BIG Sister....

...is getting a baby brother!

We are so excited to share the news that come late September we are having a BOY! 

Happy Tuesday

Here are a few phone pics that I decided to share.  Hope everyone is having a fantastic week!

A True Love Story

Of all the attributes that Mike has passed on to Peyton, being a true animal lover is one of the most endearing.  Whether it is one of Papa's horses or a strange cat in the neighborhood she is always eager to visit and friendly. 

So when we took a trip to Silver Springs with Nana and Grumps we knew she would be in for a treat.  However, it was one special giraffe that captured her heart

Meet Khama a male giraffe who is over 20 years old.  He is the only giraffe remaining at Silver Springs.

Before we went to Silver Springs Nana was telling Peyton and I that you could feed the giraffes.  Let me start by saying that I thought Nana might be losing it.  I have never heard of being able to hand feed giraffes, plus I thought it could be dangerous.

But it turns out you can feed them crackers and that they might be the most gentle creature I have ever seen. 

It took the handler a little coaxing and Khama came right over for his snack.

Peyton couldn't shovel crackers in his mouth fast enough.  She had no fear!  She was so sweet and enjoyed feeding him so much!

We took a quick break from feeding him to go see a few other attractions, however she kept asking to go back to Khama.

A soon as he saw her with crackers he was right back to his new friend.

Watching the two of them was truly a heart warming scene.  She has been talking about that giraffe ever since.

I just know that she will carry the memory with her for years to come and I know that all who watched her with Khama will as well.

An Easter Vacation

Easter came and went in an egg and candy filled blur this year.  We deviated from the norm and took a trip to High Springs to spend the Easter holiday and Mike's birthday with the Jones Family. 

 We arrived on Saturday, Mike's birthday, to a fantastic gift!  A pink Barbie bike!  Of course the bike wasn't for him but someone else was very excited about the new wheels.  PS....Mike got a real gift too.

 Easter morning we started by opening the Easter baskets from the Easter Bunny.

 As you can see our almost three year old has finally mastered the "cheese" face.

 If she sees me pointing the camera in her direction that is the face I get, accompanied by "CHEESE".

 After the baskets were opened it was time for egg hunting.  I thought she did well last year, however, this year she was a pro. 

 After she found all the eggs the Easter Bunny hid, we took turns hiding the eggs again.

 The face is above is the, "Are all the eggs gone?" face.

 After all the egg hunting festivities we spent the afternoon with friends and family.  Peyton finally got to meet Mike's long time friend Shelton and his family.  And Uncle DJ and Maddox were there as well. 

 The little kids had a blast running around, driving the gold cart and taking rides on the Gator mobile.

The big kids also had a good time pulling each other behind the golf cart on the skateboard.  Boys will be boys! 

We had a fantastic Easter Sunday and hope you all did too!  And stay tuned.....I have lots more photos to share from our trip to High Springs.  Have a great weekend!

A Family of FOUR

It's official!  Sometime in late September Peyton will become a BIG sister and we will be a family of four!  We are so excited to be adding to our family and can't wait for this new little munchkin to arrive!

PS:  We would also like to wish Aunt Amanda a very Happy Birthday!  We love you!

...and we're back!

Actually we never really left.  We just got a little busy and a little short on photos.  But that doesn't mean we have been lacking in excitement. Take a look at what we have been up to...

 Finally a real beach day. 

 Peyton started gymnastics a few weeks ago.  I wouldn't necessarily call her a natural just yet, but she sure has fun learning!

 Let me also mention that she has had two different teachers so far and both have commented on her "lack of fear".  I have no idea where she gets it!?!?

 As I look at these photos I am reminded how fast time goes by with little ones.  I swear just yesterday I was holding her in my arms and staring down at a perfect little baby. 

 Now in that babies place is a precocious little 2 and a half year old who keeps us on our toes and reminds us daily what is really important in life.

 Those little moments in between work, laundry and paying bills. 

The moments where you are so thankful to watch her grow, play and learn.And your heart is full because she is yours!