Time Away

The kids and I just got back from a two week stay at Mimi's house in VA. We took advantage of this time of transition in between houses, and hit the road! We missed daddy terribly. I was nervous about the drive. Very nervous. Little miss was AMAZING in the car. She absolutely put all of my fears to rest, and was a happy camper on both trips. I didn't realize how much she'd grown and changed just since Christmas. She was perfectly content watching movies and reading books. Praise!

It was so nice to have an un-rushed visit with family, and I was able to see almost every single friend I've been missing. There were days of constant company, in and out, one after the other. I was able to just sit and catch up for hours with sweet friends. I was in desperate need of that! We had multiple play dates with my high school gals and their kiddos. The shopping...oh the shopping! I got my fix. I went to all of my favorite malls, some several times, and had my favorite shopping partners with me. My mom and I got a full (kid free) shopping day in Virginia Beach, and it was heavenly! I had fun shopping for the new condo, and enjoyed having my interior decorator (Aunt Liz) right there with me.

 Eli pretty much lived in a tent for two weeks.

 My mom took Eli to surprise my grandparents at their church one Sunday. Wish I could've been there to see their faces light up!

 Layla practiced her Itsy Bitsy Spiders.

We were able to meet my friend Brady's little boy, Brad. His daddy is deployed right now, but I loved the time I got with his sweet mommy.

 They definitely have one thing in common...food!

 Aunt Liz came to say her goodbyes, and gave Layla a few good final laughs.

It's a shame they had no one to play with all week!

 Papa Tom introduced Eli to the movie the Sandlot. I didn't think he'd be interested at all, but boy was I wrong! He danced, and laughed, and just carried on! He memorized way too many lines from the movie. All of which I hope he doesn't pull out at his first t-ball practice tonight. 

I'm always thankful for the special memories that are made during our time there. As usual, Eli didn't want to leave, and has asked everyday when we'll be returning. Soon enough, buddy!

Mimi Turns 60!

 Our long visit in Virginia fell at just the right time. We were able to be there for my mom's big birthday week. She turned 60, and we definitely needed to be there for that big celebration! We turned it into a birthday week, which seems appropriate to me! We started off with a traditional dinner at my Grandparent's house with all the family. Two homemade cakes, and an unbelievable spread of Grandma's specialties. To.die.for!

 Layla was only interested in Cleo the basset hound. She followed her around for hours and payed no attention to anyone else.

 Eli hung tight with us Uncle Patrick and absolute favorite partner in crime. They get in some serious trouble together. Especially at the dinner table. 

Layla trying to sneak a kiss :)

 My grandparents have the best old instruments. Patrick pulled them all out for Eli to try.

 It's a shame my two came out looking absolutely nothing alike.

 Doggy watching.

 Cake time! 

 We had homemade Blueberry and Red Velvet cakes. 

 Eli had both. And no dinner. :)

 Both of my kids are tight with their great-grandaddy.

 The girls. My Aunt Karen was struck by a nasty stomach virus on party day. 

Photo bombers.

The kids helped Mimi with her present opening on her actual birthday, and then we had a babysitter come for the night. 

 We had a lovely dinner at the Town Point Club in Norfolk. Just me and the old folks! :)

Thankful that we were there to celebrate this momentous birthday with her! I hope I'm as cute and spunky as she is at 60! I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for this mom of mine. 

Children's Museum

Last May we took Eli to the VA Children's Museum. He literally hasn't stopped talking about it since then! He calls it the "Nuseum." Just a few short days after arriving at Mimi's house, we were back for another fun afternoon! Thankfully, it wasn't crowded. Eli ran from room to room, and was sure to not miss a single thing! 

 The train exhibit is always his first and last stop. This tunnel that puts you right in the middle of the train display is always a favorite.

Aunt Liz was able to come with us again. She doesn't miss much when we're home, and we love that!

Layla LOVED the trains. She learned to say "Choo choo" while we were there!

Eli's been missing his train table (in storage), so he got a quick fix.

Eli is thankful that Mimi lives in an area with so many fun things to do.

 Layla was itty bitty last time we visited the museum. She got right in on the action this time around!

Life Lately

If you read back over the last three years of blog posts, you'll notice a trend during the dog days of winter. Long days. Lack of indoor entertainment. Missing daddy. I am constantly in survival mode, anxiously counting down the days until Spring. Baseball season is in full swing, and we're not set to close on and move into our new place until later this month. I've really been enjoying the company and help from my wonderful in-laws during these extra long days. Just when I think I'm out of  ideas to keep the kids busy indoors, Nana comes up with something fun! 

 We all tend to fight over who's going to get Layla out of her bed when she wakes up during the day, Eli usually wins, and ends up in the bed with her. :)

 This gummy smile is now gone. SAD!

 This is probably Layla's favorite spot at her Nana and Pop Pop's house. She could spend hours by the front door watching the world outside. 

 We are able to open the front door and let Eli out to ride his bike alone now. He's LOVING all of the extra bike riding space here, and has done a great job of sticking to the rules that come with this privilege. 

Sister loves her time outside too, especially now that her walking skills are bettering each day.

That sweet smile will cure even the worst of Winter days!

We celebrated Valentine's day with a whole lot of sickness, and very few hugs and kisses. Eli woke up with an eye infection, and we were all dropping like flies with nasty colds. He was still excited to show Nana all of his fun Valentine's from his classmates.

My littlest Valentine managed to escape this round of sickness...huge praise!

Nana has won this little girl right over!

My book loving kiddos love their nightly time with Nana.

And just for fun...here are my babies last year on Valentine's Day. Sweetness!

Layla's First Birthday - Part 2

Layla's first birthday fell at an absolutely crazy time in our lives, but we weren't going to let it slip by without at least a few celebrations! We did the little family party in Virginia the week of Christmas, and then celebrated with friends and family here at home on her actual birthday. We wanted our girl to feel special, even if we were in the midst of packing up Christmas and our entire house for the big move. 

Since our house was topsy turvy and boxes were the main decor item, we decided to meet our favorite friends at Chick Fil A for lunch and cupcakes. We had a great turn out, the kids all had a blast, and mama didn't have to clean up! Will be doing this again, for sure!

 Love these sweet friends! Layla Grace and Piper Ann are just 9 weeks apart. 

 Give this girl a cupcake and she's all smiles!

 We came back to the house and opened her birthday presents from her friends.

 This tickle me Elmo was quite the hit!

We had Mimi, Papa Tom, Nana, Pop Pop, GG and Goomba over to our house that night for pizza and cake. We took pictures, but I have no idea what's happened to them. Lovely! It was a fun day celebrating our littlest love. She sure is loved by many!