Beach - The way there & Day 1

Our first (just us) family vacation. I am so excited about the four of us having some quality family time away from all of the usual hustle & bustle of our daily lives. We took off Monday morning to head to the beach. It wasn't very long before we stopped at a Welcome Center in Alabama. Cole & Savannah had a great time running around and looking at "Buzz Lightyear's spaceship".

We arrived at our condo and wouldn't you know it, there are built in bunk beds with their very own light switches. This was fascinating to Cole & Savannah. Cole keeps saying things like "Why are we here?" and "This is not home." The perception of a two year old is quite amusing. We managed to get all settled in, but next time I think we will order pizza for dinner the first night...dinner at the restaurant got a little exasperating....for everyone!

We ate breakfast Tuesday morning from our balcony. We have a beautiful view. The kids really enjoy sitting outside in their little chairs. After breakfast we headed down to the beach, Cole & Savannah were not very sure about the sand at first, in fact Savannah didn't like it at all today, but Cole warmed up to the idea of getting dirty after some coaxing by Daddy.

This bathing beauty was not about to put her feet in the sand willingly!

Mommy & Cole's footprints

Cole wanted so badly to go kayaking. When I told him it was for big people he responded with

"I OLD!"

Cole & Savannah both took great naps after their beach time and lunch. Matt let me go down to the beach & read a book while he stayed up with the kids during naptime. Am I blessed or what?

Savannah had an Oreo for her afternoon snack. Can you tell?

I love Cole's expression in this picture. He had just woken up from the longest nap he has had in a very long time. Looks like it was good for him!

So we made the ambitious decision to take the kids to play miniature golf after dinner. I didn't know it was an ambitious decision until hole # 3. We had a good time though.

Waiting for his turn

Cole hit a hole-in-one this time!

Very proud of himself

Petting the rhinoceros

Riding the train

Sick days at home...

Cole woke up Tuesday morning with a fever. Of course this was the day that we had planned to go spend some time playing at "Cam-cam's" house. Why do kids always get sick when you make play dates? All day Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Cole would say "I feel betta Mommy. We go Cam-cam's house now?" And I would have to say, "You still have a fever. We can't go to Camden's house until you are fever free for 24 hours." I wonder how long it will be before he understands 24 hours? Cole also started asking "Why?" this week - CONSTANTLY! And when we ask him "why?" - his response is "'cause I said so!"

Savannah is talking so much! When you ask her where everyone is she points and says their name. When you ask "Where is Savannah?" she points to herself and says "Nannah". It is so sweet. Luckily she hasn't caught the fever virus, so hopefully we are in the clear. Below are our sick days in pictures....

My little cook in her kitchen

Does he look like he is sick?

Playing dollhouse

Playing Computer Games

One of the MANY "I sorry" hugs this week

Sharing "Sista's" rocking chair

I absolutely love this picture. I have no idea why he was making this crazy face!

"Papa, Papa, Papa, Gam Gam!!"

Yummy! Fresh Pineapple!

I just want to be where you are

Savannah wants to be wherever Cole is. Even in his chair at snack time!

Peek a boo!

Another quick visit from Nana & Pawpaw

Nana is a very talented quilter. The last time Nana & Pawpaw came to visit, she brought Savannah a BEAUTIFUL quilt that she had made. Of course Cole immediately wanted to know where his quilt was. So Nana got to work and made Cole a very cool firetruck quilt of his own. Nana & Pawpaw made a speedy trip to bring Cole his quilt and have a little quality time with the grandkids. It was way to quick of a visit (less than 24 hours) but we were so glad that they were able to come. Thanks so much for coming to visit & all the love you both poured into these quilts!!!!

Savannah's Quilt

Cole's Firetruck Quilt

Easter 2008

Congratulations "Untle B" & "Aunt Kansas"!!! We are so excited that you are getting married!!

Mom, Dad, and my future sister came to visit for Easter weekend. Yep that's right folks, my "baby" brother is getting married. We couldn't be happier for him and Candace. As you can see above, Candace has such a wonderful heart and sweet spirit. Cole & Savannah took to her immediately and Cole even gave her a nickname - "Aunt Kansas". Cole loves for Candace to play with him & read him books. Way to go Bryan!!!! You found a wonderful woman to add to our family!

So as you can see we had a very busy weekend. Friday evening we went to eat & then came home to relax. We got up early Saturday morning to go to our zoo's "Eggstravaganza" egg hunt. The kids had lots of fun "hunting" for eggs and they each got a goody bag for turning in the eggs they found. A trip to the zoo would not be complete without a ride on the carousel. Savannah is not so excited about riding on the animals. She enjoyed the ride from the safety of Gram Gram's lap while Cole had a roaring ride on the lion with Papa G by his side. We made our way to see the farm animals after the carousel ride and Cole participated in his first spoon race. I was so proud because he didn't drop his egg and he finished the race even though he didn't win! Savannah fell asleep with her sweet tart sucker in her mouth on the way to lunch which was definitely a Kodak moment. After lunch Matt, Bryan, & Candace went to the hockey game and I went to the grocery store while Cole napped and Papa, Gram Gram, & Savannah played. As you can see the playing ended with Gram Gram & Savannah falling sound asleep. Alaina, Phillip, & Ellen joined us for a cookout dinner & then we dyed Easter eggs before it was time to go to sleep so the Easter Bunny could come for a visit.

The Easter Bunny brought sunglasses and some other non sugary treats for Cole & Savannah. The kids got all dressed up in their beautiful matching Easter outfits - and they wouldn't stand still & smile to take a picture for anything. What you see above is the best we got! It was a wonderful weekend. Thanks for coming to visit Papa G, Gram Gram, & Aunt Candace!!!!

Lots of new posts...

Savannah has a horrible double ear infection so I stayed home with her this morning while Matt & Cole went to church. I have caught up on some long overdue blogging so check out all the new posts below. I have a couple of more to add about recent visits from all of the grandparents (so check back soon), but Savannah just woke up from her nap, so I am going to go spend some quality time with our sweet baby girl...