so many visitors

Lucky for us last week was the week of out of towners. We had 3 people come visit us from out of state on different days and couldn't have been happier to see each one of them!

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First up was Ashton. I miss her and her friendship like crazy and wish that she wouldn't have moved to New Jersey. Maran met us for dinner and Ashton spent the night, so we were able to girl talk late into the night...

The following day Shannon was driving up to DC from Orlando and stopped in for a bit to say hello and meet Trace. This was also the first time that I met her 2.5 month old cutie pie. It's still hard to believe that we're both moms... Am I right or am I right?!

We saved the best for last (just kidding girls;) when Monica flew down from Boston to spend the weekend with Bryan's parents and meet Trace. Monica is family and we absolutely loved having her in town and really hope that she comes back again soon!

It was a whirlwind few days and I'm exhausted in the best of ways. There's truly nothing more important than family and friends, and this past week was a great reminder of that!

these are the days...

Good God I love my family and this life I'm so fortunate to live! A day truly can't get more perfect than yesterday was... And boy oh boy does my boy love water!

Who wants to come over for a pool party? ;)

trace's 1st experience with my favorite holiday - easter recap

Easter is my favorite holiday, and knowing that this was Trace's 1st Easter I tried to make it as extra special and memorable for myself *because he won't remember* it as I could. The celebrations began with a trip to meet the Easter bunny last week!

Easter morning felt more like Christmas morning in our house this year and Trace was so excited to tear through all of his new toys that he got! My parents gave Trace the mack-daddy of Radio Flyers along with a ton of fun toys inside it. My in-laws gifted him with a super cool "4x4 off-roading" Cozy Coupe Jeep. And, of course, the Easter bunny filled Trace's basket to the brim. 

While looking at all of his Easter swag, I sat down with Trace and explained the real meaning of Easter. I talked about Good Friday and how Christ died for our sins. "How lucky are we" I said.  I then explained how on this very day Jesus rose from the dead and is seated at the Right Hand of God. "Jesus is so awesome!" Oh the things you say to make a story interested to a baby. Haha!

Easter Day

This picture, with Cali's paw on Trace's head, is by far my favorite! They adore each other :)

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt

I'm pretty sure Trace didn't look at the camera for any pictures on Easter day, but you know what? He's a b.a.b.y and that's okay! The back of his head is pretty darn cute anyway... And he's only played with the toys that he got on Easter and hasn't touched any of his old toys since. Haha! I think he's safe to say that he's a big fan of holidays and the next major one to celebrate will be his 1st birthday in June! 

five on friday - life lately

1.) We have been spending so much time at our neighborhood park this month and it's been so much fun! Trace went on the swings for the 1st time, was totally unsure of it and wanted off. Since then he's really started to love it and giggles every time we push his tiny foot... it's the cutest thing ever!

2.) Bryan and I were on the Ford Explorer launch tour with Colin back in the fall/winter of 2010 and we toured with Jess on the Ford GoFurther tour in spring/summer of 2012. They are now on a tour together with 6 other people and were executing events here in Charlotte this week. We've literally been all over the country with these two friends of ours and were so excited to catch up with them. It's always nice to be around people who really know you and who have known you for years. There was a lot of reminiscing happening... and we may have had a saki bomb or two!

3.) A few months ago I took some maternity pictures for my neighbors. Mind you, I am not a photographer by any means, but with great subjects like they are, I'd say the photos came out pretty darn good!

4.) Spring has always been my favorite season. There's something about the idea of rebirth and of Christ's resurrection combined with the pastels, sunshine and flowers that warms my heart like no other. Not to mention that North Carolina's spring air feels just like southern California year-round. It's just perfect!

5.) We introduced Trace to the Easter bunny this week and he absolutely loved him. I wasn't surprised, given his hilarious encounter with Santa last winter. I'll post his Easter bunny pictures with my Easter recap next week, but in the meantime THESE are my two favorite pictures from the day, haha! Keegan, Trace's buddy, was not a fan of the Easter bunny at. all. And it was hilarious! And Trace was his typical self... straight chillin'!

Link up here!

a family day and birthday celebration

My birthday weekend started off with lunch at the lake with my boys, dad and my cousin. Sometimes I have to stop and pinch myself because those two cute guys below... are mine!

After lunch we headed back to my house so that Trace could cruise around, picking up chicks!

My aunt, cousin and my mom's best friend drove down from Pennsylvania for the weekend, so Bryan and I had my family over to spend the day with Trace.

My actual birthday was April 7th and it was low key and perfect! Bryan gave me flowers and Trace gifted me with the sweetest book to read to him. My mom made my favorite homemade dinner for me and we capped the night off with a yummy mint ice cream cake from Ben & Jerry's that read "Happy 1st Birthday as a Mom". There are no other people I'd rather spend the day with than my husband, son and both of my parents!

I had a memorable weekend and the best 1st birthday as a mom :)