Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

My new favorite thing is Emerson drinking from a straw...

They way her chubby little hands hold on so tightly to the cup...

And those little lips...

I could just eat her up!  I also can't get enough of airport reunions...

Every time Nate returns from a few nights away he has a couple of very excited and happy little ladies...

Speaking of nights away Nate has been storing up a crazy amount of airline/hotel points over the past year.  Thanks to all his travels last Saturday we headed out in the early morning hours...

Leaving Emerson in the very capable hands of Roxi (we knew she would be a happier camper at home than being drug along on our BIG adventure, thanks again mom, you're amazing)...

We hopped on a plane (and managed to squeeze in a chocolate chip cookie somewhere along the way)...

Upon arrival we boarded a train to the main terminal...

Grabbed all of our luggage and loaded it into our (rented) automobile which carried us here...

The fabulous Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort...

This place totally blew me away...

All the lonely nights without Nate at home added up to one pretty sweet stay...

We had an amazing room...

With an even better view...

And were more than ready to let the memories begin!

More to come on all the Magic...

Greener Grass

We've had an interesting couple of weeks around our house. Long story short we caught the "house buying bug" (side note: Nate and I have never purchased a home, shocking I know)! So recently we got home ownership on the brain and just couldn't get off it.  


We did what any two incredibly Type A folks would, we went house shopping. This is one of my strong suits. I mean I'm a pretty good shopper if I do say so myself. I'll admit I wasn't a bit surprised when we found a cute little casa we were happy to consider calling our "own". 


We took the plunge and signed a bunch of papers and lo and behold our bid was accepted, YippEe! But wait, not so fast. Turns out after a pricey inspection we realized all the "new" things that had been done to this old house weren't quite up to snuff and we got cold feet in a hurry. 


This landed us back at a seemingly dissapointed square one, that is until we started to discuss all the things we really like about not owning a home. Before you know it we had gone from eager buyers to contented renters with a few stipulations in mind. 


You see the big lesson we learned is that we are sometimes quick to let things slide here and there in our "rent" home. Meaning the yard gets a little less attention than it needs, or the garage stays messy and unorganized. Going through the beginning stages of considering home ownership and all it would entail made us a little more eager to beautify our current little space (knowing that a splurge on some landscape for a rent house is chump change in comparison to replacing an air conditioner in one we own). And all this is how project "Rent House Beautification" came into effect. 


Our new found motivation couldn't have come at a better time of year if you ask me. I love spring. I love it when I pull in expecting to grab a few things at the grocery store only to realize they have flats of blooming beauties just waiting for a new home! I'm a total sucker for wanting to have prize winning flower beds. Just being honest I have failed rather miserably at times and also had some small successes when it comes to gardening. This year I was determined to rise to the occasion and did my research choosing plants that should do well in the heat (crossing my fingers on that one). 


Just so you can see what I mean when I say our rent house needed a little outdoor attention here is our plain Jane front flower bed (plain Jane flower bed not to be confused with Carter who is anything but plain Jane) BEFORE...

It was a much happier place after we spent the afternoon digging, planting, and sprucing her up AFTER...

My little garden girls were such a HUGE help and especially enjoyed the task of watering...

Emerson also decided that rocks are really good for teething (who knew) hence the ring of dirt around her mouth...

Our beautification project didn't stop in the front yard, we also had a few tricks up our sleeve for the back patio. They came in the form of some cheerful throw pillows...

And a platter that I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs over (it was only $12 at Target)...

Nate got in on the fun and strung some lights (don't worry we only broke 10 in the process of putting them up) we were thiiiiis close to cussing. It was all worth it though because they add a really festive touch to our nighttime BBQ scene, that's right, we're ready to bring our social "A" game. We've got corn hole and we're not afraid to use it! (And if you don't know what corn hole is I'm just not sure we can be friends.)


As far as planting goes I decided to do a grouping of pots until I am up for tackling some pretty massive flower beds. They add a nice touch for the time being...

And seeing them under this striped umbrella just makes me happy...

Sometimes it is good to be reminded certain sayings that have been around for-EVER have been around for a reason. Hearing things like, "The grass is always greener..." can tend to get a little old until you have a new found realization that you've been eyeing other "yards" and looking over "fences". I feel like  I got caught with my hand in the cookie jar and have been completely motivated to take a look at all the really good things about our current living situation. Amazing how when you look at something with a fresh set of eyes it can make you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while...

I'm reminded that if your grass isn't feeling very "green" a little water can go a long way!

What a difference a year makes.

A little over a year ago we attended the wedding of my favorite little brother and his sweet wife Jenny...

And almost exactly a year later we were happy to celebrate another wedding day with my Cousin Ryan and his new bride Stephanie...what a difference a year makes (I hardly recognize Emerson)...

(Thanks so much Jenny for the family photo!)

Monday Carter Edition #83~Sharing the Spotlight

Over the past 15 months Monday Carter has gotten pretty good at sharing. Considering the fact that she was the lone ranger for her first four years of life we are pretty happy with how quickly she seemed to adjust to life as a big sister.


Today she is showing off her "sharing skills" and directing the Monday spotlight onto her little sis Emme. It seems reasonable that she would want to show her off, she does after all spend most of her days trying to coax our toddling cutie into giving her a hug or kiss. I think one of my all time favorite things is seeing the two of them playing and having fun together.


We are pretty sure Emerson is the most adorable baby on the planet (not that we're biased or anything)...

She ropes us in with that toothy grin and we're hers for the taking...

Those sweet baby blues don't hurt much either...

Happy Monday from our little cutie pie!

5.5

Today I have been a mother for exactly five and a half years. My beautiful little Carter is growing up. 

Toddler hood and temper tantrums have been replaced by mile long legs and, much to my chagrin, a rather sassy attitude at times. This indoctrination into "girlhood" is keeping me on my toes...

I find myself feeling a little shocked at how adamant she suddenly is about her hair being curled, or her clothes "matching". I feel like we are entering uncharted waters. And while there are a few rough edges we are working on I can't help but love the newly developing opinions coming from this little person (whose looking more grown up than ever)...

This past weekend we celebrated at my cousin's wedding and while Nate kept Emme (because he is fabulous like that) Carter accompanied me to the rehearsal dinner and reception. She handled herself like a champ. Dancing, dining, and acting like a little lady. She is a joy to be around and I look forward to having her at my side any chance I get...

I have to admit with all this "growing up" she's doing I found myself a little teary. She was completely enamored with the bride and groom and I felt that thing in my heart say, "It won't be too long", and I know it's right. As quickly as time flies we'll turn a few pages and be dancing the night away in honor of the love she will someday feel for her very own Prince Charming...

I have learned so much in the past five and a half years. I have been changed completely as I have discovered what it is to be a mother. I have this little beauty to thank for many a life lesson...

I can honestly say I didn't have a fat clue what I was getting into the day they placed her in my arms. I'm so thankful that she has been gracious to overlook my lack of experience and know how...

I'm not sure there is anything more rewarding than when Carter gets all serious on me and says in a very sincere voice , "I love you and I wouldn't choose anyone else to be my mom." Which makes every little rough moment completely and totally worth it...

Happy 5.5 sweet girl. This is the most rewarding journey I have ever been on...

Is it in You?

There is a new Saturday morning staple around here. Spring has sprung and every weekend we load up and head out to cheer on the fighting Blue Devils. Yes, you heard me correctly...the BLUE DEVILS! When you leave choosing a team name up to a group of 5 year olds crazy things can happen...

Carter is suiting up for her second year and I'm happy to report things seem to be clicking a little more this season...

She is getting into the mix and finding a hint of agression somewhere inside all that sweetness...

Heck she even managed to make fools of Nate and I (as in we totally went nuts and lost all semblance of keeping our cool) when she scored her first goal...

Which was quickly followed by her second, smiles all around...

All that hard work makes a girl thirsty and the drink of champions is Gatorade, is it in you?

I was also loving the fact that even when Carter was taking her turn on the sidelines she was totally into the game...

Cheering her teammates on from the sidelines...

Anxiously waiting to see if they would manage to score a goal...

Wait for it...

YES!!

Go Blue Devils we can't wait to see where the season takes you! Love, Nate, Beth and your littlest fan...