Catching Up Again

It again has been a while since I was able to sit and update my blog. Mallory started Kindergarten in August. She seems to love it and especially loves the park at school ( playground). Mal's teacher is Mrs. Harned and she seems very sweet. Mallory is already learning so much. It amazes me how children are like little sponges at this age. I just whish my middle schoolers were the same. Right before school started back we went down to Georgia to visit family at the Harbin household. Mal of course had fun swimming in the pool the whole time. Jerry so graiciously let the kids check out his big trucks and stuff and we got some really cute pictures. I always enjoy my time spent with my kin folk down in Georgia :). Mallory has already asked on several occasions when she can go back to sleep with Aunt Brenda.

The Yellow house

Well, summer vacation is almost over and still Iam behind on my little blog. I wanted to post some photos of our annual family beach trip. The Yellow house is one of my favorite places in the world. Mostly because of the memories we have as a family there. Every summer since I was a senior in college my family makes the trip to Panama City to the same yellow house. As we drive down middle beach road you know that your long drive is coming to a glorious end. The smell of the sea begins to feel the air and you cant wait to take your shoes off and run in the sand. At different times there may be 15 to 20 of us crazy people. It is funny to see how all of the kids have grown since we've been there over the years. We have had many nights filled with laughter and tears. We also seem to solve the problems of the world on the patio of the house over looking the beautiful ocean. The past few years I have been blessed to watch my own babies discover the beauty of the ocean. We are so lucky as a family to have this special time and to have each other. I know that these are times that we will never forget and will cherish for many years to come. There is nothing more special than just being surrounded by family in the good times and bad. May we continue our time at the beach house for many years to come.

Let me explain a few of the pictures because they have little stories. The night of Pam's birthday we all went to Jimmy Buffet's Margarittaville which was a lot of fun. The food was actually pretty good and the Margaritta's :) Well there were people walking around on very tall stilts that would gladly embarrass someone if it was their birthday. They not only told Pam Happy Birthday very loud but also made this extremely tall balloon hat for her to wear during our dinner. It was quite funny. Mallory had to wear it after dinner as we walked through the shops of Pier Park. The picture of Mallory sleeping was when she snuck upstairs.Once I found her, I had to take a picture. It was so sweet. Cooper did not like the sand at all that is why there are very few pictures of him on the beach. He loves the water but not the sand. Mallory on the other hand could not get enough of the beach. She is like a fish and would stay in the ocean all day. We can't wait until next year!

Girls Trip to Disney

Wow! this summer has been very busy for us so far. It has been a while since I was able to update my blog. I will start off with our first adventure this summer. Mallory and I took a girls trip with our new friends Sally and her daughters;Gina, Rena and friends Sara and Kelly. We had so much fun. Disney is so much fun when your children are small especially if they are in to Disney stuff. Actually even if they are not it is great.

We spent most of our time at Disney's Magic Kingdom that is probably our favorite although Animal Kingdom is pretty cool. This is our second trip to Disney but Mal and I both were able to do a little more this time. Last time I was pregnant with Cooper and she was a little smaller. Mallory was able to ride almost everything and she did. Those of you that know me are aware that Iam not a big fan of big rides. Mallory however seems to have no fear and drug me on everything. I have to say I had a blast. Mallory also got to go inside Cinderella's castle to Biddie Boddidi Boutique( I know the spelling was probably wrong). This was pretty neat. Mallory was treated like the princess she believes herself to be. They even called her princess Mallory. They did her hair, makeup and nails. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. Mallory also got to visit the princesses which was very special. We also went to Hollywood studios and saw High School Musical, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. The shows are truly like Broad way shows. Anyway, I could go on about the trip all day. We also spent one day at our condo which was very nice and even had a lazy river pool which Mal loved. I feel blessed to be able to take Mallory on this trip and spend this time with just her. I also enjoyed getting to know our new friends even better.

Coopers First Birthday

Our little boy turned one on April 18th. I can not believe how fast Coopers first year of life has went by. He is such a joy to us and a blessing. Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life I forget how lucky Mike and I are to have two beautiful children. Every day I try to let my kids know I love them the best way I know how. Although, some days that is not easy when the baby is crying and my five year old is throwing dress up clothes at me and saying " you are not the boss of me!".

One thing I have learned from my children is perspective. Life is all about perspective. Sometimes as a mom I get so caught up in being were I think I'm supposed to be or what activities my children should be doing that I forget just to stop and enjoy them. I guess everyone is guilty of that. I had a friend point out an important fact to me the other day. It is not what you say you do, it is how you treat others that show who you really are. I guess in a since it is the same way God sees us all. Most of all I hope Cooper grows up to be a happy person. Whatever that may be I know that Mike and I will always love him and be here for him and Mallory. I also hope that they find God in there life and understand that God loves us ALL as his own children.

Anyway, Cooper is almost walking and has several teeth and some coming in. He has had a rough month with ear infections and cutting several teeth at once. Hopefully this month will be better for the little guy. He sure can crawl fast especially when it comes to catching up with Mal. He wants to play with her toys more now and that is an issue at times. Cooper also loves to be with his Daddy. I have a feeling that Cooper and his Daddy will be very close pals for a long time. He just lights up when Mike enters a room. When Mike picks him up he barres his little head into Mike's chest. It is so sweet. Mike is such a good Daddy to his kids. Im also blessed to have a good father for my children and best friend for me. Oh, Cooper had a great party well I'm not sure he knew what was going on but he did enjoy his gifts. He loved opening presents. I guess he comes by that honestly. I do too. His cake was from Mag Pies and it was delicious. Cooper even had his own little buddies there to help him celebrate. Kate and Brooks joined in on the fun too.

Happy First Birthday Cooper!! We love you very much!

Catching Up

Well, it has been about five weeks since Ive updated this blog so I will try to catch up. The past five weeks Mike and I both have basically worked constantly. I filled in at a school for a teacher on maternity leave and loved it. I hope to be there next year. We had a wonderful Easter with a full day of activities. Mass was nice and a little different than usual. We of course had the typical crazy family get together. Cooper actually enjoyed his first easter especially with the help of big sister Mallory.