Mother's Day

The beautiful reason I am a mom

Getting ready to pour that all over me

Soccer on the beach, the most fun way to play

I didn't realize guns were allowed on the beach

Future Beckhams??

Evan & Ms. Jen

Last weekend we went to our condo in Port St. Lucie for the weekend to celebrate Mother's Day. As much as a hassle it can be going there since we have to clean after the previous renters (which can be a little gross), it was really nice to get away especially after I was so miserable for the previous week+ with that sinus infection. For the record, that sinus infection was the worst illness ever, I never ever want one of those again. The beach was just what the doctor ordered. We had wonderful weather and wonderful company (the Brice's). All of us had such a nice relaxing time and we found the best beach in Florida so far-Vero Beach. Now that we know of this beach, I can't wait to go back!!

Lane's & Nani Visit!!

The Lanes-Uncle Mike, Griffin, Connor & Aunt Kathy

Drumming on our newly screened in back patio

Ready for the band

Feeling Magical in the Happiest Place on Earth

Nani & Evan on the Dumbo ride

Evan & Connor at the splash pad at Sea World

Look at the pure joy on Griffin's face!

Connor & Aunt Kathy

The excitement at the Dolphin show at Sea World

A few weeks ago, Nani, Kathy, Mike, Connor & Griffin came to visit. We had such a great time with them. We went to Sea World, the Magic Kingdom and the beach while they were here. It was very action packed, but so worth it. Griffin seemed to have the best trip ever, he was so excited by everything, it was awesome. All the boys got along so well too, which was really nice. We also got to see Joe's cousin, Kelly and her kids Emma & Brady. Evan and I were pretty under the weather the whole time they were here (him-ear infection, me-sinus infection), so I didn't take too many pictures, which I'm bummed about. But I did get a few cute ones.

Evan's Big Boy Room

On February 11, Evan switched into a big boy bed and out of his crib. I had planned on keeping him in his crib until he was 3. He never tried to climb out of it and there is no sibling currently coming to take his place. However, he had his own plans. Beginning late January, he refused to go into his crib. He would scream, throw tantrums and of course make himself throw up (such a lovely party trick he has). So, I gave in and put him in a bed. Since that time, he sleeps like a champ and although he wants us to lay with him at night for awhile, bedtime is much more pleasant. I've been working on putting together his room and feel like it's as together as it's going to be right now. He still needs a "bed" and night stand, but I'm taking my time to find the right furniture. I love his dresser, thanks to my dad who painted both the dresser and the handles to make it more modern for Evan. Thanks to my friend Jennifer for all of the nautical accents as well, they look great in the room.  Evan loves his new room and loves to show off his big boy bed. 

Playroom Completed

This wall is painted with magnetic paint, so we can hang Evan's artwork. 

It is proudly displaying Maxwell's masterpiece currently. 

Joe, our resident painter, did a fabulous job painting the playroom. It looks great, I love it!! If only I could keep all the toys in that room, somehow they seem to be everywhere. 

Thanks to my mom & dad for the great organizers, I at least feel like this space is usable and fun. Thanks to the Brices for the giganto tv too, we are storing it for them for a little while. Not a bad deal!

Music Class

Jonathan, Luke, Mr. Wil & Evan

Evan strumming Mr. Wil's guitar

For the past year, Evan and I have been taking music classes together at a Presbyterian Church in downtown Orlando. It such a great program and has really taught him a good deal about music. Being the offspring of Joe and I, he can use all the help he can get!! He especially loved his teachers last semester, Ms. Dottie and this semester Mr. Wil. Mr. Wil plays a guitar during class and all the boys seem to love him. What a great role model to have at that church, a 24 year old man who leads the contemporary worship and teaches little kids music. The class teaches them rhythm, tone, beat and words (I really just made all that up b/c I know NOTHING about music). At the beginning of the semester, Evan wouldn't clap along to the beat or sing along to the songs. Now, he's great at keeping with the beat and sings every last word to the songs. He loves them, especially Looby Lu and Hands a Washing. Classes are over for the semester and I think we'll take a break until the fall. Hopefully Mr. Wil will be our teacher again!

Smith's Visit

Last weekend, Todd, Tara & Molly Smith came to visit from Portland! They were in town for a friend of Todd's wedding in Sarasota. They stayed with us on Friday & Saturday and we had such a nice time visiting with them. This was the first time we had met Molly and what a doll she is. She is such a beautiful, happy little girl and she slept like a champ!! I have to brag about her sleeping b/c Evan NEVER slept that good while traveling, especially not when there is a 3 hour time difference. She slept at least 12 hours at night without ever waking up and then took 2 good naps each day. It was super impressive. 

It was so fun to meet her and it really reminded me what it's like to have a one year old, all the baby food and crawling/pulling up, etc. It's amazing how fast you forget each stage as you move to the next one. Evan was pretty good with her, but definitely wanted to steal every toy she had. We have to keep working on the sharing thing.  

He had a great time playing baseball with Todd (who is also a big baseball fan) and showed him how he loves to hit the ball and run the bases.

Happy early 1st Birthday Molly!!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!!

Helping Grandma blow out her candle

Cheese!

Dad & the Birthday Girl

Boys helping to blow out the candles

Happy Birthday Grandma

While my parents were here for Adam & Natalie's wedding and Easter, we also got to celebrate her 60th Birthday!! We had many celebrations for it, as we should. On Thursday, April 2, I had a dinner for her with Shannon, Charlie, Maxwell, Audrey, Bryan, Laura, Mom, Dad and the three of us. I made lamb, my mom's favorite. 

The next day we all went and had our pictures taken as our gift to her. They turned out beautifully and I'll post some once I get them. I am going to make her a scrapbook of all of the pictures. 

Then on the day before her birthday, she and I went to the Ritz Carlton for a spa day. It was so much fun relaxing all day with my mom, not worrying about schedules or kids. It was glorious!! 

Then on her actual birthday, we went to the beach for the day and went out to Bonefish Grill for dinner. The day was almost perfect, except for when Evan threw up key lime pie (and everything else he ate that dinner) all over her lap. Happy Birthday Grandma!!