Little Miss Firecracker and Dollie
Oh what a weekend! Prepare for photo overload because we have been having a blast enjoying the warm weather with friends and celebrating our favorite fella's birthday.
On Saturday Bill got to spend the day golfing with our friend Will, while I got to hang out with Will's other half, Daalia, and their two adorable boys, Laith and Oliver. Daalia and I headed to the Butterflies Alive exhibit at the SB Museum of Natural History. (The last time we went Gwendolyn was just a peanut.) We haven't been this year yet and our Little Miss Butterfly was so, so excited. I think my favorite part of the day was hearing Laith say, “Gwendolyn look at this. Gwendolyn did you see that blue one. Gwendolyn's Mommy, bring Gwendolyn over here.” And Gwendolyn looked in every direction Laith asked her to, rolled her eyes up to say, “Yes, I see it.” And even gave a few head nods to answer different questions Daalia asked her. I love to see her interacting and independently having her own experiences with others. I know we are so fortunate to have such kind and thoughtful friends who not only include Gwendolyn, support and encourage her, and talk to her (not just about her), they also foster that in their own children who are as equally loving and thoughtful towards our little girl.
I know I am totally and completely biased as her mother, but seriously…isn't she gorgeous? Gwendolyn and “Dollie” got to wear matching red, white and blue outfits this Fourth of July thanks to Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Chad and she felt so proud. We had so much fun with friends on the 4th. Lots of food, lots of wine, lots of laughs, and lots of running around and playing. Gwendolyn was excited to be the party photographer with Gramma's help and had her friends pose for several shots. And the children were very excited to dig into the red, white and blue cupcakes that we got in honor of Bill's birthday — even Gwendolyn insisted on a lick. None of the kiddos made it to see the fireworks display over the Santa Barbara harbor, but we enjoyed them with Gramma from our deck once Miss G was snoring away.
July 5th was Bill's birthday and there is nothing better than spending the day together. Bill is seriously the most amazing father and husband on the planet and we loved getting to surprise him and spoil him. We spent the morning enjoying french toast and waffles at one of our favorite breakfast restaurants with Bill's mom — ocean view and waffles, can't go wrong! And then in the evening we headed up to the Santa Barbara Mission for a sunset picnic. Gwendolyn loved looking up at the clouds and finding shapes together, watching the birds fly overhead, and singing “Happy Birthday” to Daddy. She also loved getting kiss attacked and holding hands all snuggled together. It was such a great way to end a really amazing weekend.