Destin...oh my goodness!!!

We have just returned from an amazing long weekend in Destin, FL with Jason, Sarah, Ansley, Ryan, and Whitney Bandermann.  We had a blast though the travel took a little longer than planned.  We stayed on the 16th floor of Aerial Dunes II where we had the most stunning view on all sides!

Wednesday:  The drive began at 3:00am with arrival happening around 3:30pm.  We got the cars unloaded, bags unpacked, and headed off to Buster's for enough crab legs to last us til next summer.  The boys then made a trip to the grocery store to load up for the weekend.

Thursday:  Matt, Ryan, Whitney, Sarah, Jason, and Ansley went to the beach for a little while before lunch.  I got to spend some time at the condo while Alex napped.  We all grabbed some lunch and spent the afternoon at the swimming pool.  Alex loved his float and greatly enjoyed kicking his feet in the water.  We then enjoyed an amazing dinner at Joe's Crab Shack!!!

Friday:  Matt, Jason, Ryan, and Whitney headed off for a round of golf while Sarah and I enjoyed some pool time with the babies.  They didn't last long as nap time was fast approaching so after a quick swim, we headed back up to the condo for naptime.  Everybody returned from golf with some great stories about Ryan being Whitney's caddy...  The afternoon brought another trip down to the pool where Alex took his nap stretched out in the breeze.  We then ate dinner at Hog's Breathe Saloon.  Matt and I had never eaten here but it definitely a place we will return to.  Alex gave us many laughs at dinner as he was loving and kissing all over us.  He and Ansley exchanged some kisses and Ansley tried to share Dawson the dog with Alex.

Saturday:  We were already dreading the fact that this was our last day...  We headed to the pool but it was too cold for Alex to enjoy from the rainstorm the night before.  Matt was sweet enough to take Alex up to the condo so that I could go enjoy some rays on the beach.  Ryan, Sarah, Whitney, and myself enjoyed the beach while Matt and Jason hung with the babies.  After lunch, we packed up and made our way to the outlets.  We got Matt some nice polos for extremely cheep and found Alex a bib that says "future pilot" on it with a little airplane (so cute!).  We all grabbed 1 last amazing dinner at The Crab Trap and then made our way down to the beach for some pictures.  Needless to say, the wind made for some great hairdo's!!!

Sunday:  Rise and Shine as we hit the road at 7:30am and sadly left Destin with plans of our next beach trip in mind.

Thanks you guys for an amazing weekend!  Matt and I continue to add amazing memories from our annual trips to Destin!

Where have 5 months gone?

As hard as it is for me to believe... Alex turned 5 months old today!  I am stealing the idea from my friend, Sarah, to post the milestones each month that Alex achieves.  I hope you all share in the excitement and yet sadness that our little man is growing up so fast.

WOW... 5 months old
* You are absolutely loving to eat from a spoon.  We have started you on rice cereal and apples and you have no problem attempting to feed yourself with the spoon.

* I think you are starting to teethe.  The drool has begun, you were running a little fever today and wanted nothing more than to chew on the bottle nipple that had cold juice in it.

* Daddy has seen you roll from your belly to your back.  I can't wait to see it for myself!

* Sleeping through the night has become more and more frequent.  We are not having to do any more night feedings but you still wake at times just wanting your nuknuk.

* You are enjoying talking to G-mom and G-papa on skype.  Though we don't get to see them, you love to watch the computer when you hear their voices coming from it.

* You have started belly laughing at random things like momma sneezing and daddy tickling your belly.  I get teary eyed every time I watch you and daddy play on your changing table.  You absolutely love him with all your heart.

* We have decided for daddy to run Spectrum Gymnastics so he can be at home with you during the day while mommy's at work.  You don't realize yet how much relief this gives me and how happy it makes me that you get to spend time together.

* We missed Ansley's birthday party but got to wish her a Happy 1st Birthday on the 4th of July.  The 2 of you have some great playing times ahead.

* GiGi, MiMi, Aunt Liz, and cousin JR came to visit.  You and JR are absolutely precious together.  We have decided that JR is going to cause the trouble while you sit back and observe him getting into trouble.  This was GiGi's first time getting to meet you and I know she holds a special place in her heart for you.

* You went swimming for the first time when we spent the weekend in Tunica, MS with G-mom and G-papa.  We spent the days at the motorhome and fed you rice cereal for the first time.  Your face was priceless but it didn't take long for you to catch on.

* We found out that your Aunt Staci and Uncle K will be having a little girl named Avery Ann in early November.  We can't wait for her arrival and what fun Christmas is going to be in the next few years.

We are looking forward to what the next month brings.  We will be headed to Destin, FL with Sarah, Jason, and Ansley Bandermann, and Whitney and Ryan Bandermann.  Can't wait for your first trip to the beach... will post about that another day.

July 2nd

This date will forever hold a special place in my heart.  It was 5 years ago today that Matt and I exchanged vows with each other, not knowing where life might be 5 years later.  On another note, this day 31 years ago is when it all began for me.  My parents were wed and made their commitment to each other.  I learned so much from them over the past 27 years and can't wait for Matt and I to be celebrating 30+ years together.  And the most recent excitment on this date was 1 year ago when we found out that we would be expecting our first child.  We had been trying for 18 months and weren't sure that a baby was in God's plan for us at that time.  I will never forget when Matt came out of the room while I was sitting on the couch in Destin and he gave me a hug.  I automatically thought the test was negative again and he was consoling me until he asked if I was ready to be a mommy... boy was I ever! 
For these 3 reasons, July 2nd will forever mean the world to me!