A bad week...

Last week had all of the ingredients of a perfect storm: 1) Moody Mommy 2) Moody Mommy who was trying to work on some projects 3) super tired Phoenix who refused to take naps and cried for about 2 hours every night before he fell asleep (the whole so tired you can't sleep thing that babies get) 4) Ultra Moody Audrey, who was also tired, whiny, would-have-a-breakdown-at-the-drop-of-a-hat, insistent on wearing the UGLIEST clothes possible 5) Handsome hubs working 15 hours a day. Basically it was like a week from last summer (still don't know how I survived). By Friday morning I was basically a wreck (to be honest it was probably more like Tuesday morning...), luckily Trav sensed my distress and came to the rescue. He came home, took care of both kids, I slept for like 3 hours and I woke up so refreshed and happy to have a partner by my side. Trav really helped me out so much, Phoenix is sleeping again, I am happy and normal, and Audrey is still moody and grumpy, but I can deal with that. I am so lucky to have such a helpful, studly man by my side. I definitely would be lost (and crazy) without him.

Audrey's Birthday (part 2)

I am a planner. I love making lists, making menus, searching the web for ideas...and parties are a perfect outlet for that. Audrey likes to plan to (I think I got it from my Dad, and Audrey got it from me). So together me and Audrey have been planning her party for a long time. You would think that with all the prep time I put in I wouldn't have been rushing so much on her party day...but I was recently diagnosed with ithinkicandowaymorethanihavetimefor-itis, so hopefully I will get control over things in the future. My awesome, beautiful, amazing, super-talented, I-would-hate-her-if-I-didn't-love-her-so-much friend came over and brought her favorite accessory (camera). Lucky for you because for you can look at the beautiful pictures below. The theme was A Little Ladies Tea Party.

I kept the party small this year because last year was a little crazy for me (I like to keep things controlled and semi-predictable). Travis entertained the girls in the backyard while I made some hats for them out of ribbon and flowers of their choosing. I love being married to a big kid.

I probably made 300% too many treats, but I honestly couldn't help it.

Easiest "fancy" cake ever!

These girls had so much fun! Aren't they all beautiful?!?

I must say, the hats turned out way better than I had originally thought and they really did bring "tea time" to the next level.

Audrey wanted Phoenix to be the server and to wear his Sunday suit. I told her he was too young. I have NO idea why he is crying here, as if wearing a girly hat every killed anyone!

We served cheese balls, sandwiches, and Mac n cheese (Audrey's request). Amaryllis (cutie in blue) had never had cheese balls before, and she could NOT get enough of them. :-)

A huge thanks to my friend, Emily (aka super photog) who helped out so much and somehow still managed to take these enchanting pictures. I am so happy to have these pictures! Audrey had a great time at the party, and I have learned a few things in my quest to become a party planner (for family occasions). Now on to Phoenix's Birthday (which will be much more low-key)...

Audrey's 5th Birthday (part 1)

So...you may or may not have noticed the total lack of postings for the last umm...hmm... like 2 months (my bad!). I have been tres busy (Trav's bday, Easter, Audrey's bday, life...) but hopefully I will get back to a semi normal routine soon.

Audrey turned 5! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. Ever since Phoenix was born I have considered Audrey to be my big kid, but I would remind myself that she was still young and little. But now she is 5, and she really is beginning the next stage of her life, full-day Kindergarten, most of her days spent without her Mommy, having a life outside us...OK I better stop before the tears start flowing...(more).

On Audrey's birthday she had a field day at school. I was the first one to sign up as a parent volunteer (who wouldn't want their Mom hanging out at school with them on their Birthday?). I was really glad that I could see Audrey have so much fun. Audrey requested that we go to the Raleigh Science Museum. Marbles is the kids museum here and I love it, Phoenix loves it, but Audrey still prefers the science museum (only interesting about once a year). We had dinner at Olive Garden (she loves to get a plate full of grated parm. cheese), and we came home to celebrate.

at school...
being "eaten" by the shark

bread stick smile

Victorious after successfully blowing out the candles (don't worry, she did get an actual cake).

She had a great day from start to finish, it made me think I should let her have a few more days like this in the year.

Easter 2011

For the past 3 years we have celebrated Easter with family, Janae + Jared to be specific (they have the only other kids on either side of our families) and we have an annual Easter Egg hunt for the kids. It started when Audrey and Brighton were still 1 (they were almost 2)! This was not going to be the year that we broke a tradition like that, especially with Addie and Phoenix in the mix. I told Audrey at the beginning of the week that on Friday she was going to get a surprise and that we were going somewhere. We had Audrey cover her eyes and I carried her to the door and when Brighton answered the door she was totally surprised. It was so cute to see them together again. As you may have guessed, we had an great time...

Phoenix helped himself to Addie's candy (he forgot to take the wrapper off though).

Janae had the kids help make these adorable nests (pretzels + melted white chocolate for the nest). The kids loved making them...and eating them (so did the big kids ;-) )

We finally got to try out Monkey Joes (Audrey has been wanting to for about a year now), the kids were in heaven...

Here is a flashback starting with 2008...

2009

2010

I know the pictures aren't the best (dang camera takes about 1 in 10 semi clear pictures) but you get the idea...

We had a weekend filled with delish food, great company, seafarers of Catan (like Settlers...on acid), a little bit of Modern Family and a whole lot of fun. Thanks Janae!