life lately ...

...according to my iPhone.

 [Aren't my brothers so handsome? i have the best siblings, and these two are especially fun around each other ... even with all the teasing they do!]

 [Can anyone deny that my nieces are super cute? Lucy is the newest addition. I love her little smiles that I've seen while staying at their house this week. And Lizzie and Millie ... too adorable. And they are so smart! I love the stories they tell and their wild imaginations...and making cookies together. That's always a plus!]

 [This is my other niece, Charly. She lives in Florida, so I don't see her as much, but luckily the family visits a few times a year. Her cute little smile and dance while watching the parade was pretty cute though.]

[A collage from the Fiesta Days parade on July 24. Some of the floats were quite advanced. All I know is my paper meche skills wouldn't hold up if I were in charge]
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Every summer I look forward to the tradition of spending a week with my nieces. We always have a photo shoot with the girls, go swimming, & eat yummy dinners. One of my favorite things is having Lizzie and Millie become my own personal alarm clock each morning. Even though sometimes I roll over and tell them, "Come back in 10 minutes," I still can't help but smile when I hear their sweet little voices whispering, "Cheri, Cheri? Wake up!" I'd choose that way to wake up everyday if I could!

Family helps puts things into perspective, you know? Even if I'm having a bad day, one little, "I'd recognize your smile anywhere" from my oldest niece Lizzie or a hug & kiss from Millie and things seem a tiny bit better.

I am glad I have four more days to spend here. It's definitely a highlight of my summer.