Sweet deal...

 A couple of weeks ago I saw a status update on Facebook saying that bloggers could receive 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly if they wrote a review on their blog. Well, when it comes to great deals like that I am usually pretty skeptical. However, I decided to check it out, just in case, because I love to send holiday cards...but hate to pay for them. :) So I clicked on the link (http://bit.ly.sfly2010) and it was true! All I had to do was enter a little info about my blog and in a couple of days I got an email with the instructions for writing my review and getting my code for the free cards. Sweet!


What makes the whole deal even better is that I LOVE all of their cards. They have a huge variety, ranging from very traditional to modern and streamlined. This year they also have great stationary cards, and I love the folded cards. The folded cards have a photo on the front, but they also have space on the inside for at least one more photo and plenty of text space.


Here is an example of one of my favorite folded cards. The outside if for one photo, but the inside lets you chose from several different layout options.

Outside:

 Inside:

The other great thing about these, and all of their cards, is that they are so super easy to create and customize. Doing the sample above took me all of about two minutes. And I didn't even have pictures picked out when I started.


Until I started researching for this review I didn't realize that they had such cute photo gifts. I know a couple of grandmas who would love these coffee mugs:

Of course, most people know about their prints, awesome photo books and calendars. But another surprise I had was that they are offering canvas and mounted prints as well. These both make beautiful wall hangings!


So far my experience with Shutterfly has been pretty limited, but now that I know how many great services they offer, I will definitely be sending more of my photo needs their way!


I don't want to share our final pick for our Christmas card this year, but here is an example of one of the stationary cards that I liked with an outtake from our photoshoot. :)

So my overall review of Shuttefly's collection of goodies...Sweet!

Hello October

We're still here, just keeping very busy.
We'll try to catch up soon!

First dy of school

I hve to strt out by pologiing. For some reson couple of letters re not working. (The first nd lst letters of the lphbet). So I m trying to post nywy. Here is picture of Colby's first dy of school.


Chloe thought she needed to hve her picture tken too. :)


Hopefully I cn do rel post soon with ll of the letters working.

Wildlife Prairie State Park

Last weekend we were looking for something fun to do as a family and decided to spend the day at a local state park. We love this park because there are many animals to see, kind of like a zoo, but they are in more of a natural habitat. There are long winding trails through the woods, a petting zoo area, playground areas and so much more. Even though the weather has been SO hot and humid, we had a great day!

Petting sheep:

My beautiful butterflies!



While Colby and Chloe played on the playground, Macy and I hung out in the shade. Here she is doing what she does best...drooling and blowing spit bubbles.

We finally decided it was time for lunch. However the food place was so crowded that people were having to wait an hour to order and get their food. So we did what any good parents would do and got ice cream instead.


Colby loved getting his picture taken in all of these kind of things.

Next up was the train ride! Here they are waiting (kind of) patiently for our turn to board.


Finally we stopped at some special activities they had going on that weekend. Inflatable fun, mini-golf and carnival games.


I'm glad we had the chance to go, possibly for the last time. Unfortunately due to lack of funding they will be closing the park. At least we got to enjoy it for a while!

Fourth of July

Fourth of July weekend this year was a little extra special. Not because of amazing fireworks or a wonderful cookout, but because we got Curt back. At the beginning of the month he boarded a plane to California for what was supposed to be a two week business trip... and was gone almost an entire month. We have never been apart that long, and certainly not since any of the kids have been born. It was a very tough month for all of us, but many phone calls and lots of good friends got us through. Thankfully, Curt flew home Friday night just in time for the holiday weekend.


Saturday was spent at a large cookout at a friend's house. This was our first time to make it to their annual party and we had so much fun!

Sunday evening we made our yearly trek down to the riverfront to watch fireworks along the water. The show is truly amazing!







The fireworks are set off from a barge in the middle of river and erupt right over our heads. It is spectacular every year and I always sit there in awe feeling like a little kid. I am always leery that one of the kids will be scared, but so far they have all loved it every year. Macy included. The only thing missing this year was a visit from my parents. Maybe next year!

Gun Control

I know it can be a touchy subject, but if all guns were this stinkin' cute I think everyone would agree they make the world a better place.

For Macy at 6 months

To my dearest Macy,

What an amazing six months it has been! I truly can not believe that you are not my tiny newborn any more. With everything that you have gone through, at times I have felt like a first-time mom all over again. I never knew colic, stranger anxiety, peanut intolerance and my antibiotics could cause such a sweet little thing so much trouble and such self-doubt in myself. I can honestly say it has all been worth it and I would do it all again in a heart beat because you are so precious to me. You are turning into such a happy, smiley baby who LOVES her momma and brings us so much joy. I am thankful everyday that you have been added to our family and I can't wait to see the little girl that you become. You have my heart!

Love forever and always,
Mommy

Newborn

One month (with Mamaw)

Two months

Three months

Four months

Five months

Six months