Raising Our Trio

5.29.2009

Babies' First Beach Trip

This week Kathryn, Owen and I went to Destin with my family. I am happy to say that Bruce and I have two beach babies who love the sand, water and sun (in very small doses of course). The babies didn't seem to mind their hats or sunglasses at all and kept them on the entire time we were outside...that was something I didn't expect. We spent time in the baby pool and big pool and tried out their new floats which were a big hit.

We were excited that my grandparents were able to drive down and join us this week too. It's been several years since we've spent time together at the beach, something we used to do at least once every summer when I was growing up. When we first planned this trip in February it was hard to imagine our tiny babies being old enough or big enough to enjoy the beach or even driving three hours by myself with them to get there. But now knowing that they love it and after watching them take in the new sounds and sights, we will definitely head to the beach more often while we're here on the coast. They are excellent traveling buddies. Here are pictures from this week.

5.17.2009

Family Road Trip

Yesterday we decided it was time for our family to take a road trip to New Orleans and we had a great time! When we got home it was baths, bottles and bed, but Kathryn and Owen were so worn out we couldn't get them to finish eating which says a lot. It was a beautiful, hot day but a rain shower cooled things off and made everyone a little more comfortable.

We started the day off by taking Owen and Kathryn down to the River Walk where Bruce and I got engaged almost 5 years ago! It was hard to believe that we were standing in the exact same spot where our family began so to speak. We then headed to Johnny's for po-boys, but as many of you have seen, our double stroller is the size of a small bus and we couldn't fit it into the restaurant. So we found another restaurant and ate outside with the babies.

Because Bruce and I both felt that the babies were of course too young to remember and sleeping for that matter, we strolled down Bourbon Street just to say we did. After that we made our way to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. As always, it was packed and our stroller wouldn't fit so we got them to go. They taste just as good on the go as they do sitting down. It was late afternoon by this point so we knew it was time to call it a day and head home. It's amazing how much the babies love a day out of the house and even though it takes a lot of planning and prep, a day out of the house is easier than a day at home if that makes sense. Needless to say, it was fun for everyone.

Here are a few pictures from the day. We have a beach trip coming up soon so we'll post more then.

Where it all began!

Cafe Du Monde...yummy!

By this point, we were hot, tired and had been rained on but that wasn't enough to keep us from enjoying the day

Getting ready to leave - you never know when you'll need your sunglasses. We should all look so stylish when we wear shades.

5.10.2009

A Wonderful Mother's Day

Today was my first Mother's Day and what a wonderful day it was! I'm not sure that I can explain just how lucky and blessed I feel to have a beautiful daughter and son who are happy and healthy. Today was a celebration not only because I am now a mommy to our sweet babies, but because God has blessed us in more ways than we can count. It's days like today that remind us to put aside all the things we think our important and focus on the things that really matter like family, good health, love and laughter.

Bruce was so sweet to take the morning wake-up for me so I could rest a little more (sleep is a great gift!). Then we visited a new church, had lunch at the greatest Mexican restaurant ever and came home to hang out and enjoy the pretty weather. To top it all off, our little Owen rolled over for the first time today! Way to go Owen! Grandmother also came down this week to see us and although it was a quick trip we loved seeing her and we got to celebrate Mother's Day early together.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and moms-to-be out there. Enjoy your day!

5.02.2009

A Quick Update

So we finally made it to Biloxi! Yay! We are loving our new house and living on the beautiful Gulf Coast. Thanks to Uncle Scott and Bruce, the house was all set up and waiting for us when the babies and I arrived last weekend. Thank you Uncle Scotty for driving down to help!! Now we're just putting the finishing touches on everything - I promise to post more pictures of the house soon.

I've also included a few pictures of the babies. Bruce and I took them to the A-Day game a couple of weeks ago and believe it or not it was actually a pretty easy day. The main reason we stayed in Alabama until the end of April was to take Kathryn and Owen to Tuscaloosa so they could "see" where mommy and daddy met and "watch" a game inside Bryant-Denny. Oh how we can't wait for football season and to take the babies back when they can enjoy it a little more! That's about it for now, just wanted to let everyone know we're here and we'll post more soon.

Play time in our new bedroom

Moving is exhausting

Sister playing while brother napped - in only one week the babies went from being able to sit in these seats for about 2 minutes to playing in them happily for 20 minutes.

A couple of house shots for ya' - Bruce and I are pretty excited about our new dining room table and buffet! Finally a place to sit and eat - we had to sell our last table when we were in Virginia because there wasn't room for that and all of the baby stuff in our tiny house. Just so you know, I did not ask Parker to pose here...he just likes to have his picture taken.

Daddy and his babies before the ride home - Kathryn had been wearing white since Owen was wearing crimson that day, but as babies often do, she had an accident around half time and we had to head to the car for a wardrobe change. Note to all new parents...always travel with at least one change of clothing. You'll never regret it!

Nick Saban walking on the field during the game

A family picture in front of the stadium - it was so good to be back!

4.13.2009

Babies' First Easter

It was a great first Easter for Kathryn and Owen. We went to church with my family and then had lunch with Bruce's family. It was nice to be home and to be able to split our time with each family - something we've missed doing the past couple of years.

Kathryn wore the same dress I wore on my first Easter so that was special to me; I couldn't believe my Mom still had it and that it was in such perfect condition. Owen came extremely close to rolling over on Sunday. After lunch we all just sat around on the living room floor watching him try his hardest to make it happen. It won't be long now. He is one determined little boy!

The Easter Bunny brought all kinds of fun things for our little ones (and so did their sweet Grandmothers!)- it was a fun day for all of us and I have to say, having babies makes the holidays more fun than I could have ever imagined. We're headed to Biloxi next week so we'll post more once we're settled. But for now here are a few pictures from Easter and the past week.

Mommy and her babies

Daddy and his little buddy...or should I say "mini-me"

Time for a picture with Grandmama...the babies love her so much!

Uncle Scotty and Daddy on baby duty

Our little family on one of our daily strolls

This was the first time we put Owen and Kathryn in their stroller without their car seats - they seemed to enjoy it and held themselves up quite well.