Saturday, July 16, 2011

A week in the country...

June 26 - July 3

Knotts Island is a small island off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is super close to Virginia Beach, but seems like a world away. It's out in the country. It's beautiful. It's sitting on the back porch, working the vegetable garden, playing cards at night. It's family.

The marsh


Xavier got to visit his Mema and PopPops for his 1st birthday. He couldn't love them more! All we have to do is say PopPops, and X starts laughing. Mema's food definitely made X super happy...he loved all of her dinners, especially her homemade Chicken and Rice. Yum!


Mema, X and Bear Bear




Can we say love anyone? PopPops loves his Little Man.

Xavier received so many toys and gifts from his PopPops and Mema...seriously, he didn't know what to do with himself. Every time he turned around, there was something new to play with in front of him. He is a lucky boy!!
Surrounded by toys...and goldfish. X even got his own goldfish container!! WOW!


Trav's old John Deere tractor...awesome!
Trav's old tricycle! X loved it!

First time with bubbles...pure joy!
We had a barbecue with Trav's Aunt Marcia, Uncle Jack, and cousins Jack and Alex. It was a blast!

The boys...

Learning to high five!
What a great week! Family, friends, lots of home cookin', and plenty of love and laughter!

Let me outside to play!!!




Munden Point
Disc golf with Uncle Greg



Thank you Mema and PopPops for an amazing trip! We love you!!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Happy Birthday Xavier!!

June 27, 2011

Happy Birthday Xman!

Xavier turns 1!!! Unbelievable! Our little baby is growing and changing so fast! He is becoming his own little self - it is really amazing to watch. All of a sudden, X is communicating with us. I asked him to give me his sippy cup in the car yesterday, and he handed it to me!! We tell him to open his mouth so we know he has finished chewing and he does it! Crazy cool! He loves to play guitar, bang his drums, and giggle with Daddy. He loves when we chase him around his play yard, laughing when we catch him. Our little man has a sweet spirit. His cool, fun personality is unfolding every day.


We love you more than you could ever imagine X!


Monday, June 20, 2011

A week in the mountains...

We just got back from a week at my parents' North Carolina cabin. At the end of a long winding road, at the top of a beautiful mountain, you find serenity. We were surrounded by trees, hummingbirds, chipmunks, and total PEACE. As soon as we arrived, I felt like my soul took a deep breath and said Ahhhhh..... I love the mountains. The crisp clean air, the constant song of birds, and the lush green forests. I am in complete withdrawal...


Our biggest worry? Should I lay in the hammock or sit on the porch to read? What hike are we going on this afternoon? What should we make for lunch? Big decisions to make...let me tell ya. ;)

Xman had a blast! He loved his backpack rides through the mountains.

He learned so many new words...and all of a sudden began pointing to things that he knew! It blew us away! We would say, "Where's the tree?" and he would point to them!!! He did this with tree, rain, pants, fan, light, hat, water, tiger, monkey, elephant (stuffed animals)Nani, Papi, Mommy, and Daddy! Holy moly! It's like his brain grew every day. So cool!! :)

We went on amazing hikes to waterfalls, around mountain lakes, and up to the tops of mountains where we could see panaramic views. It was awesome!








We took naps in the hammock, read books, played board games, and spent quality time together.












I loved spending day after day with my parents. They got so much time with X, and it was just so nice to sit and read together while Xman napped. My mom and I don't usually sit and read much at home...so it was a really nice treat. No to do lists...just relaxing and enjoying our time together.


This is what we woke up to every morning...


and went to sleep to every night...


It was cool in the mornings and evenings and perfect during the day. Humidity? What is that!?

It has taken me a full two days to really get over my end of vacation blues. My heart really loves the mountains and feels SO at home there. But, a friend of mine reminded me recently that our heart can know many homes...no matter what, wherever X and Trav are is home to me. Adding my mom and dad into the mix just makes it that much sweeter! Now, if Chloe, Erich, Ben and WyWy were there too, you'd have to drag me away kicking and screaming.
See that smile? Anywhere he is...is home to me.

Sunday, June 19, 2011