Mamma Mia

Saw the movie last night with Amy. Wow!! It was so good. I was this close < to dancing in the aisle. It's about a daughter getting married and the music in it was AMAZING. Plus the scenery was spectacular. Music really moves us all doesn't it! Chase, Reece and I love to turn up the stereo and dance around the living room. Chase is very theatrical in his moves... it's so funny. There was one scene in the movie where she asked her mom to help her get dressed the morning of her wedding. Very touching scene I cried. It reminded me of Reece and the beautiful bond between a mother and daughter.

Up to speed

I went back to my moms groups and carried over some previous postings involving the kids. So glad to have them. Some go back to 2005. It almost felt like I was journaling and well, I guess I am. I look forward to posting new events and adding some pictures.

It's Official

Hey...another post! (ha-ha) I sent out an announcement of our family's blog. Hi guys~I've started a family blog. FINALLY! This is for several reasons. One - I'm horrible at keeping up with the journals and scrapbooking so this is truly the next best thing. Two - I want those beautiful babes of ours to know how much we loved and cherished the moments we have with them. Hopefully the internet will still be around when they're able to look back on it...ha-ha... Last but not least, we have many loved ones in various parts of the country and ya' all keep moving on us! We hope this is way to keep in touch while providing a few updates. So here it goes as I nervously unvale it. Let's just say at the end of the day, my creativity is zapped!!! Hopefully you get the just of it. http://arehart4.blogspot.com/ Love you guys and don't forget to bookmark this site. I'll probably get some kind of internet award for it some day. Ha-Ha --- NOT!

She Crawling!

Our babies are growing....
Yesterday Reece made the big swing the arm up high and crawled 3-4 (steps?) movements with a ..."What did I just do? Wow, that was neat!"... look. We were all pretty excited and big brother came rushing in from the kitchen to see it...ha-ha. I can't believe how fast this time is going which is why I am long overdue in starting this blog. I want to remember the moments and I need to write it down. Reece has her 2 front bottom teeth, is sitting up... self feeds, eagerly grabbing the spoon to take over. She's a thinker that girl. It's amazing to see the look in her eyes when she's figuring things out. I'm constantly in awe at how much and at what speed a 7 month old can carry out. If only my brain would operate that fast.

Chase is growing up every day and it's so beautiful to see the two of them together. He is such a wonderful big brother. He's always looking out for her, entertaining her, loving her and the laughter between them makes my heart melt. He's been very active this summer with his first swim lessons and first T-Ball games. He's big on practicing his writing lately. Letters, numbers and coloring pictures within the lines. Afterwards, he likes to staple the pages to make a book. Then tells me he's going to work now. Gives me a kiss and says, "I'll see you later mom. I'll bring you a surprise when I come home." Which is usually a piece of paper or some candy...ha-ha. I love it all the same.

Today, Chase went to the baseball field while Pete was playing baseball. Pete's team won the game and they celebrated with icecream later. Can you say "Butter Pecan"? Family favorite for them. Like father like son. Pete and Chase really enjoy their time together.

Last but not least...Pete and I went to the casino last night to celebrate Sonny Bourbon's B-day. It had been several months since Pete and I have had an official "date night" and it was some much needed fun time together. We had a blast and I especially enjoyed winning $250 at Blackjack baby! I was on a roll ~woo-hoo~ and didn't want to leave. You know it!

Well that concludes the first post. Hopefully many more to come. We're headed to Rend Lake in a couple weeks for a mini-family reunion. I can't wait!

OHIO

Pete was on a 3 week business trip and during this time our good friends Donnie, Roberta and Heather invited us to drive back to Ohio with them so we could each visit our families. Thanks to Heather's patience, Donnie's planning, and Roberta's goody bag the kids did great.

The first picture is 3 generations of Letitias. Great Aunt Tisha with the white hair (as Chase calls her) Aunt Tisha (my wonderful sister-in-law) and our Little Tisha Reece. We had fun and spent lots of time with Grammy and Pap Pap. Some highlights were paddle-boating with Grandma at Ogleby, riding with Pappy on the lawn mower, dives, flips & icecreams pops at the pool, playing in the backyard with cousins Emily & Katie, seeing our nephew crawl for the first time, and Little Tisha meeting more of Pete's family. It was a great trip but we really missed Pete. Prepare for fun when visiting Ohio. Grandma & Pap Pap - you're the best!

She has teeth!

Actually 2....the bottom front ones. I discovered them today as she was drinking from a glass and I heard them tap the cup. She's at such a fun age right now. She's imitating us. She's so strong and active. Gets up on all 4s and rocks. She'll then scoot backwards. She's all over the place. Have really had to baby proof things...ha-ha I'm so excited. She's over 1/2 year old already. Time flies!

Chase plays T-Ball

This was his first practice. We were all so excited!! Pete's promised to update this post soon.