How I love the beach!

We had the best time at the beach this week!  We had an easy ride down in our new van and enjoyed a week of sand, sun, and fun with my sister's family!  What a blast!

Building sandcastles

Isabella and John walking on the beach 

We went to the Little Zoo that Could and thought it was so cute!  We had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the animals.  We felt like we could get pretty close but didn't have to walk far to see each one.  I highly recommend it!  Isabella fed lots of different animals, including fish, ducks, deer, and goats.  She loved it, well until one of the goats tried to eat her hand!

We went to play mini golf with my sister and her family and had a lot of fun!  Cole and Everleigh came along for the ride and Isabella enjoyed playing by her own rules.

Cole actually improved my game, believe it or not

me and Lauren (and Cole)

We spent some time in the swimming pool and shopping (without the kids!) thanks to our wonderful husbands, but best news of the whole week...

JOHN PASSED THE BAR!!!!

Congratulations, baby!  We had a little party to celebrate the news!

And a happy birthday to my sister!

Isabella enjoyed your cake!

A new hairstyle for Isabella

Isabella held still long enough for a new hairstyle!  So cute!  And she thinks so too!

It's great to be a baby!

Isabella loves getting into Cole's carseat and playing with his toys.  I only thought she'd outgrown this stuff!

Labor Day with family

We had lunch with family today.  It's nice when everyone's off work to spend time together on a Monday!  We enjoyed seeing each other.

Zac and Candace with Cole

Sophia holding Cole

Ellie holding Cole

The first big trip/Our new ride

We took our first big trip as a family of four (in our new minivan, no less) to Gulf Shores.  To say I'm surprised to be the owner of a minivan is an understatement, but I'm very happily surprised.  The van drives well, probably better than my car did, and the best surprise... Isabella didn't get carsick on the trip AT ALL!!!  This hasn't happened on a trip more than 30 minutes in length since she turned one.   So, this trip was a success and the TV playing Dora over and over was just icing on the cake.  While I'm very tired of hearing "Where are we going?  Grandma's house," I'm very happy not to have to entertain Isabella the whole ride. 

The beach was fun!  Cole and I went down and watched while John and Isabella played in the water.  We ate at some great places and enjoyed some good family time.  It was nice to be away from the house for a little while.

Isabella reading to her baby

1 month

Dear sweet boy,

You are one month old, baby!  Way to go!  You mostly just eat and sleep, but I enjoy holding you close and loving you.  I want to soak up every moment with you, while you are still so tiny.  It's an amazing feeling to take care of such a precious baby who depends so completely on me, your mommy, to make sure your needs are met.  I couldn't love you more.  I wondered before you were born if I would love you (being my second child) as much as my first.  I do.  It's amazing how the heart expands.  I just have more room now and couldn't imagine not having you here.

Your doctor visits have gone well; you're growing like crazy.  You've been 90-100th percentile for height each time.  You're going to be tall like your daddy.  Your eyes are still blue-grey, but I think they'll turn brown like your dad's.  You look so much like him. You seem to have his laid back disposition too, thank goodness!  You awaken me every 2 hours at night; I'm thinking it's because you miss me!  I miss you too, but I'm anxiously awaiting the night when we go a little longer before seeing each other again!

You are my precious boy and I can't tell you how much my life has changed by having you here.  I love you so so much!

Love,
your mommy

you and Mimi

I'm going to be a step daughter!

Congratulations to this cute couple!  It's official... my dad proposed to Karen and they're getting married November 6, 2010.  I never thought I'd have a step mother, but I can't imagine a more loving, thoughtful, sweet, and special woman.  I speak for the whole family when I say, we're so excited to have Karen, Chris, Dylan, and Marlo as part of our family.  And thank you to Karen for making my dad smile again.