Camp Rock

This week Angela and Madison spent the week at the Young Actor's Theater summer camp. Yesterday they each had their own performance of "Camp Rock". We had a nice big crowd to cheer them on. MomMom, Aunt Julie, Susan (one of Brian's coworkers), Daisha, Gideon and Naomi all came to watch. They sang, danced, acted and put on a fabulous show! They learned a lot and had fun in just one short week. Way to go girls!

The Inevitable Happened!

I knew it was only a matter of time before the inevitable would happened, and today it did! Somehow Hudson got himself out of his crib, opened his door, and walked out during nap time. I'm not exactly sure if he climbed, jumped or fell out, but once he was out he realized what he did he did not want to get back in. After a lot of calming and soothing, he finally went to sleep. I guess we'll see what he tries to do later tonight. We might be transitioning out of crib sooner then later.

Our 8th Anniversary

Then

Now

Today we celebrate 8 years of marriage! This weekend we were able to get away to Destin for a weekend by ourselves, and it was wonderful! Not only is Destin one of our favorite places, it is where Brian proposed to me 9 1/2 years ago. We enjoyed quite meals, sleeping in past 7 o'clock, walks on the beach, and a wave runner excursion where we saw several pods of dolphin swimming alongside us....amazing! It was a much needed weekend away and we soaked up every minute of it! Tonight we celebrated with an ice-cream cake and an evening at home with family.

I could not ask for more!

Looking forward to many more years ahead!

Disney 2009

Last week we took our annual Disney trip with MomMom and Stu. This year we decided to switch things up a bit and try some different theme parks, and I think we all enjoyed trying new things. Our theme park visits included Blizzard Beach water park, Magic Kingdom, Disney Quest, Universal Studios, and Islands of Adventure. It was a big year for Angela and Madison because they were both brave enough to try new things. Angela braved and enjoyed a few big roller coasters and rides at Islands of Adventure and Universal such as Dueling Dragons, The Adventures of Spiderman, and the Slusher Gusher at Blizzard Beach. Another highlight for her was seeing Johnny Depp in the Pirates ride. Madison was finally tall enough to ride most of the rides and water slides as well. For the most part she enjoyed all of them, and said that Thunder Mountain at Magic Kingdom was her favorite. Although most of the rides were fun and exciting, there were a few crying incidents that took place too. One ride, Poseidon's Fury, was a little too intense for her...Hudson too for that matter. At one point Brian was holding Madison crying, I was holding Hudson crying, and all Madison would say is, "Where's Pooh Bear? Get me out of here...I just want Pooh...he'll make me feel better!" It was priceless! At Blizzard Beach we all enjoyed the slides...even Hudson. When we got off every ride at The Magic Kingdom Hudson said, "Again, again!" This kid has no fear when it comes to height, fast speeds and water. I think Hudson enjoyed the water park and our afternoons at the pool the best, along with seeing Barney and Spiderman live. He spent a good amount of time jumping off the edge of the pool (with swimmies on) and then popping up out of the water. He was entertainment for all those around us at the pool. It was pretty funny! On our last morning when we were all pooped out from walking around, we ate a wonderful breakfast buffet, accompanied by Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. It was a great way to end a fun week at Disney.

Thanks MomMom and Stu for the many magical memories!

Brian's Birthday, A trip to Melbourne, 4th of July Festivities

It's been a busy month around here, but I thought I would catch you up with a quick note and an array of pictures from various events in the past month. Just before Brian's birthday, which was on the 2nd, he defended his prelims for his dissertation. Thankfully, after much preparation he passed with high remarks and was given the go to proceed with his dissertation. If all goes according to planned, he should graduate his doctoral program in the Spring of 2010...Yeah! Now we are all enjoying having him home more this month as he takes a beak and gears up for the Fall semester. We are leaving this weekend for our annual Disney trip and then Brian and I will be heading out for a weekend getaway to Destin to celebrate our 8th anniversary. Did i mention that this trip would be without the kids? It will be our first trip together since before i was pregnant with Hudson...so, we are long overdue for an adult weekend.

Enjoy the long slide show if you wish. I'll be posting tons of Disney pictures when we return.

Hudson is 22 Months Old

I couldn't resist posting these pictures of Hudson. He may not like them later on, but we love them! He is doing great. Not much has changed since my last Hudson update, but I wanted to acknowledge that he is only 2 months away from turning 2, which I cannot believe! His language continues to emerge slowly, but his Independence is growing rapidly. He loves to do things by himself lately, and will strongly oppose you when you try to give him help without him asking for it. He also has become very upset when he is disciplined. Not just in a mad way, but in a way that lets us believe that he is building a conscious and understanding right from wrong more. He is still tough as ever though, full of bumps, scrapes and bruises to prove it.

Girl's Weekend

Recently one of my best friends, Rachel, turned 30! In honor of this special day four of us girls got together and escaped for a weekend of relaxation, fun, food and laughter. We enjoyed laying out by the pool, eating tons of delicious food, fun nights out, and mainly just being together. You know you have a special friendship when you can come together after months apart, and pick back up right where you left off, like you were never apart in the first place. I love you girls and hope we can do it again real soon!