Uh Oh Spaghetti Oh's!

Nolan, if there is one word to describe you, it would be independent.  Maybe it's because you're constantly trying to do everything your big sister does, or maybe it's just because that's your personality, but let this picture below explain itself.  You're first time eating spaghetti on your own.

September 21, 2011

Amelia Island

After sleeping in until almost 10 a.m., thank you, Jesus!  We had breakfast with the wedding crew.  Most of the guests headed back home that day, but we decided to stay and enjoy the island.  We spent the morning down on the beach, came back for naps, and then went to downtown Fernandina Beach.

 Daddy teaching you how to body surf.  You're a pro!

 Nolan was missing because...

 You were a beach bum!

Watching for dolphins.

One of your favorite things to do is balance on anything.

We needed this little family vacation more than anyone would ever know.

I love them.

Eating hushpuppies.  It wasn't until after we left the restaurant and were in the ice cream shop that we noticed that you were still holding onto that one hushpuppy!

Ice cream, late night, vacation...calls for crazy business!

September 16, 2011

My Best Friend's Wedding

What can possibly be more perfect than witnessing your best friend getting married, loving the man that she's marrying, and being at the beach to celebrate?!  Carmen and Brandon tied the knot on Amelia Island, and boy, it was gorgeous and FUN, FUN, FUN!  Mommy and Daddy loaded you two up in the car at the wonderful hour of 3 a.m. with the intention of you two sleeping most of the way.  We love to travel with you two during night time hours, because you guys are not only great travelers, but you two both love your sleep.  We made one quick stop at good ol' Crackle Barrel for some yummy breakfast, and we were on the beach before 11 a.m.!  The hotel was so wonderful and was directly across the street from not only the ocean, but also the restaurant where the reception was to be held.  We spent a few hours down by the ocean (Mack, this was only your second time in the Atlantic Ocean, and Nolan, it was your first).

 All ready to go to the beach!

 The face you give when anyone says, "Cheese".

 Watching Daddy and Mack splash around in the waves.

 Daddy giving Mommy mild heart attacks every time he threw you up into the waves.

After splashing around, we headed back to the room for much needed naps and to get ready for the big event.  To say the ceremony was touching would be a huge understatement.  It was only a few minutes into it, and I was already in tears.  Every bit of the short ceremony was perfect!

After it was over, we walked to restaurant which couldn't be more perfect for little ones, it had it's very own little playground!  You guys, along with Cooper and Abby played your little hearts out.  It was such a perfect night and one that will not be forgotten.

And this is why we're best friends.

September 15, 2011

God Bless America, Land That I Love

September 11, 2001 is a big deal.  One that I know we will explain to you two in the coming years.  I don't how know Daddy and I will go about it, but you know that the country in which you live in, is a free country.  One that you shouldn't be afraid to explore.  A very tragic event happened 10 years ago, and maybe because Mommy was born in New York and still has family living there, or maybe because her Granma Edee, Dad, brother, cousin and few uncles all have served or are serving in the military, but I think a bit more patriotic than most.  And I hope that we will do our job to teach to you two to respect, love, and have pride in the United States of America.

This is 3 THOUSAND American flags.  One for every person that was lost in the senseless acts of September 11, 2001.  Mommy got a little lot choked up at this point.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you...

September 13, 2011

Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

It's Mackenzie's THIRD birthday!  To say that you've been obsessed with The Wizard of Oz is a slight understatement.  Ever since we went to the beach last Thanksgiving, we've probably watched the movie at least 3 times a week and that's no exaggeration.  Up to this point, you haven't been into princess' and dress up, so I was really struggling on what to do for your birthday.  You randomly told me back in early June that you would love to have a "Dorofee" party.  It was at that moment, that I went into party planning mode.  I will admit, at first, I was a bit hesitant because I didn't realize that there was so much W.O.Z party material out there.  I did a bit of internet researching and discovered a rainbow cake and from there I was on a roll for planning the perfect party for you.

While Mommy and Daddy were in Colorado, you and Granma were discussing your upcoming birthday and apparently you batted those big hazel eyes of yours and proclaimed that you would just LOVE to have your party at Granma and PawPa's house so everyone could swim "wif" you.  We arrived early at Granma's to start the decorating and were greeted by "Dorofee's" house complete with the wicked witch under it!

Daddy, Mommy, and Uncle Matt (who mind you, made the very special trip home to celebrate with you...that Uncle Matt is one of your biggest fans), blew up many, many rainbow themed balloons to make a rainbow for all the guests to walk under.  Granma MADE your "Dorofee" costume, that mind you will come in handy for Halloween, and we had a scarecrow and lion costume for Nolan but it was too hot for either one of them.  Sidenote, Mack, you insisted that Noley dress up as the "Yollipop Guild" complete with swirled top hair.  I just couldn't bring myself to do that to you, Nolan.  There was a witch along with a poppy field, the scarecrow, and a jar of tin man chocolate hearts for everyone to see.

The weather was perfect, and even a bit too chilly for this Mommy to swim, however, you, Nolan, Daddy, Uncle Matt, Uncle Mike, Drew, and Papa all swam all over the place with you.  You were so happy all day and it made Mommy and Daddy's hearts smile to see you loved by so many people.  Aunt Carmen and Aunt Brandon along with Maureen even made the trek up to the land of Oz (a.ka. Flowery Branch) to be with you.

September 10, 2011