An Afternoon at the Park

What's better than leaving work early?  Leaving work early and having a play date at the park followed by the best pizza in town with people we love (The Beckman and Poppa Gangs).  Last Thursday Grandma Diane was too sick to babysit the kids and we couldn't find anyone else to help out so I had to leave work early. BUMMER!  :)  We headed over to Joanne and Miah Jane's and walked (kids in wagon of course) over to the nice park in their neighborhood.  I have to say...I LOVE MY NEW CAMERA!!!!  This was the first time I got to use it outside in real light and had to fight shadows, etc.  It was a good experience and fun too.  I snapped at least 100 photos but these are some of my favorites.

 Hilarious! I love this picture...so cute!

 Miah's balancing act! 

 Another picture too cute for words...this girl LOVES the slide!

 Devin and M.J. ganging up on little Lexi Lynn and trying to shake her from the car!

 Monkey see, monkey do! 

 Love the expression on both faces; who's having more fun here?!

 Lexi with her dare devilish grin.

 Just can't keep this one off the slide!

Mr. Devin Andrew striking his 'cheese' pose.  (notice he got a hair cut!!!)

I still have a lot to learn about taking photos, especially outside fighting so many different elements but I'm having a blast.  Hopefully I'll keep getting better and learn more about the camera and how to edit photos too.  I have a ton of Christmas pictures to post.  We celebrated three different times yesterday.  This morning Devin asked if he could open more presents...spoiled much?!  I will try to get some pictures up in the next couple of days.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas; we sure did! :)

Merry Christmas to Mama!!

Mommy asked Santa for a new camera for Christmas and he delivered. Well technically the Fed Ex guy delivered it and technically Daddy paid for it but let's not get so technical here.  I can't thank Andy enough for being so sweet and thoughtful and making my Christmas wish come true.  After my friend Jessica posted about her sweet new Canon Rebel and how awesome it was I was very interested.  She has used it for a couple of weeks now and still loves it.  She even sent me a link to buy it (thanks Jess!) so I casually forwarded to Andy.  He actually agreed to the investment being that our current camera took absolutely NO action shots and the wait time between pictures was ridiculously slow and the kids would be in the other room  by the time the camera was ready!  I think he was just sick of me complaining but either way, I got the camera I wanted!!!  This camera has the shutter speed I've been dreaming about.  I can't wait to learn more about the features the camera has and how to use it but I've had fun the past two nights playing with it and reading about it.  

Here are just a few pictures with my NEW CAMERA!!!

 Alexis Lynn...pretending she wasn't jumping on the bed!

 Devin...who IS getting his fro trimmed tomorrow! :)

This next sequence of pictures is why I love this new camera.  You can take clear & vivid action shots. 

Getting ready to jump...

Flying in the air....

And he sticks the landing!

Thank you to Santa (aka Andy) for my awesome new camera.  I can't wait to capture the kids excitement on Christmas morning.  They are going to be in heaven come Saturday and so will we.  Merry Christmas! xo

Where's Cheyenne?

I apologize for the picture quality...the always at my side phone camera captured this one. I was cleaning up the kitchen after dinner and baths and found both kids and Cheyenne all cuddled in blankets watching Go Diego.  It just melted my heart that our two kids love to cuddle with Cheyenne just as Andy and I have been doing for 12 years.  We must be setting good examples and hopefully our kids will be dog rescuers and lovers themselves...fingers crossed!

Lexi's Birthday Funday!

Editors Note: I started this post last Sunday, the 5th, and finished it on Saturday, the 11th.  That's just how our week went; mama got sick and way behind on everything! 

Well, it happened!  We can't believe it but it happened!  Lexi is not a baby anymore.  This weekend marked her 2nd birthday.  I'm happy to see her mature and grow into an extremely talkative toddler but a little sad at the same time.  She is our baby and will always be our baby but our baby is growing up and fast!  Well, we made sure she had a fun-filled birthday weekend like she deserved.  We started out our morning by meeting the Beckman girls, Benge crew and Ritchey family at Leah's house and packed our wagons and strollers and walked over the annual Snow Fest that Collier County Parks and Recs puts on each year.  This was the first time I have ever taken the kids (Andy had to work :( ) and it was bigger and better than I imagined.  Not only did they have a parking lot full of melting slushy ice (a.k.a. snow), there was a carnival too!  We made sure to enjoy a few of the rides.

Don't you LOVE Devin's adult sized gloves?! So cute...

Miah Jane enjoying her first Snow Fest!

The Birthday Girl loving the slushy dirty snow.

After playing in the snow the kids BEGGED and SCREAMED and YELLED to go on the caterpillar roller coaster.  Lexi wasn't quite tall enough but the carny with four teeth told me she'd be fine! It was her birthday and she was crying to go so I had to let her.  I was hoping she'd hold on tight and not jump off...she did great!

Gavin & Devin shared a car.  Check out the look the boy is giving Lexi in car 5...its like he's heard about her! LOL

The carny had to deliver Lexi to me because she would not get off the ride.  She was crying and screaming and I of course thought she hated it.  The guy was laughing and said that she loved it and she was fighting with him to NOT get off the ride!  That's my girl; she loves the roller coasters. I can't wait for us to go to Busch Gardens together and ride all of the big roller coasters...when she is tall enough that is!

I took Miah Jane and Lexi Lynn on the Carousal together...Lexi's look is priceless!

I ended up holding MJ most of the ride.  She didn't like sitting on the horse very much but did like the music and rotation.

Lexi, Devin and Gavin enjoying a ride together.  Devin & Gavin pretty much did everything together that day...so cute!

Joanne, Leah (baby Charlie in tow) and Me...The Three Amigos!

After the carnival we went home for naps and to re-energize for Lexi's Birthday Party!  We only had a couple of friends and the grandparents and of course Uncle Lar and Uncle Nate came too.  Just a small, fun gathering for Little Lexi Lynn.  She had a blast!  

Her first present was from Grandma & Grandpa O'Dean and it was all dress up, play jewelry & shoes.

Trying to eat her princess wand...That's our princess!

We were very lucky to have the Brewers bring their Power Wheels to our house for the kids to ride around our yard.  And by kids I mean...........................................................................................................................

Andy couldn't resist a ride in a little pink corvette!

Looks comfortable, doesn't it?!

Brennan was very sweet to share his Power Wheels with us. Such a sweet a little boy!

Nothing says fun like off roading a 4 x 4!

Devin taking sweet Miah Jane on a romantic ride in the pink corvette.

The caterpillar cupcakes Joanne made for Lexi...they were scrumptious!

I had to post this picture because of the look on Lexi's face and how her hands are folded perfectly.  She is listening as Devin sings Happy Birthday.

Devin and Daddy helping to blow out the candles. (notice hands are still folded)

Brennan enjoying his cupcake!

Lexi digging in and couldn't be happier!

I think she likes it!

After cupcakes and presents, the kids wanted to ride around before it got too dark.  So we all headed out for one last Power Wheels excursion.

Driving Miss Lexi! Notice Devin's collar is up...we thought if he was going to be driving around in a pink corvette, his polo shirt must have a popped collar!

Love this picture of them driving off together.

Little Miah ran around chasing after the bigger kids in the cars.  Maybe it was the cupcakes that gave her all the energy!

Little Lexi Lynn had a great 2nd Birthday Bash!  We can't thank our families and friends enough for making her day so special.  She was spoiled and had fun and that's exactly what we wanted for her on this day.  Our little angel is two, it's really hard to believe.  Where does the time go?  I wish I could slow it down, just a little bit.  I guess that's what cameras are for...to capture the moments you wish would never end.

Power Wheels Party at the Ranch

Last weekend after two days of Thanksgiving celebrations, we were happy to unwind and play out at the Ranch de Brewer. We had a great time, as we always do.  But this time was even more fun, it was a Power Wheel themed play date and the kids had a blast!!  At one point Devin was driving around in the fastest gear, weaving in and out of trees, nearly running over other children...and he was the happiest I've ever seen him. LOL  The kids were on their best behavior for two days filled with family gatherings and Thanksgiving dinners...they deserved this fun-filled day!

Last time we were out at the ranch, Lexi was scared of the four-wheeler.  This time she BEGGED Christian to take her for a ride and LOVED every minute of it.  She would stand in line for her turn like a nice lady!

Okay...this next picture speaks for itself.  Lexi wanted to go inside the house for a little bit so I let her.  I stayed on the porch with the sliding door open and thought I was keeping a good eye on her.  She sat down at Brennan's art table and was having a blast.  Therefore, thought I could have a conversation with someone without anything happening...I was wrong...very, very wrong!

I think she ate a marker! LOL  It was non-toxic and washable...she was like new in minutes!

Love, LOVE this picture.  My little peanut and her big brother taking a ride together.  Can't you just picture them when Devin is 16 and she is 15 BEGGING him for a ride to the mall or the movies! LOL

Gavin and Devin taking a ride on the old John Deer!

Brennan, looking a little scared, with Gavin cruising the Ranch!

Brennan BAILING on Lexi's driving...let's just say she gets her driving skills from MOMMY!

We had so much fun with the Brewer, Zenczak and Benge clan.  It was such a nice and relaxing day/evening with friends.  We all needed it after a busy and stressful holiday weekend.  Thank you Kelly, Christian and Brennan for having us over for such a fun play date.  Sunday was the first day of the 4 day weekend that I had nothing planned and could just do whatever I or the kids wanted to do.  Our day started with making banana pancakes (a weekend staple around here) and then going outside to trim bushes/hedges, plant flowers and check up on the tomato garden the kids planted with Grandma Diane.  We also watered everything (it's been extremely dry here) and sprayed down outside toys, wagon and chairs.  Lexi of course got bored and took off for a ride in our front yard on her little four wheeler.  Devin was helping me water the plants when I heard a crash and Lexi moan a bit, not cry, but wining and moaning a little bit.  I turn around and this is what I saw.............................................................................................................................................................

Somehow, she flipped her ride under the hedges and walked away without a scratch!!!

Speaking of my perfect driver...she is going to be 2 on Sunday!!!  I can't believe it; time flies!  My little peanut, who is STILL allergic to peanuts btw, is TWO already.  This little angel has more energy then Richard Simmons has ever displayed in his life and keeps me and her daddy on our toes at all times BUT...she is one of the sweetest little girls you will ever meet.  You can never let your guard down around her, she waits for you to do just that.  But that is what makes her so smart, so special and loving.  She knows her mommy, daddy and brother (De-ba is what she calls him right now) like the back of her little, tiny hand.  She plays us like fiddle and we all sing along.  She wears us out but is the reason I wake up in the morning with a smile on my face.  We love our little Fafee Boppers and hope she has fun celebrating her 2nd Birthday this weekend with our family and a few of her/our friends.  I will try my best to NOT say no to her this weekend and spoil her rotten.  This is going to be a crazy weekend! ;-)

Getting Christmas decorations out & the santa hat is Devin's favorite so far!

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Spending our anniversary with the kids at the Naples Zoo. In just a few hours we drop kids off for the weekend so we can celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary!

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Weekend Fun

Last Friday I was lucky to get a few hours without the kids and go out to celebrate my friend Leah's Birthday.  Big thanks to Tanya and Valerie for watching Miah Jane, Lexi and Devin so Joanne and I could go out for a few hours.  Unfortunately, Andy had to work so he couldn't celebrate with us. :( Seriously though, I wouldn't have been able to enjoy Friday night without Tanya and Val's help...THANK YOU!  The kids were in great hands and they had so much fun.

We originally had reservations at PF Changs on Friday but due to the gas line break and explosion, PF Changs was closed.  We slowly learned that most Naples restaurants were closed or could not accommodate us due to their inability to cook without a gas supply.  After much frustration and many phone calls, we ended up at Bokampers with a very limited, but yummy, menu.  It may have taken us over an hour to find a restaurant and sit down together but it was worth the wait.  It was so nice to catch up with Leah and help celebrate her birthday.  We had such a nice group of family and friends together; great night!

I totally stole the next couple of pictures from Leah's blog...thanks Leah. :)

 The Fab Four: Sarah, Joanne, Leah and Me

I had the best seat in the house, next to the birthday girl!

With the exception of going out Friday night and celebrating Leah's birthday, we had a laid back weekend.  Cleaned the house, worked on potty training with Lexi (still going well), took the kids around town running errands and played in the yard...boy did we play in the yard this weekend.  It was very nice to finally be able to run around outside and not collapse from heat exhaustion.  After naps on Saturday afternoon we cleaned up all of the fun outside toys and got moving!



The kids haven't played with the car since early this year.  It's still a favorite!

Daddy pushing Devin around in the car.

Our neighbors have a big hill leading into our front yard...Daddy & Devin took advantage of it to gain speed.

Little Lady in her car

Devinly Dews

Quick side story: Andy took Devin in to get their hair cut together like they always do. This time Devin wouldn't even go into the building!  This was the break down of the year by far.  We finally calmed him down enough to go inside but the whole time he was inside he was crying he wanted to leave.  Tori has been cutting Devin's hair since his 1st hair cut around the age of 1.  He loves Tori and loves the attention she gives him and the candy too of course!  Luckily Tori didn't take it to heart and she has a three year old too so she's experienced the same break downs.  I kept saying I have no idea why he's acting like this...her answer was simple; sometimes they just have bad days.  I always think there is a reason and I always try to figure it out but I think she was right.  He's three and he just didn't want his hair cut that day!  So, please excuse Devin's hair in these pictures...LOL.

Devin's turn to push Lexi down the big hill...she looks a little scared!

If you ever wondered what would happen when a 3 year old challenges a 35 year old to jump over a chair...this is what you'd see---------------------------------------------------------->

Daddy still has it! He even landed on his feet.

Lexi getting ready for our wagon ride.

Lexi on Devin's bicycle, which she is not allowed to sit on because she always falls off!

Daddy and Devin are in the background searching for a lost 'whistle' ball in the bushes. Devin calls wiffle balls whistle balls and I can't get enough of it!  He's so darn cute!

Devin has different sticker charts that he has to fill up each day/week in order to get a reward on Sunday.  It's always worked well except 2 weeks ago which was the first week he didn't earn a reward.  So this week we decided he could redeem himself and earn a big ticket item (its usually just bubble bath or toothbrushes).  He decided on Hungry, Hungry Hippos.  He has wanted Hungry, Hungry Hippos for weeks! So we loaded the kids up and took them to Toys R Us on Sunday.  We told the kids to look around and see what they wanted for Christmas.  This was so much fun!  Of course Devin wants anything and everything that he's played with at other friends' houses. (especially Cal!) Lexi just wants what Devin wants and is happy to be playing with him.  This Christmas is going to be so much fun.  We're really looking forward to it!  Our weekend fun ended with multiple fun games of Hungry, Hungry Hippos.  We still start our mornings and end our nights with a game or two...Devin loves it.  Hopefully it'll help encourage him to get all of his stickers this week.  Fingers crossed!