Friday Flashback

How can it be? Our babies are growing up. It hit me hard a few weeks ago....and of all places, in the children's department at Dillards!

My mom pointed out that we could no longer shop for Hannah Reece in the baby department. Stop right there. Tears gathered at the corners of my eyes. I know...pitiful, but it's true! Now missy sis wears a 3T which happens to be found in the "big girl" department, home to Hannah Montana t-shirts and psychadelic-colored mini-skirts...much to my my darling daughter's delight (and to her momma's dismay!)

She's developed quite the strong opinion about fashion, and wholeheartedly prefers to pick out her own clothes. Dress shopping with Nana was no exception! Most of her choices included dresses that were pink, sparkly, striped with loud colors, endowed with ruffles, or...did I mention PINK?

Gone are the days of Wal-Mart style shopping-where I strip her down in the aisle to do a quick try-on. Not for this little fashionista. Hannah Reece insisted on trying her dresses on in the "bathroom" (dressing room). First was the spin test, and of course she had to spin in front of EVERY bless-ed mirror in that dressing room. Because you never know, some mirrors lie, right!? Next, was the bounce test, which included vigorous jumping to test the buoyancy of the ruffles. Then, she'd turn around, close the door to the dressing room and move on to the next. Letting us know that she needed some "pwivacy."

Thankfully we all agreed and settled on the one with the rainbow butterflies. She said it "matched" her butterfly sandals and was as happy as a clam. The next day, after breakfast, she turned around, looked at my mom and said "Nana, let's go to the store and try on dresses today!"

Graham is growing like a weed. At age 5 1/2 he's almost in the big boy sizes for shoes. One of his favorite pasttimes is reenacting scenes from Star Wars with his lego collection. He recently informed me that for his birthday (which is still 7 months away, mind you!) he'd like to have a Star Wars party. Graham also has become quite the wordsmith....he enjoys using big words expressively-and most of the time, appropriately-even if they are laden with 5-year-old attitude! He seems thrilled to be back in Florida right now. He really misses his buddies and his cousins while we're away. Playing and going to VBS with them this week has been good medicine for his sweet little heart.

Speaking of sweet hearts...I came across this photo in my dad's computer on this day last year....my how they've grown!

Family + Document Your Weekend

This and the coming weeks have been and will be spent enjoying family....parents, grandparents, GREAT-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins...and we'll be eatin' it up! Can't wait to hug some necks!

Mom and Dad hung out with the kiddos and I this week...*sigh* I love them. Even though I'm a grown woman now... having them here, in my home, gives me a peaceful and contented feeling, down deep inside. Comfort. Safety. Thankful. We played, talked, laughed, ate good food, laughed, ate good food...good times!

Looking forward to a super-busy weekend ahead, getting ready for a big giant road-trip plus preparing to add NINE family-type folks in our nest for a few days, and the grand finale-my man is coming HOMEEEEE! Lots to look forward to!

Hoping try this project-if I can keep the trusty camera at arms-reach to capture the chaos of this weekend. Something about the idea of photographing daily life and then turning it into something creative makes it feel just a tad more exciting. Join me?

*Added* So my little project got a headstart tonight. Went around after posting to check the doors and do my night-time momma thing-and caught a glimpse of this:

my daddy's slippers sitting next to the nightlight in our living room-make me smile...

The comfort of a Familiar Face

I was so happy to hear from my friend, Ms. Katie, who would be traveling to NC to visit her grandchildren for the week. We had a wonderful time visiting together while the kids played in the awesome playroom. Hannah Reece LOVED riding the big 'ol pony! Lately, she is showing an affinity for all things equine. Graham had a ball on the Big Wheel outside-that brought back a flood of memories of the neighborhood Big Wheel races when I was a little girl!

Look at these rose bushes in the yard! So, so pretty, and the clouds actually cleared for a while, we've had a lot of rain around these parts.

This move has been an adventure. As much as I look forward to meeting new people and scouting out new places-building relationships does take plenty of time and effort. During this season, nothing is as comforting as a hug around the neck from a dear, familiar friend-one who knows me well. It's as refreshing and enjoyable as a tall glass of sweet tea on a warm Carolina day! I'm so grateful for you, Ms. Katie!

Speaking of familiar faces....my momma and daddy (aka Nana and Papa) will be here tomorrow...WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! The question of the day around here: "Is it Wednesday, now?"

Rock Bottom and a Road Trip

Last week, my body was screamin' at me about how old and outta shape I'm getting, so I got up the gumption to head over to the Y for a Zumba class...and I do enjoy some bootie-shake-in-the-name-of-fitness. Well, I walked in and saw people dragging these dumbell things out, plus steps and mats....not the Zumba I remembered? I quickly realized I got the times all wrong...so instead I experienced, firsthand, this instrument of torture, otherwise known as a kettlebell. This sweet lady next to me with a super-tight bootie informed me that this class is called "Rock Bottom". Well thank you very much! So, thinking I might achieve the same results as my my new friend, I decided to stick with it. Can you say....mybunsaburnin?! I can't even remember the last time I was this sore from a workout! Next time, when I see eight 16-year-olds lined up in the front...I'll remember to take a cue and walk out the door! Don't worry though, the soreness wore off on the 5th day and I'm happy to say that I can walk properly again.

An unexpected road trip....my dear hubby has many wonderful qualities and one that makes me happy and drives me crazy-all at the same time-is his ability to come up with a spontaneous travel plan. Here's how it went last Tuesday at breakfast:

Me: How's your yogurt, babe?

Dan: Good...hey, you wanna go to Disney today?

Me: Um........

Dan: You know our passes are about to end for the summer and I've got class next week, and then back to Bonita for a week....this might be our last chance for a while....

Me: Hmmmm.... (and chewing my breakfast)....really? What about a hotel?

(He gets up to go call and check on hotels, finds a super-steal-of-a-deal rate)

Dan: Ok, we're all set! Let's get packed up!

With that said, the kids ran into their rooms and started packing toys into their little backpacks, it was hilarious! They're such great little travelers, rarely complaining or asking to stop. So this time, the packing and travel was self-inflicted, but worth it! It took about 8 hours to get to Orlando and we had a great time playing together. Here we are having a ball on the teacups.

And Graham rode the Star Wars ride for the first time...have I mentioned that he is ALL about Star Wars these days??

Our-late-night-sugar-induced-antics (for your viewing pleasure!)

Daddy's Baby Girl

Sarah: I love you, Hannah Reece.
Hannah Reece: I Daddy's girl...I love Daddy on-wee.

Spring is in the Air!

Pictured: 1) Our neighbor has Iris', aren't they gorgeous? 2) Graham calls these little pods on the huge tree in the front yard, "wigglers". 3) Thanks to the T*rg*t $1 section we scored some fun kid-sized garden tools and wildflower seeds to replace the weeds in our pots out front. Hopefully I'll have pictures of those later his summer! 4) Caterpillar examination 5) Reecie in her "pink fwowas". They are her favorite, our flower beds are full of them...anyone know their name?

Spring has sprung! Hannah Reece and Graham prefer to be outside in the yard or going for a walk or a bike ride on the sidewalk. And when we're in...they'd rather be out! I'll admit, being able to just walk out the back door without descending 3 flights of stairs or an elevator ride down is pretty wonderful! The weather is cool in the morning and just right all day long. Graham's favorite outdoor activities include his auto-pitch t-ball thingy, playing lightsabers on the deck, digging in the dirt, riding the scooter and playing hopscotch. Hannah Reece prefers picking flowers, playing baseball, laying in the grass on a blanket, "playing princess" (spinning around in her dress in the grass) and riding her tricycle. These days, Roly-polys and caterpillars are our favorite source of entertainment!