A "Staycation" and Small Vacation

With the raging gas prices and big grocery bills, all of us are trying to save money this summer. I thank everyone for their great vacation recommendations. We still may travel far one day in the future, but for this week we have found ways to have fun while not going too far.

Today my parents came to BG to spend some time with us and we decided to have a little "staycation." For those of you that haven't heard of this term on the news lately, click here:
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2008/04/staycation.html

It is nice to take advantage of places in your back door. Lydia LOVES to ride along in the stroller and seeing the outdoors. Today we traveled to BG's own Lost River Cave trails.

We went to the cave, listened to the tour guide give some interesting facts, and went to the Butterfly habitat. We walked there from my favorite park, The Bark Park, (which has a great playground and lots of shade). It was so nice to spend a couple of hours in BG, learn something new, allow Lydia to see some cool things, and NOT waste gas along the way.




Wed-Friday, we traveled to our old stomping grounds of Georgetown. We had a super stay in a real good deal from priceline that allowed us to get a very nice corporate suite for a low price (GO PRICELINE!) and got to visit my old school and church friends. Lydia was even asked to be in a wedding coming up next summer!!! We had a great time. Below is a picture of Lydia with two of my best friends children, Anna Pryor and Blaine. It was like yesterday that these kidos were born, and now they are growing so tall! AP turned 3 in Dec. and Blaine turned 1 last October. They are so smart and cute! Lydia really enjoyed playing with them!

Taking Vacation Recommendations

We are trying to think of a fun getaway- first family vacation- to take in the next few weeks.
I would love recommendations on nice places all of my blogger moms have been. We have been leaning towards Charleston, SC or Destin, FL. These two are not set in stone and we may not even go anywhere, but we are thinking about it. We were fortunate to go to many places before Lydia came along. Now that a 13 month old is in the picture, we seem to be searching for a place to fit all of our needs (meaning not too far of a drive).

So I would love some ideas. Places, hotels, etc....

Thanks!

Can we slow it down, please!

Every time I turn around my baby is becoming less and less a baby....she is all over the place walking, eating everything, and jabbering. I am so amazed by the quickness a life forms and develops. I always heard, "If you blink, they will be all grown up." I definitely know now that people are not exaggerating.

Just take a look at these three little beauties from the end of last summer to now- how quickly they are growing:

I am sure all of you parents can relate. But can you tell me how to slow this down? I am considering writing up a contract for her to place an X on, promising me that she will always live with her Mommy and Daddy. I am not saying she can't marry- he can live with us too!

Seeing History...

Today Lydia went to see history being made with the first female Presidential candidate.

There was a large crowd, but everyone seemed to have a good view.

Daddy tried to get a picture of Lydia with Hillary but wasn't able. But they did get up close enough here for an autograph.

Daddy did get Lydia's button autographed by Hillary though, and Lydia didn't want to part with it. She fell asleep holding it on the way home.

I won't get into politics, but it was good to have Lydia see some history in the making (although she won't really remember it- without these pics for her photo album)!

Keep Out!

Oh the joys of motherhood...Today, I have been chasing my new one year old around the house as she opens and shuts doors. I do wonder what she thinks she will do in her room all alone without her mommy! Maybe she has some secrets to tell her stuffed animals, maybe she wants to line up her shoes for the week, who knows! For real, I thought keeping Mom out wasn't supposed to start until teenage years!

Happy FIRST Birthday Lydia Ann!

Today is the most special day. A year ago Lydia Ann joined our family and has been the most wonderful bundle of joy since! She has blessed our lives with her sweet, friendly personality and loving heart. Her father and I have enjoyed every moment shared with her. She has made us better people and the most lucky parents on Earth! We are truly blessed to have gotten the privilege to be her parents.

Lydia was born in Lexington on a beautiful sunny day at 5:40pm est. Monday, April 23, 2007. She was greeted by aunts and grandparents and many friends. I will never forget how I wanted to savor the moment that they put her in my arms. I wanted that moment to last forever. I was so excited. Josh was very natural at being a daddy from the start. He immediately started singing "Jesus Loves Lydia" to her as they cleaned her up because that is what he had been singing to her for 9 months. He wanted to make sure she knew her daddy was right beside her. He continues to be a tremendous help and wonderful father.

Every month I have said that "This is my favorite month with her." The truth is I have loved every month and with each new month comes something new to her and to me as a mother.

As she is walking, exploring everything, getting new bumps and bruises, jabbering and waving at everyone and everything, I can say that the most wonderful job in the world is: Being a Mom! I love this new role in my life and am so glad that I can never retire from this job. Being able to teach her, mold her, and most important let her be herself is so rewarding! She is lucky to have so many wonderful family members and close friends that will help shape her along the way!

Here are some pictures from Lydia's year:



Her Birthday: April 23, 2007:



May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

January:

Febuary:

March:

April:

12 Month Pictures by Melissa DeVries:

WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL---- Happy Birthday!!

Spring Is In The Air