Memorial Weekend 2011

I hope everyone had a fantastic Memorial Weekend.  We sure did and I have the pictures to prove it.  It was so nice to spend Sunday at our dear friends, Walter and Jen Beougher's reception/housewarming party.  There was tons of good food, cold beer and fun!  And while you would think the theme of this post would be friends and family (which, of course, it is), I think the bigger theme in these pictures is little kids who want to be big kids and adults who want to be little kids.  Check out the crew in action...

 If you can't tell what she is staring at, it is a cupcake.  That cupcake is in serious danger folks!

 There were tons of kids at the party and Peyton managed to play with every single one of them.  However, she especially enjoyed the attention of the older kids.

 The balloon game begins....

 I swear you can almost see the dirt she is kicking up in her wake.  The girl can move it!!!

 Balloon game over....

 The end!

 Just kidding, she got herself a new balloon and is off again!

 These photos are especially funny.  Mike broke the plastic chair and we all laughed and made fun of him.  However, the funnier part was the kid sitting next to him.  He couldn't control his giggles....the poor boy almost peed he was laughing so hard.

 And now big kids acting little.  BUBBLES!

 Your turn Aunt Amanda.

 Okay, maybe Ms. Kim can do better.

What is wrong with these adults and their poor bubble blowing skills?

What an amazing day!  Congratulation again to Wakter and Jen and thanks for the memories!

Memorial Day

We have a busy weekend planned but wanted to take minute to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Weekend.  As you enjoy your cookouts, sip your cocktails and spend time with family take just a minute and remember those brave souls who made all of that possible.

~ Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero's heart. ~

Time Warp

Last Friday my dear-eight-month-pregnant-miserable friend Krystal called me up to meet at the Shell Factory for an outing with Peyton and Liam.  For those of you who aren't local, the Shell Factory has been around since before I was born, which we don't need to mention was a long time ago.  I am pretty sure before Friday I hadn't been there since the 1980's.  And let's just say that it hasn't changed much.

 When you get to the animal park you have to check-in in a tiny little hut that barely fits two people.  The picture above is Peyton exiting the hut, looking a little concerned. (I don't blame ya kid)

 I don't think Pey knew what to make of the first set of animals.  She was timid and a little fearful.  Krystal said she needs to get out more and she's probably right.  She's kind of a scaredy cat when it comes to weird animals.

 As we continued we made it into the bird area...it was our favorite location because it was in the shade.  By this point we were dying of heat and the pregnant gal was on the verge of a meltdown.  Our little adeventure wasn't going how we pictured.

 I liked this bird and I think he liked me.

 After a 20 more minutes of looking at some threatening wildlife we made it into the petting zoo.  We realized at this point that this is where we should have started our journey.  There were goats, pigs and baby cows, oh and FANS!  The kids seemed to be enjoying this much better and so were we.

 I like the look of surprise on Peyton's face when she saw the little goats jump up onto their house.

 Hey Grandpa, I think she is ready for her own goats now. :)

All in all it was a fun afternoon.  You have to laugh at the lengths moms will go to, to entertain their kids.  Also, I think I can speak for Krystal when I say, that it was a hilarious flashback to our childhood.  Who knows, we may even go back someday......in the winter!

Pictures

If you have followed my blog since the beginning I am sure you are well aware that the number of postings has decreased as well as the number of pictures I take.  I feel bad about it and
I know that there are some disappointed grandparents out there.  But I had no idea back when I was snapping a million shots of a lazy infant, just how difficult it would be to chase a toddler and take pictures at the same time.

 Last night after dinner we went outside to run off the last bit of energy remaining in Peyton (which was alot!).  I watched as she ran down the street waiting for her Daddy to chase her and thought....I need to go get my camera.

 I thought to myself...it is the moments like these, where she is in a mismatched outfit and hair askew, that I need to be capturing.  These moments that we will never get back. 

 And while Wendesday, May 18th 2011 wasn't any different than any other day, it was special to us.  Like everyday before and everyday to come.

 She is pure joy, whether she is running around like a nut or beating up her Momma. 

 As we approach the end of her 2nd year, we reminisce about her as a baby but look forward to her as kid.  A dirty, moody, playful and crazy little kid!

A characteristic of the normal child is he doesn't act that way very often.  ~Author Unknown

Ain't that the truth! Happy Thursday!

I am thankful

I am thankful to be home. I was out of town for two days and away from my little munchkin and it felt like a lifetime.  I was part of my good friend Jen's wedding this past weekend in Tampa.  So I left Fort Myers on Friday and left my sweet little girl behind.  She spent the day with Grandpa and Grandma and then the night at home with Daddy.  As you can see, she had a great time at Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She even did some modeling on Grandpa's boots

 I am also thankful for my sister who took over responsibility of Peyton on Saturday, so Mike could attend the wedding with me.  Aunt Amanda and Mr. Tim had a day of fun day planned for her.  Below she is showing Mr. Tim how to go down the slide.  Thank you sissy!

The also took her to the aquarium and I am so jealous.  Amanda told me how much fun she had looking at all the fish and sharks. 

 I am thankful for Moms.  I didn't post on Mother's Day so this is a little late....

 I am thankful for my Mom, who sometimes forgets how special she is to me, my sister and Peyton.  We love you very much!

I am thankful for Nana/My mother-in-law. You mean the world to me, Mike and Peyton and we are so lucky to have you!

Lastly, I am thankful for Peyton who made me a Mom.  Everyday I am reminded what a gift it is to be your mother and how precious you are to me! 

Happy Be-lated Mother's Day to all Moms!!!  I hope your day was as wonderful as mine.