Top 10 Summer Memories

This post was supposed to happen last week  last month, but didn't. Our week last week felt so OFF although I couldn't put my finger on it. I was off for sure, forgetful and feeling like I was running around like a chicken with its head chopped off. At least I still have 4 days left of Summer so technically this post isn't too late!    Ya got me, I'm officially late But now that it's officially FALL- I wanted to be sure to share these memories! 

I thought I'd round up some of my favorite memories from Summer-- It feels redundant to say but WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO, GUYS?!?! I swear, we were JUST planning our trip to Florida the other day. Anyway, here are our TOP 10 favorite moments/memories. I asked everybody what their favorites were and we compiled this list!!

Top 16 Moments of 2016

Another year has flown by and when I reflected back on the year- so many memories came to mind that I truly will treasure forever. 2016 was a big year for us- full of celebrations and time spent with family. Sure, there were hard moments and sad moments but the memories that stick out are the ones that were full of laughter and love. And isn't that a great reminder? That even in the worst situation, just when you think you won't get out of it, God always has a way of getting you through and there is always a rainbow at the other side.

I don't remember the time when Saidey had a tantrum in Target and I had to carry her out to the car or the time that Sophia slammed her door and declared me the worst mommy ever because I wouldn't let her do something. No, I remember the hugs, the smiles, and the complete unconditional love that happened in 2016.

Check out my favorite memories from 2015! 

So, without further ado- here are my top 16 moments of 2016!

1.) In January, I joined an incredible group of mamas over at Des Moines Moms Blog and really stepped outside of my comfort zone. This was for sure a FAVORITE part of 2016 and I can't wait to continue this journey into 2017!

Here is my first post I wrote for DMMB

2.) Celebrating Saidey's 3rd birthday party was an absolute favorite! I love celebrations and love making the day special!

3.) I discovered a love for chalk paint. I did a makeover on our dining table and chairs. I was SOOOO scared to start but once I started, I was trying to think of all the things I could cover with chalk paint!

Before

After (first coat only)

Chairs

I have several projects I'd like to start in 2017 and can't wait to figure out which one I want to tackle first! 

4.) Mother's Day was a favorite moment! 

5.) My sister and I are 8 years apart. It was a favorite moment to see her walk across the stage and earn her Bachelor's degree from Drake University

6.) Memorial Day 2016 was a favorite moment

7.) Between swimming lessons and swimming at my mom's pool- Summer 2016 included goggles, lots of towel and swim suit washings and of course sunscreen. Pool time was a definite favorite this Summer!

8.) Our trip to Italy in July was an absolute FAVORITE!

You can see posts about our trip here, here, and here! 

9.) Celebrating this girl's SIXTH birthday flamingo style was a FAVORITE

10.) In July, we also decided to put our townhome of 7 years on the market! 

It sold in 7 days!

11.) As always, going to the Iowa State Fair (twice!) was a favorite 

12.) We decided to take a break from all the packing and took the girls to Adventureland, our local amusement park. This brought back so many memories from childhood for me and the best part?! I got to take Sophia on her first BIG rollercoaster! I was so proud of her and it was such a favorite moment! 

13.) Turning 30 brought some reservations but it turned out to be a pretty great day

14.) In September, we moved and settled into our new home. ALL of it was a FAVORITE! Well, except the packing and the unpacking =) 

One last picture in front of Unit 72

Saying goodbye to our sweet townhome 

And hello to our new home!

15.) With a new home, the outside work took some getting used to. But this moment was a favorite and I have a feeling we'll have a lot more favorite moments working outside together as a family!

16.) Christmas in a new home certainly was a FAVORITE 

Tell me, what were some of YOUR favorite moments from 2016?

Wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Bring it on 2017! =)

Friday Favorites- SUMMER MOMENTS

We made it to Friday friends!! This week went by pretty fast as I took Monday and Tuesday off from work. We started 1st grade and the response I got when I asked how it went was, "MOM! It was AWESOME! We didn't do any hard work and it was so fun!" Only my child.. =)

I thought I would share some of our FAVORITE Summer moments today as I'm linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals. 

New Summer program for Sophia and new child care for Saidey kicked off our Summer!

Playing in the sand at the beach was a FAVORITE 

Swimming was a FAVORITE this Summer 

Family time at Des Moines Moms Blog event was a FAVORITE

Farmer's Market and grilled cheese with bacon are FAVORITES 

Thelma's Treats is a FAVORITE

Celebrating 4th of July was a FAVORITE 

Yankee Doodle Pops is a FAVORITE tradition

And let's be honest- Italy was a FAVORITE 

You can see posts about our trip here, here, and here! 

Celebrating a special lady's SIXTH birthday was an absolute FAVORITE 

Let's Flamingle!

Selling our house was a FAVORITE (the rest of the process- not so much =) ) 

Visiting the zoo was so much fun! 

American Girl dolls have become a FAVORITE in our house! 

The IOWA STATE FAIR is always a FAVORITE (two times!) 

And finally, celebrating back to school was a FAVORITE moment!

Summer 2016 was sure good to us! We made so many good memories! But Fall- my favorite season- you can come any day now! =)

Happy Friday all! Enjoy the weekend!