Easter With Family!!!

This year we got to spend Easter with family in Florida!!!

We got there very late on Thursday night, so I didn't get to see my silly cousins until Friday morning. At first I was a little nervous because my cousin Tyler and I have quite the history together. But this time around...it was perfect!!! We actually played together!







Half way through the day, we decided to take our fun outdoors!!!







On our walk back to my Auntie Lisa's house, we had to be sure to stop and visit all the flags!!!



Grandpa and Uncle Paul couldn't have come driving down the road at a more perfect time. Cousin Lauren had to use the rest room so badly, their lift really helped her out! Not only that, but I got to drive for the very first time!!!





I couldn't have asked for a better first day with my cousins, Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Lisa, Uncle Paul, Uncle Wes, and Mommy and Daddy! It was perfect!



Easter Eve Fun!!!
On Saturday morning we got word that the Easter Bunny visited the Tampa Yacht Club. So we all got together and headed out the door in order to find some of his Easter Eggs!!!



I was so excited when I saw there were ponies there for us to ride! I loved it! And was holding on so well, Daddy actually let go a couple times!









Afterwards, Grandpa and I spent some time looking at all the boats and flags!!!



Then it was time for the Egg Hunt!!! Off we went!!!







Afterwards, we all sat together and went through all our new cool eggs! We were excited to see the Easter Bunny had put candy, toys, and stickers in each one!!! Cousin Lauren did an excellent job! Cousin Tyler didn't mess around either! I on the other hand...well, I was one of the youngest there, but Cousin Lauren and Tyler were nice enough to give me some of theirs!







I thought my fun was going to end there. But there was much more to be had! Cousin Lauren got her face painted and was an Easter Bunny for the rest of the day!!!





I got to go swinging! And didn't let my egg go once!



And we also got to visit the farm animals they had there! I had lots to say to each of them, and they had lots to say back!





After a nice lunch together, it was time to head home and to get some Zzzzzzzz's! Cousin Lauren held my hand the entire way to the car, and made sure it was OK to cross the street by looking both ways first! What a great cousin!





Once we were well rested from our naps, we headed to the park with Mommy, Grandma, and Auntie Lisa, while the boys went out to get their traditional drinks together!









After the 100 times down the slide, the 100 times back and forth on the swings, and the 100 squirrels I chased...I sure was tired!



Easter Morning!!!
The next morning we got up bright and early to celebrate Easter. It was so nice to have the entire family together on such a special day. Grandma taught me more keys on the piano, and I played Row Row Row Your Boat with cousin Lauren. Then we all ate a yummy meal made by Grandma!







I also got to see my very first alligator at the entrance to Grandma and Grandpa's house! Mommy tells me they say "chop" "chop", so I stayed far away!



Halfway through the day we all said our goodbye's. Mommy, Daddy and me had to head to Sarasota so Daddy could give a talk about BlueSky to Ringling students!















Uncle Paul was nice enough to drive us to the car rental place so we had a car to drive around.



I had a nice time reading my placemat of flags that Grandma and Grandpa got for me!



On Monday, Daddy went to Ringling to give his talk to the students! He did such an amazing job! Everyone was so happy with him...but no one more than Mommy and me!!! While Daddy was there, I got to spend the day with Mommy at Jungle Gardens! The coolest part was feeding the Flamingo's! Even though Mommy was tense the entire time...she kept screeching when one would get too close to her...and me!









I was SO EXCITED to once again be at Mommy and Daddy's special hotel! We had a great time swimming, row row rowing the boat on the rocking chairs, and running around!





As always, we were so sad to have to leave. But were very greatful for the time we got to spend there! We took another picture to add to our balcony collection!

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Thanks everyone, for such a memorable Easter!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Dear Newest,

When Paul and I saw how much Eric enjoyed other kids, we knew, if at all possible, we'd love to give him a little brother or sister. Not to mention, the idea of being blessed with another child was one that got us very excited!!!

We are so excited to know, come September, that dream of ours will come true!!!

1st Trimester:
This time around was a bit different than when I was pregnant with Eric. With Eric, I had a pretty easy time. I'd have heightened gag reflexes, however, it never led to anything. Not so lucky this time around. There were plenty of mornings that sent me to the bathroom, and my nights weren't much better. I found the only way to really feel better was to make sure I sat still. However, that's pretty impossible with little man around, so most mornings were pretty difficult as we would be getting ready to head out for the morning.

With Eric, fruit flavored life savers were my life saver. However, those did nothing for me this time except make me want to gag! My savior this time around...Eric's juice boxes! hahahaha! Thank you Mott's for Tots, and thank you Eric for sharing with Mommy and new baby sibling!

Dear newest,
Your Daddy and I couldn't be more excited to have you enter the world! We have the same feelings as when we were expecting your brother, however, this time around has an extra level of excitement added to it. That being, not only are you going to enter the world and become part of our lives, but you are entering it, with an amazing big brother! Your Daddy and I couldn't be more excited to give you both the relationship of a sibling. You will play togther, fight with one another, love one another, and no matter what, will always be there for one another! It's going to be the best!!! We love you!!! And can not wait to meet you!!!

P.S. Mommy left a comment for you to one day read. There's this silly thing called FaceBook, that allows all friends to talk to one another. Mommy and Daddy hadn't joined at the time when we were having your brother, but, I attached all our friends comments to our announcement of you! Everyone was so excited to hear the news, I just had make it part of this post so you will always know just how excited we all are for you!

And last but not least...
Dear Mom/Grandma, I know you have been asking and asking and asking for a belly picture. I do promise to have one for you shortly, but in the meantime, picturing a female version of the boy below, will give you a good idea of things!

Bye bye bars...hello freedom!

Now that I am 17 months old, I no longer have to sleep in a crib at school!

Mommy just had to come during lunch to see me trying out my brand new cot! My teachers told Mommy and Daddy that I did and excellent job with my transition! Not only that, but they couldn't find my pacifier, so I took a nap without one! Turns out I did such a good job, that my naps have been pacifier free for 3 days now! Mommy and Daddy think they will wait just a wee bit longer before they try that at night time. They will give it just a little longer for me to get used to, before they go and possibly ruin their perfect night sleep!

Here I am on my new cot! (Yes, Mommy shed a tear or two when taking this picture!) And below that is me and my best bud Halle! She loves her cot so much, that when she wakes, she like to stay and hang out in it for a while before she gets out!

Next is a big boy bed at home! We are so proud of you Eric!!!

Happy Easter!!!

Last Saturday Mommy and Daddy took me to the mall to get a new pair of shoes! To their surprise, the Easter Bunny was visiting! So what did we do...visit him!

Lady: How old is he?
Mommy: Just about to turn 17 months.
Lady: Ok, you should keep his back towards the Easter Bunny so he doesn't get scared. Then you place him in his lap and run out of the way quickly and we'll snap the picture.
Mommy: Sure.
Eric: Who's holding me? (Looks up to find it's a huge white rabbit!)
Camera Lady: SNAP!
Mommy: Perfect plan lady...perfect plan!

(For now, this is a picture of the picture. Mommy will scan in the real picture soon)

The Camera Lady tried to snap more pictures, and was confused out of her mind why Mommy and Daddy picked this one. But, this is what happened when I saw the Easter Bunny for the first time, so this is what they wanted to remember! Not to mention they thinks it's hysterical!

Once I got down, I had tons of fun playing with the Easter Bunny. (Mommy has video but it doesn't want to upload at the moment. So she will try again later.) For now, we hope all of our family and friends had a very HAPPY EASTER!!!