Milestones in my world...

Ok so three huge things have happened this week:
1. We have a new member in our family. Jamie and Sarah (brother and sister-in-law) just had their second son, Charlie Allyn. He is precious. A little china doll-baby. We love him so!



2. El learned how to ride a bike!!! It was the neatest thing ever. We put her bike in the back of the van, picked up some Chipotle and headed to the local park. We ate our dinner at some picnic tables, and then put the brave lil' 4 year old on her bike. RD ran next to her for about 20 seconds and then let go. He would grab, let go, grab, let go. Then he just never grabbed again. She GOT IT in about 3 minutes. Next thing we knew---she was ridin all around the park.

Everyday since then she has been buzzing around on her bike. A big shot, let me tell ya! We are so incredibly proud of her. Neither of us could believe how quickly she caught onto this and she could have cared less. It was like a "walk in the park" for El. Next step...teaching her how to water ski this summer- that's MY task! Yaaaay!


3. I registered for my first triathalon today...July 26th is the big race. It's a women's only event, sponsered by "Elite Endeavors." I'm freaked out, but a few friends are doing it with me. So I'm excited about that. It's a 400 yard swim, a 13 mile bike, and then a 5K run. Not too bad...it's just the nonstop workout (with 3 different workouts) that I'm worried about. I feel like I'm in pretty good shape after doing P90X, so we'll see I guess. Although today I did 25 min. on the elliptical, 25 min. on the bike, then ran a mile and a half and I feel pretty much like a noodle! Praise God for almost two more months to train for this. Yikes.

So that's our news...the latest...the scoop.

Forgot to post....

I just realized that I thought I had posted pics on here from our trip to Columbus after Hilton Head. We went down there to celebrate Ryan's mom's 60th b-day. Part of it she was involved in the planning and the other half was a surprise. It was a GREAT family weekend together. Here are some pics of our time.
**Linda is hanging in there. She is more and more tired because she is simply sleeping awful. She had another scan in a month or so. Please continue to pray for longevity for her precious life. Thank you.**

Nothin like a Saturday

This is truly my favorite day of the week.
Sleeping in (which, yes- is 7 or 7:15 AM for me), the ONLY morning of the week where RD and I wake up together, watchin cartoons with the girls under our covers with us, a never ending cup of hot coffee in an actual mug and not a traveling mug, PJs until...well, whenever I feel like getting dressed, and pancakes or egg sandwiches together as a Fam. I honestly don't think it gets much better than this. It's OUR family day and I absolutely love it.

We then went to this "family fun day" with our neighbors and their kids. They said there would be a bouncy thing, food, games & prizes, etc. Well it was at the local speech and hearing center and needless to say it was NOT what we thought. HeHe. In order to even get the girls a balloon, we had to go through their speech and hearing stations. Let's just say that RD was not a fan of the parking lot fishing in a kiddie pool on this overcast drizzly day. Ha, it made me laugh!

But that was followed up with a great lunch and a great workout down here in our basement. We decided that instead of buying a membership somewhere this year we would purchase weights and a bench to accompany our elliptical. It's actually been great; El was able to join us and/or work in her workbook while we did our thang.

Off to clean out a closet right now and then out for the evening with some friends.
Blessings to anyone who might be checkin in today...I hope you are enjoying your Saturday just as much. :)

mommy and me teatime

So today all the mommys were invited to El's preschool. WHAT a joy!! All of the mini tables had pink table cloths on them with fresh flowers. The tables were set with snacks, brownies, and fancy punch. The kiddos sang us a couple songs (all of the moms got teary-eyed of course) and then we sat down with them at the tables. El had drawn a picture of her and I that the teachers got laminated...oh my gosh it was so sweet. Of course El really had no clue as to really what mother's day is OR even how to articulate why she loves me. But that 30 minutes with her this morning was seriously so great. Then of course it happened to be a day that her daddy took her on a date, too! So she got special time with both of us today. Lucky gal! And I am so blessed to have the girls that I do. Man oh man I love being a mom.

In addition to those things---SWIM LESSONS! So fun- she is so excited about the water. And taking a shower afterwards in the locker room...nothing better in the world of Miss El.

I don't have a whole lot of deep stuff to say or share right now- i'm just flat out tired tonight. I'm seeing that ANNOYING Alltel commercial on TV right now...I think they play it @ every break on every station.
Ok so goodnight!

Last Batch of Pics from the trip

Pics from the trip!!

Chillin in Hilton Head

Sittin here at a beach house---pretty much amazing! (Thanks Mom and Dad!!)
70s early in the week
50s yesterday: sat in a jacuzzi tub, took a freezing cold bikeride, bought our Satly Dog T-shirts
BUT...gonna be 70s the next two days. :)

Gotta love it.
Trips to Publix. Breakin up fights between the girls and Jack. Too much food but ooooh so good. Couple of great movies (Seven Pounds and Eagle Eye). Nonstop activity with 3 kids 4 and under. (plus my big kid/grown up brother, hubby, and brother-in-law to be...they are just as nutty).
Bikerides. Mini trips to the horse farm. A lil' P90x with Kiki. Beach time---sand castles galore. And a tasty beer here and there.

Vacation----YES!

Pics to come...