Summer Fun With The Slocums

Today we had a summer playdate with the Slocums. They have a small swimming pool in the backyard and a great swingset that the kids love playing on. The weather was cloudy and a cool 80 degrees. It was fun to watch Allyson try to hang with the big kids. She thinks that she is able to do anything that anyone else is able to do. Nothing is going to stop this 17 month old. Heck, she even used the potty yesterday. Dylan and Gunnar had a great time playing together. These two miss each other since they don't go to school together anymore. Thank goodness for playdates.

Melissa and I had a chance to visit and catch up with each other. I have a lot of friends, but I don't have many friends that have children that are comparable ages or that live near us. And it probably doesn't help that I am a self proclaimed workaholic that doesn't allow herself much time other than to hit the gym five days a week. It is nice to find friends that have kids that are the same age as your children. I don't know who needed the playdate more...the kids or Melissa and me. Melissa, thanks for always being so hospitable. Thanks for ALWAYS being available ever when I don't accept your help. I am so blessed to have you as a friend.

Time With Mom (Mimi)

It seems like time flies by so quickly when my mom comes to visit. It is probably because we are having such fun that the time gets away from us. Mimi comes about once a season on a regular year, or more often when there are special occasions like having a new baby. Mimi coming to see us is more exciting than having Santa Claus come to our house. Mimi also bears gifts, but she also shares her time with us and makes all of our lives easier. I can never tell who the most excited person is about her visit, probably me, but I guess it depends on who you ask. I'm sure each of us would have the same answer, me.

This visit was spent shopping, cooking, and having fun. We went to the Chesapeake Children's Museum and the kids had so much fun. Mimi made her fabulous meals and we are set for the next month. Mimi also spent time cooking with the kids. They made special cupcakes for fathers day and yummy oatmeal cookies with raisins and chocolate chips. Mimi also babysat the kids while Kevin and I went out on two dates. Mimi and I took Dylan on a lunch date after he asked me to go on a date with him.

Mimi, We enjoy your visits so much. Thank you for coming for a visit. We can't wait to see you in Texas.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Kevin. I am so sad that you are out of town on this very special day. Of course we will have fun celebrating while you are gone and of course we will celebrate again when you are back home. I know I tell you all of the time that you are a great dad, but I don't know if you realize it. I know you often feel sad that your job requires so much travel and I know it is painful for you to think about the times you are missing. I'll never forget the time you came home from training on the way to get Dylan's haircut. I've never seen you cry before. That was really hard to see you so upset. Even tough guys cry. As tough as you are, you are so connected to your feelings and the people that are important to you. I know how much you love your children and the time you are able to spend with them. I truly am in awe hearing your nighttime converstions with Dylan and the learning that takes place. He is learning so many valuable life lessons with the big bear, little bear stories. He is probably the most knowledgable three year old when it comes to geography. Ally adores you, too. It is so fun to see you connect with both of them. I know you love your time outside with them. Dylan and Ally love working in the yard and cleaning the cars. They love playing soccer outside and swinging on the swings.

I feel so fortunate that I found someone who is a great husband and a great dad. I probably don't tell you enough, but you are great. I am lucky and I am glad that after all of this time, I am still married to my best friend. I really enjoy our time together. I'm sad it didn't work out for me to join you on your adventure today. We will be here when you get home.

Note: Your favorite pictures and the pictures of you and Ally will be added. They are on your computer and you have it with you.

Severna Park, Maryland

It is a rare occasion on the weekend that we are all off and have someone that can take our family picture. Just so happens that Kevin is off and my mom is here to take pictures. Today we decided to take our pictures ate Severna Park United Methodist Church where we have made our church home. While the kids at donuts in the garden, I realized that this was a beautiful sight. Of the areas near us, we love Severna Park. It is where our kids go to preschool and hopefully we will move here so the kids can continue to go through the schools in this area. Most people love this area for the river or golf course, but neither of those are important to us. This area was so out of reach when we first moved here, but now that we are accustomed to the Maryland way of living, we hope to make it our home someday.

Taking family pictures is always an adventure. We came prepared with two cameras and lots of patience. After about 150 pictures, I think we found a few we like. It is just so hard to have two children focus on smiling for the camera. They are precious and we adore them, but they are so full of energy.

What's Cooking, Mimi?

Our precious Mimi has cooked something up again. Mimi always comes in tow with gifts a plenty, many of which she has made herself. This visit, Mimi made fancy aprons and chef hats for Dylan and Allyson. The kids loved them. They have yet to help Mimi cook one of her famous meals, but they have run around the house playing in their kitchen gear. You are so talented Mimi.

When Mimi comes to visit, she takes care of all of us. She cooks, cleans, and holds down the hacienda while I try to take it easy. Mimi brings recipes and makes some of her favorite dishes that we all love.

Mimi, we are so glad you are here. Thank you for all that you do for us. We are looking forward to the rest of your visit.

Happy 8th Anniversary!!!

Today is our anniversary. I'm in Maryland and Kevin is on another continent. He will be home tomorrow and we will go out one night this week. I enjoyed the day with my mom and the kids. I spent a lot of time today reflecting on the last eight years. Two houses, two states, and two kids later...here we are in 2009. We have done so much, but yet there is so much that I still want to do. I decided to come up with a list of eight things I would like to see happen in the next eight years. I am curious to see what the future will bring.
1. Work less and have more fun!

2. Travel.

3. Have another baby.

4. Spend more time with the kids as a family.

5. Spend more time with Kevin.

6. Buy our ideal house.

7. Reach all goals that we set.

8. Make date night a priority.

We celebrated our anniversary on Friday night. We went to Carrabba's and had a great time. I feel fortunate for having my family. I married a great guy and the kids are great. While we went out, the kids and Mimi played bubbles in the backyard, swang on the swingset, and played playdough. Thanks Mom for watching the kids. Thanks Kevin for the last 15 years and sharing this life with me.

I'm Back!!!!

It has been awhile since I've blogged about our family. We've sold the house in Texas, Allyson had tubes put in her ears, and I am still trying to get back to normal from my surgery. Hopefully, I will be posting more often now that the kids are out of school. It seems to lighten the load a bit.

2520 Hazel

2520 Hazel. This was the address of our first house. We spent countless hours remodeling this house. Uncle Bob and Kevin worked so hard to renovate this house. Of course, I endured the drywall, endless shopping trips to Lowes and a bit of drama that goes along with renovating a home. I loved this house. Beautiful custom drapery made by mom, 2700 square feet of wood floors that were refinished, the large closet that was added for all of my clothes, the new kitchen, bathroom, new electrical wiring, garage and garage apartment. I could fill the page with all that was done on this house. So much love went into making this house our home. Dylan, I wish you had a chance to really play on the basketball court with your dad. I'm sad that we have sold this home, but the blood, sweat, and tears that were put into this house will pave an incredible future for our family. Kevin, we did well. I'm proud of all of your efforts. Bob, thank you for all your hard work and we are thankful you recovered from the fall. Someday we will look back and think, wow, we were so ahead of ourselves.

Note: This is a picture from 2003, a few months into our project. I can't locate a recent one.