Simple Pleasures

It was a busy week for me and Ruby. Very fun, but exhausting none-the-less. We went to the Crayola factory, the zoo, Sesame Place...and visited with friends. So this weekend Jeff and I decided to just kick back and relax. We did nothing, really. Cooked a bit. Baked. (I get really inspired this time of year with the ripe tomatoes in the garden and the promise of fall around the corner!) We also sat outside and enjoyed the gorgeous weather. In fact, we sat around all day Saturday just talking and reading magazines while Ruby splashed away in her pool till her heart was content. The yard and garden was a buzz of activity with butterflies and little yellow birds flying around and flowers swaying in the breeze. I just love the sunflowers. One night Jeff made his famous chilli and I baked bread and Sat night we made gourmet pizzas with Naan bread and fresh tomatoes from the garden. Yummy! We had the place all to ourselves so the quiet time was welcome. Sunday we went over to our friends Charlsey and John's for a very casual pool hang and cook out. The kids had so much fun. My brother and nephew were there too and we all enjoyed ourselves on one of the last days of summer.

We've been reflecting a lot lately on this amazing year with Ruby. How she just melted into our hearts and lives so naturally. How very lucky we are that she did. In just 2 weeks it will be one year since we met her. Wow. A year already? The time seems to fly by so fast. And yet, it feels like she has always been here. So much we have shared these past 11-1/2 months. So many incredible, unforgettable moments. But the ones I cherish most are also simple. Snuggle-buggle (as we call it) when we spoon and snuggle close...  holding her little hand, touching her sweet face...and when she will randomly reach up and touch mine with such love in her eyes. Such a sweetheart! I love when the 3 of us lay in bed being silly...reading books or snuggling up. I love watching her have incredible fits of laughter... oh how I love that smile! And how she will bat her eyes and really charm you when she wants something. MY does she know how to work it! I love her pout and how she will dramatically throw her arms down and sigh (and drop whatever is in her arms) when she doesn't get her way. Of course, I hold in my laughter at the time, but it is ridiculously cute. I love catching her on the floor with the dog. Just sweetly laying eye to eye, side by side and petting her. And I love watching her with Daddy. Yesterday in the pool she swam over to him spontaneously for a hug. She said "MY Pa". It just melted Pa's heart. And mine. So many magic little moments that color our days. And we are grateful for every one. :-)