The Bar

A few of my closest friends from law school are taking the Bar Exam today. (Good Luck Ladies!!!) I have to admit that it felt really weird to check into the Westin over the weekend to host Jeannie's Bachelorette Party.  It just so happens that I will be staying at that Westin in 6 months when I take the bar (panic attack). I was checking out, bar takers were checking in.  A few photos from the Bachelorette and Graham's Birthday dinner...

The Spanish Sardine

There are some experiences that you walk away from and just think, "wow, that was awesome"! Our fishing charter on the Spanish Sardine in St. Pete was one of those experiences. 

Ellison and I planned the trip as a birthday surprise for Graham. Let's face it, a day long fishing excursion with a three year old could have gone either way. Captain Rios encouraged me to make it a family trip and I am so happy that I listened.  Graham, Papa, Ellison and I had a great time catching a total of 19 fish!  Most the of the fish went back into the water.  The coolest catch of the day was a puffer fish.  The worst catch of the day, my first catch, a lizard fish (lizards are gross). The most  coveted and tastiest catch was a 23 in trout.

So the absolute best part of the day happened the during the last 10 minutes of the trip.  Ellison all of the sudden wanted to fish like the boys.  This meant switching from the pink pole to the orange one and standing at the front of the boat - like the men.  It was the end of the trip, so as Ellison was reeling in, she found a small fish on her hook.  She broke out in a celebratory song and dance with the largest smile ever. What we did not tell her is that the small fish on the hook was the bait fish :)

Life is lovely! Thank you Captain Rios for the amazing day! I can't wait until Dylan is old enough to join us.

Getting Old!

Honestly, I have to give Graham a hard time - he despises aging. I think "dreading" is appropriate to explain his feelings leading up to the big day.  However, after all of the celebrations and love by his family, friends, and co-workers (and more celebrating to come this weekend), I think he took the day (and new age) in stride.  Happy Birthday to a wonderful husband, father, and friend. We love you! 

I won't state his age.
Don't bother counting the candles,
I didn't have enough room for all of them!

   

Ellison helped me bake and decorate the cake.

After each enjoying a slice, Ellison declared that the last 2 pieces were for her and Daddy.  Check out the rather large slices! She batted away Grandpa from enjoying another piece.

Ellison loves Livi.
(Dylan slept through the celebration)

 

Go, Rubber Ducky, Go!

The Great Duck Derby was this Saturday at Mead Park.  Our plan was to decorate and race some rubber ducks for a good cause.  Ellison had other plans... to decorate, race, and win the race.  And as she will happily, or not so happily, explain to you, "our duck was slow, it's rubber, and lost".  Shocked, I know!

Ellison painted two ducks, one for her and one for Dylan.

With the amount of paint, I am just happy she floated!

Dylan could care less about the ducks.

  

Go Glam or Go Home

"Go Glam or Go Home" should be Ellison's slogan.  On Saturday, Ellison was invited to our neighbor's house to decorate cookies for the Ronald McDonald House.  Ellison dressed in her best cookie decorating outfit, including heels, and marched on over.  

Needless to say, three cookies in and Ellison started to eat product instead of decorate the product.  A dozen decorated cookies later (thanks to me) and two juice boxes, Ellison declared that she had completed enough cookies and we could head home.



Afterall, she was perfectly dressed to play tennis.  Plus she needed to practice so she could play tennis with Jake again.

Alas, Ellison found her way over to the swing to do what she does best... throw back het hair, belt out some tunes, and glam it up!

It was an exhausting Saturday!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

You can have the sweetest little girl and the sweetest little boy in the
whole entire world, but they may still never cooperate for a picture.

Luckily, this sweet guy stood still long enough
for me to take one face-forward shot. 
A minute later he slammed the door in my face.

Super stylish E was cooperative on her own terms.
(Whatever, I will take what I can get)

A Pinterest idea in action.
And surprise, surprise, I can deem this project a success. . .
unlike those darn bento box ideas.
Bento box, you ask?  Don't get me started!

Musings by Ellison

Ellison is hillarious!  Just take a look at my Facebook status messages from the past three months...

"Ellison pulls everything out of her dress up drawer and explains, "I am trying to look magnifique." So I suggest a necklace. She responds, "you really need to focus on your own self." Point taken, thanks!"

"After spending several hours at a makeup seminar, I ask ellison how my makeup looks, "um, it looks good, but I think you could still use a necklace. Maybe some pearls.""

"As I peer my head through the bathroom door, Ellison says, "just a second, Mom." And proceeds to slam the door. Who's thinking there is something going on in there that shouldn't be?"

"While playing, Graham hears Ellison say, "we need to set a schedule. Then we can work on the business plan." An entreprenuer at age 3... I like it. Love that girl!"



Dressed as Rapunzel and ready to spring into action with the frying pan.

"Ellison just gave me 2 choices, "take Dylan away from play area or destroy him." I decided the first was the better choice!"

 

Punxsutawney Phil

Did you hear the news?  Apparently, we will have six more weeks of winter.  I think Groundhog Phil should move his camp to Florida and make his predictions.  All I know is that the water table was out this weekend and the kids were enjoying a nice summer winter day.

No More Pouting (by me)

So it's official, I lost my super cute and tiny camera.  I am not going to lie, I have been pouting and throwing mini fits.  I am slowly coming to terms with the loss.  (Yep, I am ridiculous... I realize this.) 

I have decided to move forward and finally upload pictures from my big camera.  Did I tell you how easy it was to upload pictures from my new camera?  I guess it doesn't really matter... since its lost!  (Yep, ridiculous)

Ellison made cupcakes to celebrate Aunt Kimberly turning 30!

Uncle Art and Olivia at our mini-celebration.

Modeling her Pinkalicious ensemble.

Sibling Love!

As soon as we get home in the afternoon, Dylan beelines it for the slide.

Action Shot...

Crash!

Unphased... love that boy!

Someone discovered a new hiding place. Smart boy.
Ellison immediately kicked him out and set up a house.