Super Hero Training

Bennett's Super Hero Party was on Sunday. Ellison had been nervous about the party all week.  Of course the anxiety was over what to wear.  As I was informed numerous times, her closet lacks super hero clothes and (in a rather dramatic tone) she would not wear boy super hero clothes. Well thank goodness for Mrs. Ashley, who set aside a special pink cape just for Ellison.  (Truly so sweet)

Ellison and Eloise.

Fashion star!



Super Hero Training Lesson One: Running Fast

 

The party was amazing, every detail accounted for.  Eloise trained Ellison to be a super hero.  Dylan walked around trying to wear anyone and everyone's shoes (seriously, its his new thing).  Overall, a fantastic way to celebrate Bennett as he turns 4!

Time to Reflect - 15 Years

Class of 1997 Party at Hannibal's Lounge

 There is something about class reunions that cause people to reflect on life. It just so happens that my 15 year high school reunion and completion of law school fell within days of eachother. So you can only imagine the amount of introspection that has been taking place in my head over the last week.

It is amazing to look back over the last five years and recognize all of the changes that have occurred in my life. Five years ago at my 10 year reunion, I recall specifically stating to high school classmates that I did not plan on having children. Happily immersed in my business as an event coordinator, I had no idea that a few months later I would decide motherhood was for me and decide to return to school.

Life is funny like that.

Over the last five years, I have been blessed with two children. They have changed me. My insecurities that I have held throughout childhood and into my adult years have almost vanished (we all still need a few- to keep us real) because I see my beautiful children that I love so completely and recognize myself in them.

So five years have passed, two amazing children later, and law school graduation is upon me in a week. I just wonder what the next five years will hold for me.

Family Fun Day with my future TPS kids!

I think Dylan had fun.

Bennett and Ellison... who knew 15 years ago that our children would be the best of friends.

Time with All Saints

I have had so much fun participating in All Saints activities over the last two weeks.  First, I was able to volunteer for Teacher's Lunch Out in the babies room.  Six little ones, including Dylan, all under the age of 17 months makes for a challenging, but enjoyable afternoon.  Then to make up for not being able to be the teacher in Ellison's class (she was very disappointed), I spent the next day with her enjoying circle and snack time.  To top it all off, a few days later I was able to participate in Ellison's field trip on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. My schedule does not always allow the chance to enjoy the field trips and special programs, so I really love and enjoy these moments when I do have extra time.  I also love that Graham, Grandma, Aunt Kim, and Aunt Ash fill in for me when I can't make it to make sure my kids have the support they need.    

Crazy Busy

It was a crazy busy week! Between two take home exams, my 15 year class reunion, a birthday party, and numerous other things, I am just thrilled I remembered a camera.  A few shots from the week...

Just a typical Saturday morning fort :)
Thanks, Daddy!

Ellison appeared in full rock star gear and jammed out for us.

Sweetest baby boy enjoying dinner and loving on Daddy.

Jeremiahs, anyone?

PINK Lemonade

Ellison made her own sign and chose the perfect outfit.

Ellison has been anxiously waiting to host her first lemonade stand for quite some time.  (Can anyone say Pinkalicious fan?) After several lemonade stand sightings (and stops), I decided that I had held her off for long enough.  So before the weather became to hot (i.e. gross), we invited our friends, Eloise and Bennett over and set up a lemonade stand.  Of course I asked Ellison what type of lemonade, to which she responded, "Pink, Pink, Pink". 

On Saturday morning, Ellison and I squeezed lemon juice, added sugar, and cut up a pint of strawberries... viola, pink lemonade.  The lemonade was magnifique (we are also huge Fancy Nancy fans) and the experience made for a fun Saturday!  And yes, we did have some wonderful people, family and neighbors, stop by and enjoy the lemonade.

Of course, we pulled the family card and asked everyone to stop by.
Uncle Art was our first customer.

Eloise was screaming, "Get your free lemonade" to anyone and everyone who would listen.

Our cutest customer of the day, Olivia Rios.

Ellison, Eloise, and Bennett having a great time!

Where was Dylan?  Well he enjoyed the product and then crashed for a 4! hour nap. I may make pink lemonade more often!

Papa and the Pool

It has been a big deal that Papa rented out his beach condo and moved in with Cheryl.  Not because we don't adore Cheryl, but because we love the beach condo in St. Pete Beach.  It was mainly Ellison that had the problem.  However, all is forgiven after today's visit at Cheryl's house.  Why?  She has a pool.  Ellison + Dylan + Pool = a very wet Papa and very happy kids. 

Ricky's Married!

My sisters and E.

One of the cakes on a very cool wedding cake display.

Aunt Dia and Ellison

Grandma and Ellison

As Kareem stated (with a wink) to my sister, Ashley, "there are not many cousins left to get married".  Paired with the wink, it could only be interpreted one way...did you feel the pressure, Ash and Andy?!?  This past Saturday, we had a wonderful time celebrating my cousin Ricky as he wed the beautiful Kelly.  Now he embarks on a similar painful and excruciating journey, as I. 

No, not marriage... the studying and passing of the FL Bar! 

Miss Independent

It's as if a light bulb went off at my house and Ellison grew up overnight.  Let's just say she has become "Miss Independent".  I know that independence can be an annoying trait at times, but this is not annoying... this is amazingly awesome! 

One recent example, packing her own lunch.  Everyday I include a note in her lunchbox and her teacher reads it to her.  Ellison asked me to write a note for her and she wrote a note for her teacher, Mrs. Carol.

How did 4 years go by so quickly?

Carol is written on the bottom with a picture of our family (including the dogs).

Avoidance

In every effort to avoid writing a paper on the subject of whether the absolute priority rule applies for a cramdown in an individual Chapter 11 case (don't worry, I don't even know what I just said)... 

I found a few videos to enjoy!

Ellison and Anna Banana Whiteman

Merry Go Round

Eggs, Jellybeans, & Family

Cousins.

So excited to find an egg.

Counting them up!

Dylan was crazy for jellybeans all day long.

Olivia's First Easter.

It has been many years since our last Easter Family Picnic.  Thanks to my cousin, Kristen, and my mom, we welcomed the tradition back.  The kids and adults had a blast.  Eggs were hunted, food was eaten, and laughs were shared.  It was really the perfect way to celebrate Easter.

Pinterest, I dislike you sometimes.

Dear Pinterest,

While I love all of your wonderful ideas, I equally despise all of your wonderful ideas.

All my best,

Jenn

I attempted three Pinterest "pin" ideas this weekend. Of the three, two can be deemed a success. At midnight, I decided to stop attempting to make adorable "chick" deviled eggs and instead make normal delicious deviled eggs. FYI... those little chick deviled eggs are not easy.  Either are bento boxes for children with adorable cut out sandwiches... oh wait, I am digressing...

My two successful Pinterest "pins":

15 months...uh, hmmm

I did something I swore I would never do... completely forgot to schedule a routine Doctor appointment for my child.  Of course, with a second child all bets are off. Apparently it is normal to forget and be reminded by their school that they needs shots.  Ack.

Height ~ 32.5 inches ~ 75th percentile

Weight ~ 24 lbs ~ 25th percentile

A little something about Dylan right now...

He can propel himself in the air... almost to a full jump.
He is fascinated by bugs and lizards... I am horrified and completely freaked out.
When he is about to do something that he know I will not like, he attempts to back out of the room very slowly. 

A New Kind of Playdate

Ellison has been embarking on a new kind of playdate, "the big girl playdate".  Right before Spring Break, she was invited to go home with her friend, Tiana.  They had an absolute blast.  This week, we invited Tiana to come home with us after school. 

It was all very cute.  They played in Ellison's room, door shut, little brother not allowed, for an hour.  I would check on them and find them jumping on the bed or deep inside their imaginations with dolls everywhere.  Then they switched gears to the playroom and enjoyed a snack / tea party. 

The next day, we arrived to school and the girls gave each other the biggest hugs.  So sweet!

NSB 2012

Despite Graham not feeling well, we managed to pack our weekend with a trip to NSB and a trip to St. Pete.  So much fun was had and so few pictures were taken.  It's my fault for 1) failing to bring a camera to NSB and, 2) failing to charge the camera for Grandma Ruthie's 91st Birthday celebration in St. Pete.  Thank goodness for phones!