Family Beach Weekend

My parents rented a beach house last weekend at Port Aransas. We arrived Friday afternoon and spent several days in total relaxation. We had a birthday party for Lucy on Friday night. She was totally spoiled with both sets of grandparents there.

Saturday the boys went fishing early, while the girls looked for shells. After breakfast, it was back to the beach for the whole group. We spent hour building a sandcastle, jumping in the waves, and just enjoying the sun and surf. Saturday night we had a yummy dinner and watched old family movies.Sunday, we just hung out at the house. We went shopping at the local beach shops and had a delicious snow cone. We spent the last evening at the beach. Grace dug in the sand and Lucy helped Daddy find lots of snails. Then the guys went out in the water and brought back lots of sand dollars.
The girls loved the beach and the pool and Chris and I loved having extra babysitters available.

The day we left the water cleared up remarkably. It looked almost as pretty as Destin. There were tons of cabbage heads (kinda like a jelly fish, but they don't sting) in the water around the pier behind Charlotte Plummer's. Poppy, aka Father Nature, reached in and grabed one for Lucy and Gracie to touch. It was pretty cool and Lucy was quite proud of herself.

We always have a great time when we get together as a family! Here is just a sampling of the pictures taking during our trip. Enjoy!

More of Lucy's Birthday, Party 1 of 2

We had a little party for Lucy last week in Fairfield. It was great to see our friends and meant so much to her to have all of her friends attend her party...

Happy Birthday, Stinkerbelle

Four years ago today, my world changed forever. It sounds so cliche to say that, but it is true in so many ways. Becoming a mom is something I dreamed about for many years... How much fun a little one would be.

For me it was love at first sight. Lucy came into the world and it was as if everything was louder, brighter, more amazing.

The first year was full of dressing her in cute little clothes, playing silly games, sweet hugs, and slobbery open-mouthed baby kisses. She was so easy going and sweet. I was still working and we filled every free moment with Lucy time!

The second year brought more fun and more independence. Lucy became quite the chatterbox and never met a stranger. I was able to quit my job and make being a mommy my full time career. We enjoyed many pool days, park days, outings to the store, and lots of cuddles and playtime.
The third year was busy, busy, busy. We had so much fun. It was the year Lucy became a big sister. When baby sister Gracie was born it was such a wonder to watch Lucy become a sweet, protective big sister. To hear those sisterly giggles warms my heart. Lucy discovered princesses and became very girly. She was very adamant about what she wore, usually only skirts or dresses for her... In fact she wore the same blue dress for almost 3 months.
The fourth year has been an eye opener... Every day she shows me her heart of gold, while challenging me with a quick mind and a tad too much attitude (ie. The nickname Stinkerbelle). She is usually quick to point out her wrong doings and to say she is sorry. She is so smart. I am amazed daily by the things she says and does. She wants to be a chef/artist/mommy/doctor/scientist when she grows up. Gracie adores her and wants to be just like her big sis, but Lucy is always patient and understanding. She rarely gets upset and usually takes the time to help Grace.She has become even more independent, but always the first with an I LOVE YOU or a hug.

I can only imagine what her fifth year will hold. Hopefully, all the happiness, fun, and carefree times only a four-year old little girl could wish for! I hope her compassion, confidence, exuberance for life, and happiness know no bounds this year.

As I watch Lucy (and Gracie too) grow and experience life, I find myself caught up in the wonder and amazement of childhood. I get excited about the rain, snow cones on a hot day, little baby inch worms, conquering the monkey bars. For me one of the best things about being a mom, is getting to experience all these things again, while having the knowledge of how important and special they are. Knowing that the little things in life are what make it great!

Happy 4th Birthday, My sweet Lucy!
I love you past the stars and back...

We have finally hit parenthood...

Last night, after the kids were in bed Chris and I decided to sneak out for a little couple time. Kurt was home, so the kids were safe and off we went...

We got dressed and jumped in the truck. We listened to the radio and talked. It was so nice. No kids screaming or asking for something. Chris found a spot in the back and we parked. We held hands as we walked through the parking lot. I felt so young again, all excited over a night out with my man. It has been awhile since we were out alone after dark. We were going on a real date. WOOHOO!

As we strolled through the produce section and picked out bananas and oranges, I realized we are officially parents. A trip to the GOOD OLE grocery store, is not something I would have gotten dressed up for 5 years ago. Getting to push a cart with out someone riding in the front or hanging on the side, is not a thrill I would have enjoyed before the kids came along. And flirting with my husband, in the cereal aisle, is not something I would have thought sexy before we were Mommy and Daddy.

You really do have to enjoy the little moments.

P.S. Our computer is out of commission again. This time XP has crashed. Hopefully, we have someone coming to fix it tongiht. But it will probably be a while before I can post any new pics... Please don't cry too much! :)

Beachy Fun

We went to the beach last week with our friends from Fairfield. It was a beautiful day, the water and beach were perfect and the kids (and moms) had a blast! I usually don't really like the beach (in Texas), but this time was awesome. If I could be guaranteed this everytime, I would go much more often! Anyone planning a trip to the beach soon, if so have a blast!

This slideshow is long, so you might want to grab a drink and get comfy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Do we call it home now?

Yesterday, we ventured back to our old stomping grounds for a birthday party. The girls and I were waiting on Daddy in the car and Lucy asked...

"How long have we lived here, Mom?"

"About a month and a half. Why?"

"Do we call it home now?"

"Well, does it feel like home?"

"Yes. I like the new house."

"Well, then it is home!"

I wish it was that easy for me. The move has been a much harder adjustment than any of us thought it would be, but we are slowly getting there. We LOVE the new house, but the area just doesn't feel like home yet. I hardly know my way around and haven't met a lot of people. I know that it takes time, but we really miss all our old friends and hangouts. You never really realize how much people mean to you until you don't see them all the time!

Also, my house doesn't smell like my house. Does that make sense or am I crazy??? I don't know what I am looking for, but I can't seem to put my nose on it:). I know, crazy right?

I have joined the local MOMS club, so hopefully that will help. I made so many awesome friends in Fairfield that way. Plus, once school starts Lucy will make friends that way.

I don't like to whine on here, but I am bored and feeling lonely today. Poor Me! Luckily, Sara and Justin are right down the street or we would really be in trouble.

Anyways, sorry for the pitiful Erin post, but I just wanted to get it out!

Plus, our computer monitor went out on Saturday, so no pics for awhile. Luckily, we have a laptop to check email (and blog) on, but no access to the millions of pictures I took this weekend

Ok... Now go hug your neighbor....

Happy 4th of July

Happy Birthday, America!

We love you!