Hello Friends & Family

Do you remember us?  Catching you up from last April seems daunting which is one of the many reasons I haven't sat down to document our happenings.  After our family vacation in Florida we all stood by my sister's side while her and Marc exchanged the most special wedding vows (which they wrote themselves by the way).

 Our kiddos walking down the aisle on Mia's big day

The Beautiful Bride on her wedding day

Our summer in Chicago was HOT HOT HOT and actually is still going strong in late September.  Mason enjoyed summer camp and trips to the pool on the weekends.  Ava came into her own; adding many words to her vocabulary and a strong love for "brother" wanting to do everything he does.  Her personality is one for the books...she is strong and encompass every aspect of the word physically and mentally.  She is also my little dare devil which has left us with no choice but to put our kitchen chairs on top of our table/counter tops.  Needless to say this season of life keeps me on my toes and my gas tank empty by the end of the day (another reason for the lack of posts). 

Our kids have really grown this summer!  They seem to interact more which is the most heartwarming thing to watch, when they are giving each other kisses or Mason is trying to have full blown conversions with Ava.  One of their very favorite things to do is dance together and boy do they have some moves.  It is also extremely frustrating, as they fight over one car when we have a million or one just doesn't want to be touched by the other (usually Mase).  Either way our hearts are full but so are our hands.

They don't even know how much love they have for each other

Pool Day at RLCC

Loves her purse and our day at the arboretum

Mason started school in late August and moved up to the 3's program.  He loves loves loves school.  Every morning and usually after every nap he asks if its a school day.  Here is a picture of him from his first day.

Ava and I go to an open gym class once a week along with a class at the library which includes lots of singing.  I hope I'm not biting my tongue but she is way more into circle time then Mason was at that age.  She sits and repeats "songs songs songs" until the teacher gets things rockin' and rolling.

As for Matt and I; we took our first real trip away from the kids at the beginning of the mouth and I really struggled with leaving the kids.  Like up worried the three night before we left kinda struggle.  By the time we got to the airport my worry dissipated and I enjoyed every part of being away and coming back.  One disclaimer, for some reason I thought I would come home well rested but that was so not the case at all.

Scottsdale AZ 9.10.16

Spring Break 2016

We headed back to Florida for Spring Break 2016 (aka the best family trip we have taken to date)!  The weather is sunny Florida was just that and the heat and sunshine did us all a little good.  It was the first trip we have even taken just us and it was so nice to enjoy our family of four.  Every night I went to bed feeling so blessed and lucky for all that I have.

Mason spent most of the trip in the pool, some time at the beach eating green slushies and more ice cream then I would like to admit.  Ava on the other hand, had a love hate relationship with the pool.  She wanted to be in it but once she was she wanted out.  In her defense, there isn't much out there as far as flotation devices for toddlers that weight 20 pounds (I will be on the hunt for something for the summer though).  Ava did love playing out on the lanai, taking a shower for the first time and seeing all the people around walking their dogs.  Both kids enjoyed shedding the many layers needed during Spring in Chicago and so did I.

 

Pool time fun!

Most of Matt's family lives in Florida so they were able to take some time to come visit.  We had a great sushi dinner and checked out a great farmers market the next day.  Mason especially loved having the house full of people and preforming for everyone.  Mike and Mary got a new little puppy and both kids couldn't keep their eyes of him.  It was nice that we were able to coordinate the visit and let everyone catch up and play with the kiddos.

Clearly, an amazing trip! The trip was the perfect amount of time as we all seemed to be dragging a little bit towards the end. We are already chatting about going back which is a true sign of a successful trip.

My Happy Place {Florida Trip 2015/2016}

1st Plan ride with 2 kids!

December 31, 2015 marks the first time we flew with 2 kids!  We woke the kids up too early to head south for some warmer temps and R&R.  The trip was fairly uneventful and when we landed the sun was shining bright.  The first day left Matt and I exhausted; we unpacked, went to the store, I took Mase to the pool (once I realized a nap wasn't happening) and started getting the house situated for 2 kiddos.  We made it through the hard day and we were both dreaming of the days ahead when our heads hit the pillow at 8:30 pm.

If you don't know, Florida is my happy place.  I love it there and apparently so does Mason. He adjusted well and didn't want to leave after being there for 2 weeks.

Despite everyone getting sick and staying sick on the trip it was so fun. Vacations don't really exist with two little kids. It's more like parenting in warmer weather and I'll take that. Chicago winters can be long so venturing out sans layers is a dream come true.

Some of the highlights of our trip were checking out the Wonder Garden, Naples  Children's Museum, the beach and the farmer's market. Oh and Mason's favorite swimming when the weather was warm enough. Overall, we had a successful trip and are all dreaming of going back. 

Naples Children's Museum, a huge hit with Mason!

Enjoying the sunset on the beach

Till next timeFlorida!