Stella Turns ONE!

October 17, 2012

I can't believe Stella is ONE!  The last year has flown by.  We had a really fun day.  Marc was at school all day, but was able to meet us for the evening celebrations.  Jackson was at school also.  Stella, Bennett, and I ran to Target to pick up a few things, while there I thought I would take a little stroll through the toy area, since we hadn't bought Stella anything for her birthday.  I wasn't that worried about it, but thought if something just really sparked my interest, then maybe I would get it.  We walked down a few aisles and Stella suddenly started screaming!  I looked at her and realized she wasn't hurt etc, so I stopped backed up a few feet and began pointing or handing things to her to figure out what she wanted.  I picked up a cabbage patch doll that was dressed like a cow and she grabbed that doll out of my hand so fast!  She held to so tight and close and wouldn't let it go.  Eventually, I signed "all done" and said it and took the doll away.  She screamed and screamed, so being the great mom I am, I turned picked to doll up (gave it back to her) and bought it.  "If you like it all that much, its yours!" (name that movie)  

Anyway, the birthday girl took a nap in the afternoon and then we had dinner (pasta, one of her favorites) and then headed to the park.  We invited a few families to the park to celebrate her birthday with us. It was really fun!  The kids played on the playground and Stella got the swing (one of her favorite things to do).  

Stella was a little unsure about her first cake experience, but after she got a few tastes in with her hands, she dove in face first and started eating!  It was hilarious.  I eventually just sat her down on the grass and let her have at it.  

Birthday Girl got to bed late and happy!  We sure love this little thing!

(I will write a separate post all about her likes/dislikes etc.)

Eating Birthday Dinner

Stella was a little unsure about her first cake experience, but after she got a few tastes in with her hands, she dove in face first and started eating!  It was hilarious.  I eventually just sat her down on the grass and let her have at it.  

Opening her presents at home.

 Tickle Monster Book from Gr. and Gr. Martin

Daytona Beach with the Mechams

September 14, 2012

Backyard Bliss

September 7, 2012

We love having a backyard (besides the fire ants) our backyard is perfect.   

UF Football Game

August 31, 2012

We went to the opening game of the Gators.  It was incredibly hot and swampy! ...but we loved every minute of it! 

We arrived to find parking, just like it is everywhere in Gainesville, EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE.  It seriously cracks me up that no one has any regard for grass or sidewalks.  I think you can see below where we parked (for free and legally), half on the grass/half on the sidewalk.  I wish I would've backed up so you could see the long line of cars we were parked behind.  

Mid-way through the first quarter the boys were ready to strip all the way down to their undies so they could cool off, but we talked them into keeping their shorts on.  Luckily the concessions stands were handing out free cups of ice chips and I just kept going down and refilling the kids cups to keep them cool and hydrated.

After the game headed back to our car we saw this little gator just hanging out in the irrigation next to the sidewalk.