Winding down

It seems like yesterday that we were counting off the days until May 23rd.

This was day that our family left for our very first trip to Orlando,

to meet Mickey, Shamu and all of their pals. . .

The girls had their autograph books and couldn't get enough of meeting all of them.  

Audrey and Sloane - Sea World

The resort where we stayed was a little slice of heaven.
I think the kids loved the pool there almost as much as meeting special friends like Chip and Dale. 

The Balicki's - Cocoa Beach - Summer 2010

That week was a gift for us - a time to get away and heal.  We all needed the rest and reprieve but Chad and I especially needed this trip.  I'll never forget this special blessing, the timing of it and the sweet memories we made.  God is so good.   

Gabby Balicki - June 2010 - 20 weeks

Her profile reminds me of Audrey's little rounded features.  This has been such an enjoyable pregnancy, mostly because there have been no complications like I had with Sloane. So simple and easy that I generally forget I'm pregnant - - except for last weekend when Audrey and I went to Hannah's softball game.  It felt like an oven, a whopping 99 degrees at the field. After suffering through the heat for an hour, feeling lightheaded and seeing spots, I gave in and we went home. Hello, I'm pregnant.  Then yesterday, during breakfast, I noticed a gentle pulse coming from my abdomin. My face lit up with a knowing smile. Hiccups. I had completely forgotten about them. :)  

This summer has been pure bliss.  I have loved every minute of my time with these girls.  They are so precocious and funny.  Some of the things they say have me doubled-over laughing, really.

For example, Audrey's vocabularly - advanced as it is, still boasts a few homemade words.  Every kid does this, but hers have always been an even better version of the real word.  As a younger girl, she would say that something was "crickely" if it was wrinkled or prickly.  Now, she says equally adorable words such as  "smitch" instead of smidge.  And my personal favorite, "The Fritz" instead of The Ritz (as in Carlton).  Sloane is not far behind with "PBS" instead of VBS and my very fave, "skunscreen" instead of sunscreen.

I love being home with them to hear all of their cuteness first hand.  As Audrey begins 2nd grade this Thursday, I'll remember this summer as one where we were closer than ever.  While Daddy traveled to NC for work each week, we bonded, soaking up the sun at every available opportunity, staying up late and sleeping in . . . Did I mention that God is good?  He is.