2nd Birthday & Halloween

Ten minutes after Jude & Sloane's 1st birthday party, Michael and I decided they would not have a 2nd birthday party.  We loved everything about that day but wanted this year to be family only.  It was absolutely perfect and a day filled with joy.

Michael and I blew up quite a few balloons for when they woke up... except Sloane decided to sleep in until 8 am.  Once they were both awake, we played with the balloons and sang Happy Birthday!

Next up was donuts (with sprinkles, of course) and another lively rendition of Happy Birthday.  They blew out their candles (Sloane spit on hers) and enjoyed their donuts. 

We drove to the Arboretum and they had a blast.  Pumpkins everywhere! 

They took a nap on the drive home so once we got back we ordered some pizza for lunch.  Then it was time to cut the cake (and sing "Happy Birthday" for a third time) and open presents!  They halfway grasped the idea of opening presents and immediately went for the other's toys.  While they were playing with their gifts, Michael went outside to get the bounce house ready (gift from Mimi and Papa) and then we all went outside to play.  They LOVED it.  I crawled in at one point (totally broke the weight limit) and played with my sweet two-year-olds.

Their MDO had an open house and carnival that evening so we went for a bit and realized they were a little too young to enjoy the games.  When we arrived home, Sloane was pretty upset getting out of her carseat.  I tried putting her down and she wanted to be held, which isn't typical for Sloane.  We sat down and it didn't take long before we realized something was wrong with her arm (most likely her shoulder).  She wouldn't use it and cried if I lightly touched it. 

Off we went to Urgent Care.  We sat in the waiting room and Sloane just whimpered.  I finally asked if she wanted to get down and as she was sliding out of my arms, something must've happened.  In two seconds, she went from being extremely pitiful to the Sloane we're used to: running around, climbing on things, waving, smiling... It was so bizarre.  We let the receptionist know we were going to head out and the nurse came out to look just to make sure all was well.  She guessed Sloane popped her shoulder/elbow out of socket and then popped it back in.  Herself.  Way to go, Sloane.

And so ends their second birthday.  Other than the arm incident, I'd say it was one of my favorite days to date.  I think Jude & Sloane would agree.

HALLOWEEN

The problem with Halloween being the day after your kids' birthday is it's always a last minute scramble.  A few weeks before Halloween I realized we did not have costumes for the kids (or even know what they would be).  We decided on Peter Pan & Tinkerbell and within 10 minutes had their costumes and accessories ordered (thank you, Amazon).  Last year they wore their costumes for three minutes so I was hoping this year would be better.  It absolutely was!  They both really enjoyed their costumes and loved going trick or treating.  Their favorite part was knocking on all of the doors.  We live on a cul-de-sac so just went to the few houses around the circle before we called it a day.  We also met several new neighbors who have young children - woohoo!

10.20.14 | 7 Years

Michael and I collaborate on an anniversary post every year.  This year was no exception, it's just a little (two weeks) late.  We discussed skipping it and that lasted approximately two seconds before we both realized we hated the idea.

We kept it fairly simple and each chose 10 of our favorite pictures.  I refuse to say, "Our 10 favorite pictures" because as soon as I publish this post I will think of a picture that should've been included. 

It's been an amazing seven years of marriage and it just keeps getting better!

Year 1  |  Year 2 Here & Here |  Year 3 Here & Here  |  Year 4  |  Year 5  |  Year 6

Michael's Top 10

We visited Meredith's friends in St. Louis not long after we started dating.  I believe it was 4th of July weekend and this picture was after a Cardinals game in a beer tent.  Her friends were great and it was a fun weekend.  Details foggy.

There are two pictures I always think of from our wedding.  This is one.  It was so windy outside but it cooperated with this picture.  Every year Tulsa hosts spring fest and this is one of the streets that would close down for food and art booths to set up shop.  Meredith and I both worked downtown so we would get to experience this together.  We enjoyed our time in Tulsa and this picture serves as a great reminder.  

I thought this was taken as we were getting ready to leave.  I don't really know.  We are tired and very happy. 

 

The luau we went to was a lot of fun.  There were some 21 year olds working the bar and the drinks they made were so strong we ended up letting them water down.  Straight, cheap liquor is a rough combination.  The food was great and we were a little adventurous with what we tried.

Our friends Brian & Erin had been to Maui the year before and they recommended we go to Kimo's at sunset to grab a drink.  I think we ended doing this almost every night.  They have tables on a patio that actually extend out over the ocean.  The restaurant noise is drowned out by the sound of waves, and you get to watch the sun set in Hawaii.  It was a great way to get ready for dinner each night.  Side note:  Meredith liked it so much that if we ever got a dog she wanted to name it Kimo.  I tried to explain that people would hear it was chemo, and that would give off a negative connotation.

Meredith's family has been vacationing in Sanibel Island, FL every summer for most of her life.  This was taken on one of the first trips I made.  I could have stayed until the tide forced me to move.  We have an updated picture floating around where the kids have taken our spots in the chairs.

Meredith was a cute little pregnant girl and I liked the pictures where just her belly snuck out to say hi. 

We took pictures when the kids were just a couple of weeks old, but around their 1st birthday we took family pictures again.  They actually cooperated much better than I was expecting.  They didn't smile much, but they were intrigued by everything that went on that day. 

The first birthday party was fun but it was very hectic.  I remember saying hi to everyone at the door, and then everyone leaving.  This was supposed to be the one time where the four of us were all in the same place focused on one thing.  Instead Sloane constantly tried to take her hat off and Jude was crying from the strap snapping against his chin.  Mission Accomplished.

Fort Smith has a Christmas village set up over the holidays, and weaving through all the lights is a small train.  We were able to ride this a couple of times as a family.  They really enjoyed it once we were moving and pointed out everything they saw.  I also believe it was the first time they spent more than a couple of minutes outside in the cold.  They held up great.

Meredith's Top 10

We'd been dating less than a year and I just remember being so happy when this picture was taken.  Even though he blended into the sofa and I had a death grip on his poor arm. 

We'd gotten engaged the month before and celebrated Christmas together with our parents.  We're both smiling with this cookbook, unaware that seven years later it's yet to be used. 

We'd been married for approximately three minutes when this picture was taken.  I love our huge smiles and how our friends and family are all in this picture with us. 

We honeymooned in Maui and had the most amazing time.  We didn't have iPhones, rarely checked email, and had an absolute blast.  Best vacation ever.

This was my 26th birthday.  We set the camera up on the bookcase to take this picture and then went to dinner at In the Raw.  :)  I loved our date nights in Tulsa.

Our first anniversary trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  We'd just visited Thorncrown Chapel and recited our vows to each other (a tradition we've continued every anniversary). 

On the roof of our hotel in NYC, celebrating our third anniversary.  Such a fun trip!

My mom had been taking pictures of us that morning and this one has always been a favorite because it wasn't posed.  We were so excited and terrified of what was to come!

Thanksgiving 2012 - Jude & Sloane were three weeks old!  I remember feeling so very thankful for my little family.

I realize this is kind of cheating (two pictures) but I couldn't decide.  Top was taken several years ago when we were vacationing in Sanibel.  We recreated the picture this summer and it gives me a lump in my throat every time I look at it.  When the top picture was taken, I remember thinking, "I couldn't be any happier."  And then the bottom picture proved me wrong. 

In plenty and in want
In joy and in sorrow
In sickness and in health
For as long as we both shall live.