Daddy.

When daddy comes home it's the best time of day.  We wait on the front lawn most late afternoons, we make chalk drawings, run circles on the grass or sit and feel the afternoon breeze until his car pulls up.  A few moments to shake the the day off, get wiggles out and welcome the evening and dinner together.  We are so lucky he is ours.

A weekend in Sedona.

24 weeks pregnant at L'Auberge.

Your typical tourist photo.  We had to.  It's an extraordinary spot.

It's been a month already, but I'm playing catch-up on my blog here.  So back in April, Kevin and I hadn't been away for a vacation since Chloe was born, two and half years ago.  With another little lady on the way, we knew this would be a great time to relax and recharge.  My sweet Kevin planned the whole weekend and set-up just enough adventures to leave room for travel spontaneity and relaxation.  He even spoiled me with a prenatal massage at the resort.  It was a beautiful, relaxing trip and extra special because of all the thoughtful planning my love did ahead of time.  I was thrilled to just pack my bag.  Such a treat!

We delighted in the opportunity to drink our coffee while it was still hot each morning, enjoy each others conversation uninterrupted, indulge in delicious food and an afternoon nap on a whim.  Sedona is special place and we were so thankful to explore some of it's sights while we are still Arizona residents.

A HUGE thank you to Kevin's parents who flew out to spend the weekend caring for Chloe.  She had a blast and I'm certain they did also.  We are lucky to be surrounded by such thoughtful, helpful, loving grandparents.

The family biz.

In a few short months these two,father and son, will begin a new veture as Locklin Financial.  After nearly a decade working in engineering and robotics, Kevin is ready to put his MBA to good use working alongside his dad, Bill as he learns the family business.  Kevin is lucky enough to have his dad's 40 plus years of knowledge to glean from as he learns the ropes in his new career.

We are excited for this new step.  We took some time to go check out the beautiful new office building.  They begin working there in about a month.  As you can tell by our casual attire it wasn't working hours.  This is gonna be a fun new era.  Kevin has enjoyed his years with Boeing and working on some really impressive projects.  But now he looks forward to learning a new business.  I tell you, I admire his thirst for knowledge.  Always learning something new.

Kevin in the doorway of his new office.

Outside the new office 21 weeks pregnant.

5 years.

A few weeks back on June 24th we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. It's a day we hold near and dear and a commitment that we cherish.

We always take time to celebrate the special moments. We celebrated a couple times in fact. A dinner out at Barrio Cafe in Phoenix (thanks to Kevin's Aunt Sheryl for babysitting) and later with a nights stay at Temecula Creek Inn, where we were married (thank you Grandma & Grandpa Locklin).

My love brings so much joy to my life and his calm manner keeps me grounded. We've been inseparable since January of 1999 when we first met. Yep, we're High School Sweethearts. I love everything cheesy about that.

I love you Kevin!

Father's Day 2012.

Our little bloom chose this cards for her Dada on Father's Day.  I tell you she is so crazy about her Dada.  It is the sweetest to watch those two play and interact.  The octopi card Chloe selected was perfect.  Kevin is a do it all, hands on kind of dad.  But what I love most is that he is all about family.  Together is exactly where he wants to be.

One thing that surprised me about becoming a parent is how much my love for my husband would grow.  Seeing him as a father, well,  it melts me.

We drove back to California for a short weekend to be with our dads.  We also had a memorial for a very dear friends Mother to attend.  The weekend had a lot of mixed emotions but we felt at home to be with those we love, no matter what the occasion.  It's all about togetherness.

Kevin and I have fathers who really love and care for us.  It's fun to watch our relationships keep growing as they have become grandparents.  Our little lady is not lacking in love from these men in her life, it abounds.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there!
(Even though it was 2 weeks ago.  One day I'll be caught up-ha!)

Robot.

While we were in Portland, Kevin made this robot for Chloe.  She is so smitten with him and asks all day long to play with him.  Kevin knows how to operate the little guy so she has to wait for him to come home before they can play.  It cracks me up how much these two enjoy this time together.  It's so fun to watch. 

Chloe wanted a "family" photo with robot, so here you go!

Our Thursday.

Just a simple day at home, with my teething, runny-nosed girl.  We didn't sleep much on Wednesday night, lots of crying, sore gums and one just plain restless little lady.  Chloe and I ended up sleeping on the living room floor to give Kevin at least a few hours rest before work.  So the next day we skipped music class and stayed in jammies, then upgraded to sweats in the afternoon for water painting outside on the chalkboard.  Which turned into bath time. 

There was lots of beauitful sunshine, which I can't get enough of.  Chloe's excitement of the day was trying out her new straw thermos cup and a drive with Dad when he got home from work.  And they practiced playing the harmonica.  She is learning how to make all kinds of sounds and is so excited by it. 

That was our Thursday.  (Like I said, we are regular party animals.)  How sweet are these photos of Kevin and our bloom.  I can't put the camera down when they are together.  They have my whole heart.

blowing kisses.

"Mom, my nose, catch it!"

That look is all mischief. 

I've gotta frame this one.