
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- Houston — we have a headband malfunction
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- Julianna in Charge!
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- Clowning around with Papa
Big Bows, Big Fun!
Continuing, here are some more photos of our Christmas festivities. Julianna has an awesome red and white bow and she loved showing it off. Also, grandma came over to see what Santa brought the Clay Clan and the kiddos could not get enough! Enjoy!
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- Julianna is Little Miss Christmas
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- Ready for Christmas dinner mommy
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- Big Bow, Big Fun!
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- A new look for the bow a la Julianna
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- More gifts to open!
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- Diving in..
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- Good morning Princess
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- Oh mom, not MORE pictures
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- Mommy’s Sweetie Pie
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- Happy Girl
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- We love, love, love Grandma
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- We really, really do!
Eight Days Until Christmas
A few holiday and non holiday photos to share. Things are busy at home but I am loving spending time with my little ones.
Enjoy!
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- Julianna helping with Holiday cookies
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- Ready for Christmas
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- Morning time with papa — now that’s a full lap
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- Running to feed the ducks
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- Pigs in a blanket for pig skin Sundays
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- Kiddos spend some quality time together on the floor
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- How ’bout that hat?
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- Tooooo CUTE
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- Sweet Julianna playing in her room
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- Little People are still a big hit!
Old Friends
Julianna reconnected with an old friend, Violet, over the weekend. Violet was hiding in her toy box for a few months but now she has been rediscovered. Julianna couldn't be more thrilled. It's awesome to see how much Julianna has changed as now she can respond to all the questions Violet asks her...
Enjoy!
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- Julianna reconnects with Violet
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- Happy Girl
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- Julianna plays with Violet the way Papa plays with her
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- Too sweet
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- Jumping never gets old
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- Julianna names everything on her cup
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- Shopping Carts have become a carnival ride for J-bird
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- Helping make the bed — watch out for Violet
Little Baker
With cooler and shorter days upon us we are spending more time indoors which mean we have to let our creative juices flow. Recently I took some time to bake cookies with Julianna. She was 100% hands on and loved every second of it!
Enjoy!
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- First we add the dry ingredients…
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- Time to start the mixer
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- Then we add eggs…
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- Eggs, eggs, eggs — Julianna’s most favorite ingredient
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- Julianna is instantly a pro at this
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- Making sure we mix really well
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- Now add chocolate chips
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- And taste for quality control 🙂
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- Then roll into balls
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- And place on cookie sheet
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- Showing papa my messy hands
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- Proud little baker
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- Time for a taste test
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- Hooray — cookies are great
