Lu's Second Birthday Party!

We had Lu's birthday party this past Saturday! I wasn't sure if I would be able to get everything together in time, but it actually came together really well. Even if Nick and I were up past 10 preparing cucumber sandwiches….

We had lots of family and friends there, Lulu had a great time, and it was just perfect!

This was our entryway table, pics, flowers, apothecary jars, and our party favors (sidewalk chalk).

The yummy and beautiful cake and smash cake (which she ate with a fork).

I couldn't believe it, but we were completely ready with a few minutes to spare, so we went outside for a few pics and bubbles. 

In case you're wondering, this little darling is making this sweet face at her father. #daddysgirl

After a lot of talking, playing, and snacking, we gathered around the table to sing to the birthday girl. 

 She did really well blowing out the candles… the first time. Dad's new thing is "one more time!" So we did, and she got a little too close. She's still talking about those candles "hurting my nose."

Zayd had an absolute blast with his cousins and friends!

I was so happy to spend the morning celebrating our sweet sweet girl! We love you Miss Lu, hope you had the best second birthday, and look forward to many more!

Lu’s 2!

My baby turned two 5 DAYS AGO, and I haven’t even stopped to write about it! I’m sorry second baby!!

Lu is as sweet as she is sassy! She wakes up happy and loves all things girl. She has the most infectious laugh, and will turn and hug your neck if someone new tries to talk to her.

She loves bows and shoes, and if her bow falls out, you can bet she’s gonna want you to put it back in.

She loves Z, and says it often. She gives great hugs and says and does EVERYTHING Z does.

She knows her colors, even if it’s her own version of them, “bood” “geend” “bownd”

On that note, she adds a d to a lot of words, like “corn-d” and “Where my crown-d?”

She loves her Baba, and lately won’t go to sleep until he comes in there to tell her good night. Now they both have to have both of us to go to sleep!

Speaking of Baba, she often calls him “Bobby” which is hilarious!

She loves to eat, shop, and man does she love to talk! Wonder where she gets all that from?

Her party’s this weekend, and she’s ready to blow out some candles!!

We love you Lu! We are so blessed to have you in this family!

Beach Trip Number 2!

How great is the beach? I mean, it has to be the best place on Earth, and we are so lucky to be so close! We are taking advantage of that fact by going 3 times this year (maybe I can squeeze in a fourth? A girl can wish!)

Nick’s fam went to Destin for a week, so we caught up with them for a long weekend while they were there! While we didn’t get everything packed the night before like we wanted (something always seems to get in the way of that, wink wink, Dad!), we did a much better job and got out the door at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday! The kids were excited, and Nick and Z wore their Star Wars vacation tees! Nick’s says “Luke, I’m on vacation –Darth” and Z’s says “Skywalker Family Vacation.” Hilarious!

What a difference it made to leave early! We were on the beach by 1:30 on Thursday! I packed the kids lunches, and they had iPad and Nintendo DS to keep them busy. We only had to make one stop for gas about an hour out! It was amazingly pleasant (well, except about the last 30 minutes or so, but that’s to be expected).

We went straight to the beach condo Nick’s fam was staying in, and before I knew it Z was in his swim shorts and whisked away by Tata. It was awesome! We weren’t far behind, and the weather was gorgeous! Lu was a little unsure at first, but then she was all about building “purple castles!” She had a lot of fun with her cousins Emma and Addison!

Z was so sweet with Emma and Addison too. By the first night, they were already calling for “Zaaaaayd! Zaaaayd!”

Our little place had a bayview in the front, note the flooding, and an ocean view from the back. It was very spacious, and we all loved it!

We had to take a second to pose for pictures.

Friday, we went to 30a to have breakfast and hang out in Seaside. It was gorgeous and wonderful, of course.

 

And, yes, Lu and I wore matching dresses, if that’s wrong, I certainly have no interest in being right! Haha!

We had dinner at Fudpucker’s, which saved us last time we went to the beach, but I almost think Z loved it more this time, especially because he got some major QT with the arcade.

Yep, that’s a slinky (and apparently straight from the 90’s), and he was super excited about it. He was also debating between an airhead or fundip (see what $20 worth of tickets will get you? It’s impressive, I know). He chose the airhead, then we had to hear about how he really wanted the fun dip for the next two days. You’ll be relieved to know, he finally got it from a gas station on the way home! Yes, my child has extensive and very specific candy knowledge….

We had very full days followed by nice evenings on the beach while we there.

We flew the kite.

Looked for crabs (my hubby’s favorite activity)

And just enjoyed having our feet in the water!

And watching too!

Z was less than excited to leave, and he said, “Aw! I thought we were going for like a whole week!” Lu periodically looked at me and said “I like the beach” or “I see beach.” I would say they had a good time!

I have a few more pics to share in another post to come….