Birthdays and Easter and Life - Oh my!

This past weekend was filled to the brim! Saturday morning kicked off the fun with our neighborhood's Spring extraveganza! Our area's clubhouse goes all out for the kids with a huge easter egg hunt, bouncy houses, a visit from the Easter bunny and more. For the 2nd year, we totally enjoyed this event and the kids had a blast! Our "family" the Caudill's joined, and we had a fabulous time!




Straight from the clubhouse, we went back to our house for birthday festivities for Colin. We celebrated his 4th birthday with a jungle themed party because my little monkey is completely into The Jungle Book and going to the Wild Animal Park. We had family and a few friends to enjoy the day and the little ones had a blast getting their face painted. Colin had "kaa" the snake (from The Jungle Book) on his arm, and then once Tyler was painted like a panther, he decided to also have his face painted like a Tiger. Even some of the "big kids" got into it :)





This was the first year Colin TRULY relished in his birthday. Beginning weeks ago, the countdown was on and everyday there were lengthy conversations about every aspect of his birthday... the people he wanted to be there, the theme, the activities, and mostly about the CAKE POPS!! :) For his actual birthday, we hit Chuck E Cheese which makes me truly feel like a parent! :) Between all the festivities, it was a mother's dream to see my boy so happy, and to celebrate his life and the joy he is to the world! Of course the day after, he began discussing his 5th birthday and all the plans he has for it. He's his mother's son... loves to have things to look forward to!!! :)

22 months (yesterday)

How is it we are approaching your 2nd birthday, my sweet Lo Lo's? I was realizing yesterday sadly, yet proudly how I have two little kids, not babies! I wish so badly sometimes I could slow down father time, but that would also mean I wouldn't have the joy of seeing as you continue to morph into this precious, verbal little guy. Just this morning, you came into our room as we sleepily were trying to rise for the day and said, "mama UP!" and I said hang on Logan, and you gave me the most beautiful sweet look and said, "peez, mama?" You melt me!!

22 months...almost 2. wow, wow, wow!!

I love every ounce of you my beautiful boy!!

4 Years

To my sweet first born,

Four years ago today, I was eagerly (and actively) awaiting your arrival. It's amazing to think back to this time... a time where I was so beyond words happy to know I would be a mother soon. And then you arrived. Your tiny little body surprised me, but what surprised me most was the instantaneous love I felt for you, and the overwhelming feeling of protective mama bear. In an instant I was changed - all for the better.

And today, I still find myself constantly surprised regularly! Your daddy and I comment all the time on how you are SUCH a social butterfly - far beyond how each of us were at your age (or ever!!). Whenever we are out and about, you so effortlessly and comfortably strike up conversations with complete strangers, explaining in full depth about what it is you are doing, where we are going, or what the latest food is that you might eat. You talk non-stop and are very articulate and clear in your communication. I love this! But it also exhausts me because honestly, you never come up for air! :) You are so very verbal, it is astounding. Just last night, I overheard you telling papa, "Daddy, I am having a rough day". He replied, "Oh buddy, why are you having a rough day?", and you went on to tell him that 1.Logan ate your food and #2, you have just been very sad. It was adorable and amazing at the same time. You are so in tune with yourself!

We are gearing up for your birthday party this weekend, and it is just SO fun to watch you delight in your birthday. You have been literally counting the days, and reminding us each day that your friends Tyler and Siena will be at your party. Of course, you have also been reminding me that you will have cake pops at your party. I had mentioned this at Christmas time and had completely forgotten about this idea until a few days ago when you happily announced it was only 5 days until your party and that there will be cake pops! GULP! Your memory is unbelievable!! So, last night daddy and I with the help of a friend stayed up late decorating Lion Cake pops to accompany your Jungle themed party. This will be the first year without a vegan/non sugar cake. I suppose I can allow this little treat once a year! :)

Colin, it feels like just yesterday you were such a tiny little sweet pea (see photo from a couple posts back), and now you are an amazing big 4 year old! I love who you are and who you are becoming. You always see the good in everyone and every thing, and remind me that it's Ok - whatever may be going on. Thank you for choosing me as your mama, and for helping us all see the beauty in life every single day!

Love, Mama

CABO, Baby!!

It was just what the doctor ordered... a vacation away with some major R&R with the fam! Cabo was everything we hoped for and more. What a great week spent doing some major relaxing and frolicking in the sun while staying at easily one of the most spectacular resorts I have ever seen. Sun, sand, surf, gorgeous pools made for adult relaxation AND kid play...this place had it all. And we had a lot of laughs and good bonding with the fam... it was a terrific trip!!

Mama and her sweet babies:


Oh the view!!




Cabo Fun!!








My sweet family!!

Here comes the sun...

There is something special about spring! It is this time of year in our parts where it seems the sun teases us... a day of hot, a few days of cool, a little rain, and another visit from Mr. Sun. Although I am not quite ready yet for the consistent temps of summer, it is always so exciting to know it is around the corner.

The other day I heard one of my favorite Beatles songs, and I was reminded how sunshine really does brighten our days literally and lifts our moods. It also reminded me of a very special time when Colin was tiny and Morgan would dance daily with him to this song (on our Baby Beatles album). I think they may have done this dance each morning starting when he was weeks old until the time he was about 1 year...

What a fun memory!