Happy Anniversary Love

Today Derek and I celebrate five amazing wedded years. Though they have not been long enough, they have been filled with a lot of laughter and love. I feel so blessed to call such a kind, fiercely loyal, true friend the love of my life. Thank you for choosing me everyday babe and for loving me through and through. I am forever yours.

It feels like just yesterday.................

You make me happy like this everyday!

Love Letters

I love April. It makes me very nostalgic. 9 years ago today Derek and I were supposed to be going to the Jimmy Buffet concert, instead we sat at the Wine Vault with friends and then went to dinner where we started dating!! Derek was everything in a man that I had been praying to God about finding. It just took me a little while to realize he was standing in front of me the whole time.

I thought I'd share some fun pictures of us when we first started dating........circa 2002

Van is 16 months old

"Who you calling sweet?"

Happy sweet 16 months baby Van!!! Mommy had the best day with you and some of our friends! We went to the gym where you got to play with your friends and Auntie Debs then we met Martha and Cole at the playground where you were in awe of Cole (3.5 years) who is a little older than you and a wild man! Then we went to lunch which had to be rushed since you were getting sleepy and needed a nap. After your nap we met Brooke and Lawton at another playground. We finished our day with a trip to Fresh Market for some candy (you love dark chocolate covered pretzels) and a bike ride/run with daddy around our beautiful neighborhood.

You are talking up a storm now and besides saying "mommy" for everything you want, you are constantly saying "bebe". You even put your hand on my tummy the other day and said "bebe?" Nope, no bebe in mommy's tummy! Where did you come up with that? You are one smart little cookie.

We love you so very much little man. Thank you for all the joy you bring into our lives everyday! You are so full of spirit and energy! It's an honor and privilege to watch you grow and be the recipient of so much love and affection.

Hey! Someone want to take me on a stroller ride?"

Just like daddy, riding his bike.

Checking his email.

"I want to ride that bike."

Like Father, Like Son

Water for Elephants

I could not put this book down. I have not read a book this engrossing in a long time! Derek has asked me several times, "what are you reading??" Because I did not come up for air until I had finished it! I LOVE books that I can lose myself in.

I am beyond excited the movie comes out April 22nd. Watch the trailer here. Who wants to go see it with me????

I was catching up on one of my favorite blogs Habitually Chic and you must see this post on Reese Witherspoon. She is GAH-geous!

Ryanesme

I am not ashamed to admit that I was a Twihard. Obsessed with those books is an understatement. I read the series several times and every time I was engrossed, sucked in and completely oblivious to what was going on around me!

I was preggo with Van at the time and my trainer (he was just as obsessed as I was) and I would always joke that I would have a vampire baby. We even named him Ryanesme!

I would like to introduce you all to my vampire baby:

*sidenote: Grandma & Grandpa, if you have not read/heard of The Twilight Series this probably makes no sense to you!! Van was enjoying some blackberries at his Mimi's house. We've got a spunky one (who likes expensive fruit) on our hands!!

Birthday & BBQ

Last weekend we celebrated the 2nd birthday of Van's beautiful friend, Miss Margaret Blount. She had a fun party out in the sunshine complete with bubbles, wagons and an egg hunt! Oh and cupcakes, we can't forget the delicious cupcakes!

I tried my best to get a picture of Van with his friends but no one wanted to look at the camera.

I'm pretty sure this picture will make it's way to someone's rehearsal dinner slideshow (if they still have those in 30 years!)

The next day we went out to my parents lake house for a BBQ. (We're from CA & that's what we call a cookout). This was very confusing when Derek and I were first married. 1. I had never actually eaten "BBQ" . 2. When my parents invited his parents over for a BBQ they expected pork and got burgers and hot dogs instead! 3. The exact opposite happened when his parents invited my parents over for BBQ!!!

Anyhoo, it was another gorgeous day and we enjoyed some family time.

Van and Cole playing

I just discovered there is a self portrait setting on my camera!

Cole fixing his flat. Only 4 weeks left!

I am so in love with this profile. I want to try to make a silhouette out of this this picture. A little DIY project if you will. Anyone know how?

Van had a wonderful time chasing Vaeh out in the back yard.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too! We love and miss you all!

Where did April come from??????

What? When did April get here? Van doesn't seem too concerned. He's laid-back.......

I must say, April is one of my most favorite months. Thank you God for beautiful spring weather - birds chirping, sun shining, park days, fun with friends and........yardwork! Yes, I said yardwork. More on that later.

We have had a GREAT few weeks! It all started with the baptism of my beautiful, sweet, angelic godson Cole. It was a glorious day. A little chilly outside but a warm day honoring God and being surrounded by all the people that love this child so much. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above......." James 1:17

All of these family pictures were taken before the ceremony then right before Cole was to be baptized, he fell asleep and the sweet boy didn't wake up. Not even when the Deacon trickled the holy water onto his little head. We were is awe. We are so blessed to have this child in our life.

Cole, we love you so very much. Always remember that Derek and I are here for you no matter what. We are so blessed to be your Godparents and promise to do our best to support you on your spiritual journey. God loves you and made you perfect and wonderful. We are very proud and love you all ways and forever.

Then, we had a few fun days at the park. Van loves being outside and if you try to take him in when he's not ready - get ready for a throw down!!!!!

Van's face after we came inside too early for his liking. Look at those tears.....

Van's new obsession: tractors!

Thank goodness for the sunshine!

I don't know where he got this but he doesn't like to get his hands dirty. he'll fall onto his hands and bring them up to me covered in dirt......wanting me to wipe them off! so i taught him this little move.......

After my dental surgery nana took us to the park and then to yoforia!!!

Van doesn't really like swings all that much but there is a smile on that sweet face....

We've taken lots of wagon rides lately. check out his leg resting on the cup holders!

And to top it all off, we made another trip to the new TCBY with Lawton & Betsy Grace. Our favorite is White Chocolate Mousse (and I bring a fresh banana to slice into it!)

When we're done with our fro-yo, we let the little ones run around a bit.......seems to be entertaining for the other guests but I also get the feeling that I'm being "that mom!"

Funny thing is, I don't care!!!!! Look at how happy they are.....

Final destination is the toy store for more fun (and running amuck)! Van found this baby and wanted to take her for a walk! He's such a caring child. LOVES!