Mimi Camp

Last week while I was away with the triplets, Caroline went to the 2nd annual "mimi camp" with my mom in B'ham.  Minus a little 24 hour stomach bug, I think she had a great time! 

C and Mimi did lots of fun crafts 

As you can see, Caroline is really into bracelets and stickers right now.

Went to the Library

The zoo and lunch with B'ham friends 

When I asked Caroline what she saw at he zoo she said, "waa waa (water) and a monkey!" 

The waa waa, aka fountains at the zoo, (pictured below) were her favorite. 

Time at the park

 Swimming at the pool

And time with grandma.

John and I missed C so much while she was away, but I am very grateful for this tradition she has each summer with her Mimi.  And very thankful my mom loves it just as much as Caroline!

My other babies

I have been away for the past week helping take care of these precious little babies.  Gracie and I have had lots of good bonding time and I got some cuddle time with Brooklyn and Bates at the hospital too.  I am headed home today and will miss them all.  I know they will have changed so much and be so big whenever I see them next.  Very excited to get home to my baby girl though!  

Gracie

Bates

Brooklyn

Gracie



Easter and so much more...

So much has happened in the last several weeks and I have been glued to the news for most of these events. The devastating tornadoes hit my home state just two weeks ago. The pictures and stories seem completely surreal and hard to even fathom. I have been so heartbroken and sad reading story after story about missing people, those who lost their homes and many who lost their loved ones. I am grateful all of my family and friends were okay and not hurt from these storms, but our prayers continue to be with all the people affected by this tragedy.

The killing of Osama Bin Laden. I guess this is one of those events you will always remember where you were when you heard this news. I was actually in DC visiting C, L, and the babies when John sent me a text to turn on the news. And we all waited and then watch for Obama to confirm this news.
And on a much lighter note, I admit, I was one of those people who got up at 5am to watch this. All I can say is Wow. Totally worth it and I loved every minute. Don't judge.

And onto some of what we have actually been doing besides tracking world events. We had a wonderful Easter in Birmingham this year. Caroline participated in her first Easter Egg Hunt in Crestline. The eggs are not exactly hidden - had to make sure all the little ones could find them!

And she realizes there is something inside the eggs!

We are getting really good at saying cheese for the camera.

After the egg hunt we walked over to the library for story time. We do this a lot at our library so it was fun to go in Bham as well. Then, we met Anne and Jana for lunch at Big Blue. Sadly, I don't have any pictures from either of these things.

After a good nap, we headed to the English's to swim. The English's are my 2nd family and we would swim at their pool all summer growing up. This picture was taken before C really got a good taste of the water. She loved every minute and wanted so badly to take off swimming that I could barely keep her in my arms.

Easter Sunday

Love her sweet little curls

Attempt at a family pic

And an update on my niece, Brooklyn - She has had some great improvements in the last couple weeks. They were able to remove her ventilator last week, the doctors have slowly started her feedings back, and Christian and Linsey were able to hold her again. These were wonderful praises and we continue to pray for her full recovery! Thank you for all your emails, calls, and texts to check on her!

Charleston and the Masters

This weekend was only my second visit to Charleston and it is quickly becoming one of my favorite southern cities. Here is why:

• The city is on the water (and has great beaches nearby)
• Fresh seafood
• Very southern
• Plenty of history and charm
• Not too big and not too small
• Fun markets and shopping

We were in town with John's family for his cousin's wedding. We enjoyed all of the above Charleston has to offer plus a carriage ride tour around downtown, looking at houses in the battery, and of course celebrating the bride and groom. I love John's family. All his extended family from VA were in town they are a fun and crazy bunch! Congrats and Best Wishes to Robert and Ashley!

I could have taken a million pictures of all the precious Charleston homes downtown.

As well as the larger homes on the battery too.

I was in love with all the flowers!

Wedding Festivities with some of the girl cousins

And ever since I met John the second weekend in April has become one of my most favorite times of the year. You can read more here on why I love this event so much. This year was no different than any other (except it was blazing hot)!

A beautiful day and some very exciting golf!

Miracles

Welcome to the world, triplets!

On Friday, April 1, these sweet babies (my nieces and nephew) were born:

Bates Thomas arrived at 7:34pm - 2 lbs 13oz

Brooklyn Leigh arrived at 7:35pm - 2lbs 7oz

Grace ("Gracie") Almon arrived at 7:37pm - 2lbs 6oz

They are precious, tiny and doing very well!

We are so grateful.

Please pray for continued growth and development.

Nashville and Auburn

A few weeks ago Caroline and I headed to Nashville for a girls weekend with Mary Brantley and Erin. It is safe to say C partied hard with the girls and was completely exhausted by Sunday. Totally worth it though! It is such a blessing to me having wonderful friends not only love me, but love my child just as much.

Afternoon in the park wearing Aunt E's glasses

Dinner and live band...

turned into dance party.

Up way too late!

And last week, JP and I finally got our weekend away. We wanted quality time together, to sleep in Saturday morning and eat good food. JP planned a weekend for us in Auburn. I know you are all shocked I would love a weekend in Auburn! Besides going to football games, we have not been back to Auburn since I was in school and we were dating. We have so many great memories in this little town. We hit up Big Blue, Amsterdam's, J&M, a jog through campus, afternoon naps, and a little shopping. Simple. Low-key. Perfect.

Backyard Fun

Okay, actually this was in our front yard, but backyard sounded better. This afternoon was Caroline's first experience playing with the hose in the yard. John is in the process of planting new grass in our front and backyard. So, as he was watering the new grass Caroline quickly discovered the hose. Our sweet neighbors joined in the fun too and another friend happened to stroll by and snap a couple pictures on her phone. I love afternoons playing outside! I think we have many spring and summer days to come enjoying in the sprinkler and hose in the yard.