Bennett boy 15 months

Just getting around to posting these pictures of our Bennett.  They were taken one morning in June at a park and it was H.O.T..  My vision was to have him in this adorable green jon-jon & barefoot in the grass.  We'll it hadn't rained in Texas, so the grass was mostly brown.  I really regret not having his 12 month pictures made.  He was much more active and it was hard to get him to look at the camera much less smile.  The photographer did manage to get a few cute ones...enjoy!!

my fav

his favorite lovie...it's REALLY important

telling big stories

my sweet baby boy

a few of bennett's firsts...

~first haircut~

may 10, 2011~14 months

With both of my boys, I waited as long as I could to cut their hair.  They immediately seem so "big boy-ish" after the first cut and I just can't stand it!!  A lady in my neighborhood has a small room in her house where she cuts hair.  She does such a great job, but charges way toooo much.  I can't take them to the kid-friendly places because they BUTCHER my boys hair.  I like to leave their hair a little long and it always ends up very uneven. 

~before~

I could just eat him up

sweet baby boy

He was nervous & sat very still.  Second haircut...not so much!!  It was more like wrestling a mad alligator.

~after~

I cried when we got home

sweet brothers

~first day of MDO~

As you can see, he was a bit upset that I dare try to snap a pic of him at Meet the Teacher with Mrs. Joyce & Mrs. Venetia.  He had a few tough days the first couple weeks of school.  At Meet the Teacher, they asked that I leave his lovie with his nap mat and not bring it into the class each morning.  I should have known better.  His lovie is a valuable possession.  It goes everywhere with us and we don't go to sleep without it.  I finally asked if he could keep it with him one morning and magically he had a great day.  I felt like such a loser!!

Our Bennett is as sweet as can be and is the happiest baby.  He makes me smile all day long!!  We thank Jesus for blessing our family with this precious little one!! 

Brooks 1st day of Kinder & Meet the Teacher

Today, my sweet little boy started Kindergarten.  He had a great day and was happy as could be when we picked him up this afternoon.  I was a nervous wreck all day and a little teary.  I taught school for five years before we started a family and knew what to expect.  BUT, when it is your child, it's a whole different ballgame.  I have prayed about his teacher, the friends Brooks will chose, and this day for many months.  I know that God placed him where he needs to be and I trust Him!!

A few pics from Meet The Teacher last week...thanks J for the collage tip!!

First Day of School Pics:

He was so excited about his new Star Wars lunch box/backpack and new shoes that light up!!



On our way...



We parked and walked in today.   He led the way. :)

*Little brothers chubby little leg in the background*

Probably my favorite pic of the morning...Daddy giving him a pep talk before I took him into the school!!

Pirate coloring sheet waiting on his desk...perfect!!

He was a little nervous and seemed to be holding back a few tears when we first got into the classroom.  Mama held it together until we got back home.  I missed him today!!

Putting his name on his first paper in Kinder

A few of his table-mates

This happy fella was waiting on me outside.  He was in a happy/silly mood today which helped A LOT!!

Disney World~February 2011~Day 1

~Vacation Posts to follow~
Disney World
Costa Rica
Grand Cayman

We surprised Brooks with his first trip to Disney World for his 5th Birthday.  We left bright and early the morning after his party headed to the most magical place on earth!!  He had no idea...Bryan & I went into his room about 5:00 am to share the news.  When we woke him up, I said, "Brooks wake up, guess where we are going?".  He said, "Disney World!!".  I told him yes and he jumped up on the bed and did a happy dance.  We quickly got him dressed and headed to the airport.  I didn't take a picture with my camera, Bryan video taped his reaction.

He is beside himself with excitement.

I love this shot of Brooksie with his wings.  Last week, 5 months after our trip, he told me that he was the pilot of the airplane that took us to Disney World!!

We spent 4 nights and it was the perfect time of year to go.  Not to crowded and the weather was AWESOME.  My friend, Carrie, has been to Disney many times, so she planned our trip.  I was so thankful because she set up everything, gave so many great tips, and was available during our trip anytime I had a question.  When Carrie set up the trip, she let them know we were celebrating Brooks' birthday.  At the character meals and most dinners, they brought dessert and sang to him.  We stayed at the Grand Floridian.  It is really nice, but not the most kid-friendly.  It is one of the monorail stops, so that was really convienent.  I think next trip we will try the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. 

The first day we went to Hollywood Studios.  We didn't get to the park until a little after 2:00pm.  We had to rush around and I don't feel like we really got to see everything.  It took a little longer at the airport to get checked in/loaded onto the Magical Express, and then it's about a 30 minute drive to the parks.  Brooks' favorite thing at Hollywood Studios was Toy Story Mania.  It's new and always has a long wait.  The first time we went to ride it, the wait was 1 1/2 hours.  We decided to come back later.  When we returned, it had dropped to 45 minutes...much better!!  He also LOVED the Indiana Jones stunt show.  I thought the Muppet Vision 3-D show was really cute.  We went to see Fantasmic, a laser & lights show over water, and loved it.  Then headed to dinner at 50's Primetime Cafe.  It was so neat.  Each table is set up like a kitchen from the 50's and you MUST have manners/abide by the rules or you will get in trouble with your waitress.  I had fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans...a great "home cooked" meal!!

Walking through the park

Riding the tram on the Studio Backlot Tour
I bought Disney t-shirts from Target before our trip and he was surprised each morning with a new shirt for the day.

Part of the tour when the tanker truck explodes...Brooks thought it was really cool, but a little too loud.

Waiting in line for the Toy Story ride

Aren't the barrell of monkeys cute...

Bryan and I had as much fun as he did on the ride.

I remember the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular from my trips to Disney as a child.

Posing in front of Indiana's tank

Cutie pie in his Mickey ears ready to watch Fantasmic

Perfect place to watch the show

Dinner at 50's Primetime Cafe

We watched black & white episodes of I Love Lucy during dinner.

Birthday icecream sundae..the first of many celebrations during the trip.

Waiting on us in the room after dinner.  Mickey and the Happy Birthday rainbow are all white chocolate.   I ordered the personalized Mickey ears, his autograph book, and a fat" pen for the characters to use when signing his book a few weeks before our trip.

A fun surprise from housekeeping...Brooks needed to add his bouncy ball.

A clean, sleepy boy ready for bed.  Woody also had to come with us to Disney World.

Adeline's Sip & See

A few weeks ago, I hosted a Sip & See for my dear friend Rebecca and sweet, sweet Adeline.  Rebecca and I met soon after we moved and we just clicked immediately.  I call her "super mom"!!  She has four kids under the age of four, runs a small business, and is an OT.  She is kind, thoughtful, and is the type of friend who would do anything for you.  Bryan and I move often and each time I pray that God will place people into my life that I will connect with...she quickly became an answered prayer.

~Party Details~

My inspiration for the party was Adeline's sweet nursery.  I've included a picture that R kindly shared with us.  She threw the nursery together in like a week, I'm not kidding...and it looks like she hired someone.  Kelly green, a great shade of pink, white daisies, white eyelet bedding & drapes...simple, beautiful perfection!!

~Menu~

chicken salad "daisies"

banana bread "daisies"

sausage balls

cheese wafers

fruit & cream cheese fruit dip

monogrammed daisy sugar cookies

strawberry mint water

mimosas

~Flowers~

daisies, peonies, & tiny pink roses

Enjoy the party...

Meet Adeline Blake...just precious!!

Perfect nursery

Cute invite





Shot of tablescape

Thanks to my SIL for designing the place cards for me!!  Love the topiary placecard holders...thanks sister for letting me borrow.  I used a daisy cookie cutter on the chicken salad sandwiches & banana bread.

Yummy sugar cookies, almost too cute to eat.

Precious...creativity at it's finest.  I love that I can give Linsey, my SIL, an  idea and she just nails it.

Drink area...the pink & green straws were a huge hit.  Ribbon adds such a perfect touch!!

Absolutely love the paper straws, such a fun find!!

Check out big sister in the background...sweet Ella.

Rebecca, Katie, & I...great friends of mine.
Thanks for all of your help K...

Rebecca & her sweet family



One final shot of the table.  I had so much fun thinking "pink" and pulling all the detail together.
Fun party!!