Nightly Talks with Savannah

I've probably put Savannah to bed at least 1900 times and every time it's a little bit different of an experience.  The first 365 times consisted of nursing and rocking.  Then we added books.  Then we moved from reading in the rocker to reading in her big girl bed.  About two years ago, before we would say goodnight, we started talking about our favorite parts of our day.  This talk has turned into quite lengthy conversations that trail off into random discussions and last way longer than I ever intended them to.

Most conversations I quickly forget but every now and then we have one that I hope to never forget.  Here's a recent one that still makes me giggle:

Savannah: Mommy how did you know to marry Daddy?
Me: Well, we got to know each other really well and after a long time we decided we wanted live together and get married and have you and Walker.
S: but how did you know you wanted to live with him?
M: we had a lot of fun together and we wanted to do the same things
S: but how will I know who to marry?
M: when you get older and meet more more people, you'll find someone who you really like
S: but how do I know which one?  There's soooooooo many to choose from?
M: (trying really hard to not laugh) yes, there are a lot but you'll find someone that you like to be around and that you have fun with
S: but how do I know???  What if I like lots?
M: (still holding in laughter) yes, you will probably like lots but after a while most of them will get on your nerves and you won't like them anymore so you'll be left with one who doesn't bother you as much as the others (i'm trying to wrap up this conversation)
S: oh ok then.  goodnight mommy

Phew, we made it through our first girl-boy relationship conversation.  I only hope they stay this easy.  Wishful thinking, I know.

Happy Heart Day!

Savannah started getting ready for Valentine's Day as soon as the Christmas decorations came down.  She made a list of about 30 children who she wanted to make valentines for this year and she had each and every one made the week before her party at school.  She even started callingValentine's Day "her day" because it's all about everything being pink and red.  She couldn't wait till the 13th when her class would have their party and exchange cards.  

all ready for "her day"

my two little Valentines

they're either hitting or kissing---glad a got a picture of the latter

Daddy gave his girl a dozen roses

V-day dessert

The actual Valentine's Day was on Saturday and I gave both Savannah and Walker a special bag with chocolates and a few goodies.  Then I taught a special PopUp class in the morning while Oscar went for a bike ride.  For dinner we had a family date at CPK followed by dessert at Menchies.  I loved spending this special day with my three favorite people!  And now Savannah's ready to start celebrating Easter.

Overnight Visit to Boone

We took a quite trip to Boone, North Carolina over the MLK holiday.  It's only a three hour drive from home so we left early Sunday morning on the 18th and went straight to Sugar Mountain.  We planned to just check out the area so we would know for future ski trips.  Savannah just wanted to see snow and unfortunately it was too warm to see snow fall.  Of course the mountain had their own man-made snow so people were skill able to enjoy the slopes.  We tried to tube while there but the line was too long and we didn't have enough time to wait for the next opening.  Instead Savannah and Oscar went ice skating while Walker and I watched from the side.  

trying to change clothes in the car

shuttle ride from the parking lot to the ski slopes

no snow except on the ski slopes and tubbing hill

he's not a fan of the cold, the snow, or being bundled up

The next day we went to Hawksnest for some family tubing.  Both kiddos were able to ride down the hills sitting in mine and Oscar's laps and they had soooo much fun!!  Walker loved being pulled around in the tube and he was such a trooper despite the cold and being bundled up.

it was easier to pull him than to carry him

After a couple of hours tubing it was time to head home.  We stopped for Chick-fil-A drive through, watched a movie and before we knew it, we were pulling into the driveway.  We were even home in plenty of time to unpack, relax, and hit up Jason's Deli for dinner.  We're so lucky to live within a short drive of the mountains in one direction and the beach in another.  That makes these little overnight trips so easy to have every now and again.

2014 Family Photo Session

I can't believe that I forgot to post these pictures!  It's become a yearly thing that we have Amber Byrd take some family pictures of us during the month of November.  It started as a maternity photo shoot and has become our yearly Christmas card/kiddos birthday portrait session.  Here are a few of my favorites:

I LOVE these all soooo much!!  Definitely one of my favorite sessions yet!  Thanks so much to ABP--she's the best!!