Daddy Daughter Dance 2017

Vera giggled all day waiting for the Daddy Daughter Dance!  We had been out of town all week, so she had slept with her photo from last year's dance to help remind her that she could go on her date with daddy once we returned home.  She kept telling me, "I'm going to dance on the ground this time!" because last year she was a overwhelmed by all of the people and just wanted Patrick to hold her and dance.  I think she tried her dress on 10 times before the day of the dance just to make sure it twirled correctly.  When the day finally arrived, it took tons of distracting to keep her from getting her dress on at 8am and asking for lip gloss every hour!!

I snapped a few photos while she waited for daddy to get ready (the one above might be my favorite photo ever!) and it is very clear that little miss Vera felt like a princess.  I'm so thankful for a church that celebrates that sweet bond between a daddy and his daughter.  And I also never want to take for granted the blessing of this girl's daddy.  He loves her so well and is an example to her in so many ways as he shows his love to me and cares for our family.

JR took a couple photos of me and Bauer before we headed off on our Mommy Son date!  It was getting a little dark, but JR took some sweet photos.  After a quick dinner at Chick-fil-a, I took the boys to the Kohl's toy aisle (JR's request!) and then to Starbucks for a special treat.  JR brought his wallet and a Starbucks card to pay for my drink.  He didn't know that the card was empty- ha! - but the cashier was sweet to play along and secretly ask me to pay the remaining balance :)  It's nights like these I am reminded of how special that one-on-one time is with our children and the impact it makes in their little hearts.

The most rewarding task we could ever imagine...

"It takes focus, dedication, and energy to train children in the way they should go.  And though motherhood is the most taxing job we will ever undertake, it also has the potential of being the most joyful and most rewarding task we could ever imagine... if we do it for the glory of our King." 

Leslie Ludy

Children's Museum of Evansville - Family day at cMoe

The Children's Museum of Evansville is amazing.

I'm embarrassed to say this was our first time here!

 Thanks to some sweet friends sharing guest passes and Patrick having a day off of work- 

we were able to spend several hours at the museum as a family!  

There were plenty of activities for all 3 of our kids to enjoy, but I think Patrick had the most fun ;)

Here are a few photos and a little video I made of our day at cMoe...

 

  Family Day at cMoe from Savannah Garcia on Vimeo.

Colors of Fall

 After a classy trip to the Leitchfield, KY Walmart, the golden light and fall landscape were calling our names!  We found the most beautiful land & pulled off the side of the road.  We found hay bales, animal bones & an off-roading spot for the Bat-mobile.  JR had trouble choosing his favorite, but he hasn't stopped talking about his off-roading vehicle :)

Don't wait for matching outfits & a planned photoshoot... Pull over to the side of the road and Take the Pictures ;) They might just be your favorite!

Lake Days

Family Photos 2016

While we were out in California, we had the talented Hannah Delozier take our family photos!  I had followed her photography for a while and loved her work, but I wasn't sure where she was in California or if we would have time to meet up with her.  I'm so thankful that it worked out because these are photos I will treasure forever!  We met her at Corona Del Mar tide pools as the sun was setting.  Poor Vera was still waking up from a nap, we all got soaking wet after the first few photos and then the kids were pretty cold, but Hannah was so sweet & patient.  You would never know from the pictures how much whining was going on ;)  Now I'm just trying to find a place in our home for all of the prints!!!  Here are a few of my favorites...

Thank you Hannah for capturing our family and the kiddos so well!  This last one might just be my favorite :)

Whirlwind Summer 2016

 The summer started with sweet friends and strawberry picking...

We fell in love with a home in Evansville and decided to list our house to see if it would sell. 

It sold in 3 days after 3 offers!

 We started the packing process in between trips, park dates and summer fun!

 These kiddos kept growing up and Bauer continued to be his chill, happy self :)

We celebrated Father's Day with the most patient, faithful & goofy dad.

 and even got to see Dado, my dad and brother Sam on stage together at Southeast!

 Vera's curls kept growing, giggles louder & personality even bigger!

Her birthday flowers bloomed right around her 3rd birthday!

 We went blueberry picking in Owensboro with friends 

while Vera had special time with grandparents.

Patrick and I celebrated our 8th anniversary with a little Louisville getaway to the Seelbach.

 The kids got their final swings in at our old home...

 and enjoyed summer sports camp at the Y! 

JR- Baseball & Vera- Gymnastics :)

Then we drove over to Kiawah Island for a big Garcia family vacation over July 4th!

So much fun & joy with all of the cousins- we had so much to celebrate! 

Lots of swimming, laughing & yummy food & a special day trip to Charleston

I could have spent all day looking at the beautiful southern architecture- 

but it was humid and HOT, so the morning was enough ;)

Then we had two days to unpack, wash and repack before flying out to California.  

The house was already packed and ready to move, so why not travel from coast to coast ;)

We attended the NACC and my dad planned an amazing week as president-

remarkable sessions and lots of memories made in Anaheim!

Knotts Berry Farm rides, Vera throwing up in the hotel hallway, Bauer smiling the entire flight, afternoon naps in the hotel, kids in the front row of For King & Country concert,  Downtown Disney (remote control cars & princesses!) In & Out Burger at midnight, airport exhaustion and laughing way too much with friends from around the country!

We flew home late Sunday night and closed on our new home the next morning!! 

Thankfully we had some time to move over and get settled before handing off the keys to our old house. That was one LONG exhausting week, but after lots of hard work and help from friends, we were moved in and out of boxes pretty quick.  I love decorating and organizing everything out of the boxes in a new fresh place- so this was the fun part for me!     

 We broke in the house with several parties and lots of friends, even from Texas & California!
So many sweet memories already made- feels like home!

This summer sure has been one for the books!
We might have eaten popsicles for breakfast (in bed!)

Hung artwork quickly on walls with thumbtacks...

 

 found random treasures in the garage & had tons of help from my mom decorating!

Patrick was confused with why I brought an old mailbox inside ;)

oh and we bought a kitten (still can't believe we did that?!)

but what a sweet sweet summer it was.
My heart is so grateful. I love this little family of mine!