Spring Break Getaway

We're back and refreshed from a fabulous getaway to sunny Florida. Seagrove, Florida was a quaint little beach just a mile away from Seaside & Watercolor. It's been fun over the past two years to explore other places that the Gulf has to offer other than the heart of Destin. Destin has been a long time favorite of our family, so it was nice to be just a hop skip and a jump from all of our favorite restaurants. We were thankful to be on a quieter beach, away from the hub bub of college Spring Breakers. Does that make me sound 30?

We loaded up the car on Friday night in anticipation for a very early morning drive on Saturday. The forcast looked as if Saturday may be our best day to hit the beach, so we didn't want to miss out on the glorious weather. I must say that this road trip was made A LOT easier with Miller's new DVD player. "Wipey Clean" aka Lightening McQueen from the movie Cars entertained Miller for the majority of the trip. Of course, he had to hold his very own model of the "Wipey Clean" car in his hand. With brief intermissions of the Thomas the Train DVD, we were happy parents to know that our boy was entertained without my good ole stand by bag-o-tricks.

We were pleasantly surprised that the cooler mornings turned into 70 degrees & sunny afternoons to enjoy the heated pool and surf. Our little fish kept requesting from the condo's balcony, "Go Swimmin", "Beach!" Miller gave Landon a run for his money up and down the shore. He never stands still. Our social butterfly made sure to walk up and greet different girls, sunbathers, and surfers on the beach. Poor Landon. If Miller wasn't running in the sand, he was exploring the dunes that said, "Keep Off!"

We did enjoy the toddler sized playscape and fenced in grassy area next to the pool so Miller could enjoy playing in the coolness of the morning. We couldn't let go of Miller's hand outside of the fenced area. Our little go- go takes off running in a split second if I don't hang on to him. Another mom at the pool commented, "you've got to watch that one!" I mean, I can barely get my cover up off before he's dragging me into the pool! Can you train an active boy to stand next to you while you're washing off your sandy feet? I sure hope so.

Miller had a big time in the pool dunking his head under water and playing with all of his water toys. He laughed and splashed the whole time. I just love hearing his full out belly giggles. Landon and I enjoyed throwing him back and forth. He even showed off his blowing bubbles under water skills and climbing out of the pool tricks from last summer.


Some favorite trip memories included eating dinner at one of my favorites: The Red Bar, introducing Miller to the adorable town of Seaside...the grassy area in the middle of town had Miller's name all over it. Poppy enjoyed flying Miller's new Elmo kite. I think the men had more fun with that kite than Miller did. We introduced Poppy and Grandmama to Baytowne Wharf, an outdoor shopping and dining area on the bay. At the wharf, we got to see kids participating in a remote controlled boat race. Next year, he'll be old enough to participate. Miller's favorite part was running and swinging on the wharf's playscape and exploring the golf carts. We also enjoyed watching the sunset over the pier.

Goodbye quaint beach. Here's to more fun times next year!

Shopping, Folding, Ironing, Packing

That pretty much sums up this week in our house. We're headed out this weekend for a fun week in Seagrove, Florida. It's a busy time of year for us with Miller's birthday, Spring Break and then Easter all back to back. Between a doctor's appointment for Miller, a hair appointment, a fun night out delivering & eating a meal with new parents last night, I've barely surfaced to breathe! And, I'm trying to squeeze in a last minute nail appointment, but it will be a miracle if that ever happens. Dirty laundry is looking at me from the top of the hamper as I type!
I've been out on errands for two weeks straight looking for either birthday party or beach odds and ends. Miller can't wear his shorts from last season, so it gets a little crazy shopping for new swim suits, and shorts. On a frustrating note, I've driven to 5 different stores looking for swim shoes for Miller. Either, the small section of Speedo shoes is picked over or they tell me to wait a few weeks! One way or the other, we'll find something to protect Miller's feet.
And, now the dilemma is whether we'll depart Saturday morning or Sunday morning. We'll let weather.com decide that one in the next 24 hours or so. So much to do, so much to remember. I'll be happy when we're all packed up and on the road.
Sorry, for two posts without pictures. We'll have lots to share when we return.

2nd Year Checkup

After a two hour nap today, Miller was surprised to hear that we would be making a visit to Dr. Gold. I love that he's at the age not to cry when he hears that he's making a trip to the doctor's office. We've been so fortunate to have stayed away from the doctor's office since Miller's 18 month appointment. Washing hands has been the key to good health this winter. I DO realize we aren't exactly in the clear yet. The flu has made a late appearance in Georgia.
The whole waiting room experience was comical to say the least. My little social butterfly befriended two little boys his age in the waiting room. They were running all over and even into the new mom's nursing room...AH! It was no easy task keeping him from venturing over to the sick side of the room & running into the bathroom with clipboard in hand. I was so ready for his name to be called. It's tough trying to fill out paperwork while my wild monkey is practically climbing the walls. At one point, he ran to the door pushing it open when the nurse called "Walker". He was a little too eager to meet Dr. Gold.
Miller was thrilled to be examined in the Lightning McQueen room. He's all about cars these days!

2 Year Stats:
Height: 34" 50%
Weight: 30-12 ounces 75-90%
Head: 20" >95%

No shots this time!! His next booster has to be after April 18th. We'll wait until his 3rd year checkup.

C is for Cookie

 

Today was the highly anticipated day around our house...Miller's 2nd Birthday Party. We went a little crazy with our Cookie Monster theme, but you can see from the pictures that Miller appreciated his Sesame Street friends joining him on the big 2 birthday. Of course, we had to dress Cookie appropriately for the party.

 

 

After Publix rejected making a Cookie Monster cake, we got the cake from the Cake Shoppe in Roswell. And, I'm so glad I did! Cookie turned out blue and fuzzy with no googling eyes, just like I requested. Miller kept repeating "don't touch" while we were getting the napkins and plates ready. We learned our lesson earlier this week and sang the birthday anthem sans candles and hot fire. He enjoyed it just the same and we pretended to blow out nothing! Everyone's teeth, lips and tongue turned out electric blue just like the fuzzy frosting.
After a BBQ lunch and cake, it was present time! Miller really took his time opening gifts. He enjoyed all the wrappings, cards and ribbons first. His oohs and ahhs & giggles of delight were just so precious and enough to make you want to throw a party every weekend. Miller was surprised to open a bubble machine that boasts 10,000 bubbles in a few minutes, a bubble lawn mower, DVD car player with DVD's, beach toys and a new tricycle to name a few.
We're so thankful for sharing in Miller's big 2 with family. What a special time celebrating our little guy. Now we'll just have to hope for the rain to move out to enjoy our new fun toys outside.

 

Click on "The Big 2" for more party pictures

Happy Birthday Miller!

 

Candle Phobia? He was all smiles once we removed the "Hot FIRE!"

 

 

 

Look Who's Two!

Dear Miller,
Happy, Happy Birthday little cutey pie. We can't believe that you've said goodbye to the ONE's forever. In so many ways, you've been two for months. I try to hold onto every ounce of baby there is left in you, and every once in awhile I get a glimpse of those times. But, there's no stopping you now. Toddlerhood has rocked our world! We're cherishing every minute of life just being with YOU and as a family of three. We are absolutely head over heels, smitten with you sweet boy. You are the most enthusiastic, fun-filled, curious, colorful, dramatic, active, talkative thing this family has ever seen. Well, besides your dad! Daddy and I still marvel at God's goodness to our family by giving us the most wonderful gift of YOU!
Enjoy your fun friend celebration with Nathan, Matthew and Ms. Karen this morning over sprinkled doughnuts. We can't wait to party with you tonight over dinner with very special cupcakes. Look what mommy made you, Cookie Monster cupcakes! A preview of coming attractions for your party on Saturday.


XOXO,
Mommy

Puppy Play

Snips & Snails
And, Puppy Dog Tails
That's what little boys are made of

Miller was excited about the special visitors we had over to our house on Sunday Night. Our newlywed friends, Amanda & Brandon brought over their 8 week old miniature Schnauzer puppies, Carter and Beau. And, oh my, they are the cutest little furry things you've ever laid your eyes on. Who knew that puppies were just like toddlers with all their little habits and accessories? Amanda, the cute little puppy momma brought over her carrier complete with teething toys, puppy wipes, and blankie. When the carrier was unzipped, Miller did a little jumping dance... he could hardly keep his excitement inside. He was enthralled with every movement of the puppy dogs. Miller tried to engage them in a game of toss the tennis ball and wrestle the rope, but they're still learning the art of puppy play. Miller kept digging in their puppy carrier for toys. I think he thought there was a special toy for him if he dug deep enough. He loved poking his head into the back of the carrier and opening and closing the flap. We need to arrange more doggy play dates so Miller can get his puppy fix. We've pretty much decided, we're a cat family around here. I think Jackson has given our family enough responsibility!