Arrrr Matey!

Ethan's pirate party finally came...and then went very quickly. It's amazing how much time and preparation goes into just 4 hours of fun. The festivities started with various water activities (sprinkler, water balloons, slip 'n slide, and baby pool) and then continued on with pizza and watermelon. After chowing down on food, the kids were sent on a picture scavenger hunt than eventually led to the treasure chest pinata. Then, we opened presents and had birthday cake. Normally, this would be the perfect time for a slide show but I opted to post each one separately since I am printing my blog to journal. Anyway, it was a total success. Thanks to all those who came to celebrate Ethan's birthday with us!


Anastasia and Alex...what a cute couple!



Ethan refused to go down the slip 'n slide head first until right before we put it away


Ethan with his best buds


This is Hayley's face in almost every picture she knows I'm going to take. This is the face she makes when she says "cheese". Cheese is an understatement!


Terri helping Hayley and Kelsey eat chocolate dipped strawberries under the table. She is the best!


The gang right before the treasure hunt. They all got mustaches drawn on their faces to help get into character.


Hayley's cute even with a mustache


This is the infamous pinata that actually broke in our trial run the night before because I filled it with too much candy. Jeff added a little duct tape and shoe laces and we were good to go. Thanks hun.


The candy frenzie once Brandon broke the pinata open. Let's just say it only took about 30 seconds to pick up about 10 lbs worth of candy. (If only I could get them to pick up their toys with such ambition!)


Showing off their treasure


Ethan opening his gifts...he's so intense!


The pirate cake...this cake was so yummy. It was an ice cream cake from DQ and Ethan and I used what creativity we had to turn it into a pirate.


What's a pirate party without a sword fight!

My little man

I can't believe it....Ethan turned 4 years old today. It's such a surreal thing. It seems like he graced us with his presence just yesterday...yet it seems like he's been a part of my life forever.
I couldn't be more blessed. Ethan has been my little sweetheart from day one. He has such a tender spirit. He is my cuddler. Even still, he'll come up to me daily at random moments and says..."mom... let's cuddle each other." I don't think I've denied him yet because I know that it won't always be like this!
Ethan, mommy and daddy love you more than words can describe. Happy 4th Birthday!


Ethan at 3 days old. He was 8 lbs 11 oz


9 months old..he's actually starting to grow into his huge eyes!


1st birthday


2nd birthday..wearing a cupcake


3rd birthday at the YMCA pool..Buzz lightyear theme party


4th birthday chillin on the slip 'n slide and sportin a pirate tatoo

Memorial Day

We were very blessed to have perfect weather on Memorial Day. The kids got to swim in their pool while daddy did yard work. Later, we spent the afternoon at French Creek State Park with our neighbors, the Sullivan's. I'm so greatful we are able to set aside a day to remember and pay our respects to those that have served our country. This is a special day for me since I am reminded of my dad serving in Viet Nam as a Navy Seal. I'm so proud of him and greatful for his contribution to the freedom I enjoy today. I love you daddy!

My dad....a very long time ago..when he was in the Navy. He's so handsome!

The kids enjoying the nice weather

Snack time

Barbeque at French Creek State Park

Terri and Hayley chillin out with the geese

1st attempt at frisbee golf!

Prom Night

Many of you know I have been working as a cheuffeur for a Limousine Company. I've been doing this for almost a year now. I've been meaning to quit for about 3 months now but I enjoy it so much that I told myself I'd keep working until I just can't fit into my suit anymore. My suit definitely does not fit properly, but with modern technology in maternity contraptions, I'm able to somehow make it work.
Last night I had the opportunity to drive local High School kids around all night for their prom. This was actually my first prom job and I have to say...it was pretty fun. I couldn't help but reflect on my prom almost 15 (yes...I said 15) years ago. Surprisingly, I found that the kids listened to a lot of the same music that I listened to when I was their age... (Pearl Jam, Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox 20, Beastie Boys, etc). One thing that has definitely changed are prom dresses. Let's just say that there was little left to the imagination. I saw a lot of pink and blue dresses. Overall, the kids behaved really well. I just can't believe how fast time has gone by. It seems like just yesterday that I was that headstrong teenager that thought I knew everything about everything.

Me and the kids in front of one of the Limo's. That sign is what I have to hold up at the airport to find my clients.



The kids (that includes Jeff, of course) love to go for rides in the Limo while mommy cheuffeur's them around the neighborhood. It's nice to dream about one day owning a vehicle that does not feel like you're off roading even though you're driving on a newly paved road!

A much needed vacation!

My parents flew in from Las Vegas to meet us in Williamsburg, VA for a vacation that was long overdue. We spent the first 4 days at a beautiful resort in Williamsburg and then spent the rest of the week in Ocean City, Maryland. Williamsburg was absolutely beautiful but there wasn't a whole lot to do with young kids. We did some museum tours, lounged at the resort, and then decided it was time to move on. It was so great to be able to spend some quality time with my parents. Ethan and Hayley just couldn't get enough of Papa and Grandma! We miss them already!


The whole gang at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Hampton, VA

Williamsburg, VA


Governor's Mansion in Williamsburg


What's a vacation without bubbles!


You really can't get much cheezier than that!




Hayley enjoying the backyard at the resort


Yorktown boardwalk and beach near Williamsburg


Hayley's 1st time at the beach





Ocean City, MD
We spent the 2nd half of our week at a resort in Ocean City, Maryland. It was a spur of the moment decision but ended up being a great decision! It was stormy and cold at times but when it was nice...it was absolutley beautiful!

The view from the deck outside our room

This is a picture of the pool area taken from our room

Ethan bravely holding onto sandcrabs

Papa doing what he does best...being a grandpa

Building sand castles

Grandma and Hayley digging in the sand