Memorial Day at the Beach

Life's a Beach

We decided to hit the beach for Memorial Day . . .  right here in KC!  Longview Lake has a beautiful beach area - tons of sand, easily accessible and so much fun!! (LL Beach Info HERE!) We went to the beach with my brother & his family.  The kids built sand castles, buried eachother, tossed the beach ball, had a picnic, made giant puddles and swam like fish.  Graham can't stop talking about going to the beach!! Growing up, I had dreams of my brother & I raising our families together.  I always imagined that we would have kids the same age and that they would be the best of friends.  I absolutely love watching our babies play together and grow up together and become fast friends.  It makes my heart so full!

buried treasure

 What a beauty!

 Cousins!

 Andrew LOVED the beach!

 Big Dan & Little Dan taking a dip

 My fish, Ava.

Ahhhhhhh . . . .

My beach babes.

Somewhere over the Rainbow

RAINBOW PARTY!!!

Ava Caroline turned 7 on Sunday!  Every time I looked at her this weekend I thought about that Friday morning when I woke at midnight and my water broke . . . almost 3 weeks early.  We were SO excited & we had anticipated the birth of our first baby for so long.  It was definitely the most amazing day of my life.  I remember holding her, in shock that I had a daughter and amazed that this tiny little beautiful creature was ours!  I memorized her sweet little head of blond hair and her big blue eyes. . . and, of course, the dimple.  Seven years has gone by in a flash.  We were so unaware during those first few moments just how much Ava would change our lives.  Never a dull moment at the McCluer house, that is for sure.  Ava has filled our lives with sunshine and dimply grins and girly silliness.  She is crafty, funny, curious, strong willed, smart and beautiful. 

 The traditional "birthday breakfast in bed"

One of her favorite gifts was her 1st "Gi" from mom & dad!  Such an amazing karate kid!

We had a fantastic celebration!  It was all about rainbows!!

 Fruit tray with "cloud dip" & the gold at the end of the rainbow!!

The fruit dip was delish and super easy.  One block of cream cheese, one 8 oz container of marshmallow fluff, 1 tsp of vanilla and 1 tbsp of lemon juice.  Yummy!! 

 The girls decorated flip-flops with balloons in rainbow colors.

 They went on a scavenger hunt & found a treasure . .  a rainbow pinata filled with gold!

 Sweet Friends.

 Ava got lots of great gifts from lots of great friends!!

Happy Happy 7th Birthday to my amazing girl!!