Owen Graduates!

I LOVE our church. We have an amazing childrens program. Owen has made the toddler room his church home for over a year and last Sunday it was time for him to graduate. Yes, that's right. A real graduation ceremony, invitations, cap and certificate. I couldn't believe how cute the formal invitation was when it came in the mail. There was even a little insert with his name and the font was embossed. To be honest, I cried! This is just the beginning of the many steps Owen will take. I thought back to all of my graduation celebrations and only remembered feeling happy. I never thought about how my parents might be feeling...bitter sweet feelings because each move up meant saying goodbye was coming closer. I know I have 16 plus years with Owen, but I also know that if the rest of his life goes as fast as these 2 and half years did, he will be out of the house before I know it. For now, I will treasure my little boy. I will give him plenty of hugs and kisses, hold him in my lap and sing songs to him in bed (while he still loves all of those things).

Pictures and Fun at the Museum

We had a great day at the children's museum in Normal. I love how my son didn't want to wear the painter's apron, so he simply went shirtless!

Have I mentioned how much I love my parents? They are always there to help me out with the boys. Aaron was at work on Friday and I didn't want to go to the museum alone. It was great to have papa and nana there so we cold take turns entertaining Eli (which is not hard to do) and take Owen to the "Potty." I'm not sure what I would do without them. Thanks mom and dad! We also had pictures taken at Portrait Innovations. It was an eventful day!

Owen and his Harmonica

We found this harmonica at our condo during vacation. Owen always makes us laugh. I think Eli really appreciated Owen's ability to share.
Excuse the messy room. I was trying to keep things in order, but decided it was vacation and relaxed a little more than I do at home.

Precious Eli

Isn't he just the sweetest little man you have ever seen? I L-O-V-E being his Mommy!

New Smyrna Beach

We just couldn't keep up with that naked boy!

Fun times with Papa

Say "cheese" goggle boys!

Posing

Beautiful View

Coming Home

It's always hard to come back from vacation. It's even harder to come back from a 2 week vacation with both sets of grandparents, an uncle, soon to be aunt, and daddy! Wow, did I love the extra help.

It does feel good to be home. To have our routine back. To smell the smells of our 100 year old home, hear the creaks that the stairs make, nurse in Eli's nursery (in the best chair ever) while Owen plays his piano for me, sleep next to Aaron in our bed (we had to push two twins together on vacation), take walks in the morning and play at the park at night. I have become quite nostalgic since our return. There are so many memories for our family in this house, on this block, in this town. I feel blessed to be back from vacation, even if there is no beach and extra hands to help!

Vacation

We have been enjoying our 2 week vacation at New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Tomorrow is our last day. We would love to stay, but we know all good things must come to an end. We had such a great time. My brother Jason proposed to Andrea, we went wedding dress shopping with Andrea, swam in the pool, played at the beach, ate out at great restaurants, did a little shopping, etc.

I'll post a few pics now and more when I get home.