I don't have words

for how much I love this picture, and each person in it! 

Three Smiles.....this ones a keeper!!

Our Trip!

Earlier in the year we decided to head to Washington over Easter this year for a few reasons. Mainly, it was the last chance we had to only buy two plane tickets to get there. It was a major bonus when lots of family and friends were able to also go to Washington over Easter. I'll get to the flights in another post, but our trip couldn't have been better. I think besides the trip we got engaged, this was our most fun trip yet. I'm sure as the girls get older, every trip will seem like that. I really love this stage of life.

The first morning after we arrived we headed to the zoo with Grandma while Grandpa was at work. We had absolutely fantastic weather and there were more strollers at the zoo than I have ever seen!  Ruthie loved it and had so much fun!  She pointed and smiled and had a blast!

She is so much fun right now!

It was great having all the extra hands to chase her!

Of course, this is what Angel baby Lainie did, smiled in the stroller.

 We attempted to get a shot of Grandma, Joel and Ruthie and someone wasn't having any part of it.  This is one shot of about 45 I took of Ruthie wiggling and doing everything she could to keep from sitting down and looking at me.

We also tried to get a picture of Ruthie and Grandma in the sharks mouth ( I think its a shark?)

 Wait a second.....this looks familiar! circa 12/10

This zoo not only is part of our aquarium membership (so we all get in free..Score!), but it has a huge kids play area that is awesome.  There were a ton of kids there, so Ruthie wasn't really feeling it, but I know in the years to come that place will be great!  How cute are those boots!  Thanks Grandma!

The zoo was so much fun and is just the right size for Ruthie's age, not too big but easy to navigate.  We had a great time.


After we left there we headed back to Grandma's house and while the girls were sleeping, there was lots of this....Apple junkies.  :-)

When they woke up from their naps, there was a lot of this!

But someone can't be left out, so there was even more of this!  I love this shot of Lainie, its so her.

The next day family started arriving to add to the fun.

Aunt Jessica and Uncle Tim

Lots of fun playing with Grandma!

Making ice cream

Playing with Gruncle Jeremy

Hanging with Grandpa

This is just the first few days of our Trip!  Coming next Easter, egg hunts, church and the flights!

Easter Week

We were fortunate enough to head to Seattle to spend Easter week with our West Coast family and we had a fantastic time! Side note, Ruthie's face totally cracks me up in this picture. Its perfect and hilarious! I have lots to update, from the flights (we went specifically at this time because it was the last time we didn't have to buy Ruthie a ticket, which means we each had a lap baby. I'll have one post on just the flights), Easter egg hunts, church, friends, family and lots of fun.....after I unpack :-). Until then, here are a few pictures from our week of fun!

Proof

This video is proof of several things:
1. We've got a beach girl, who asks to go to the beach every. single. time. we go outside. (cue meltdown when we dont).
2. Chloe is the absolute best.
3. Lainie is an angel, napping her sweet little head off.
4. Ruthie constantly cracks us up. One of her favorite statements is Walk Chlo Chlo Walk...Okay.
5. I am the worlds worst videographer. period.

We had a great Easter weekend. Sunday, we headed to Raleigh to spend Easter with my family at my parent's house. Thankfully, everyone was able to come and the cousins got to spend lots of time together. This was the first day Ruthie was around a lot of people who were paying attention to her and she didn't have a meltdown. Lots of people held her and she may have actually liked it. It was a complete change from the norm. It was awesome.

Another advantage was that my Grandma and Grandpa were there so we were able to spend time with them. Unfortunately, they lost their house in the recent tornados, but miraculously were unhurt (other than a few scrapes). They are staying at my parents until they can move into their condo this week.

We had a delicious lunch and afterwords, played with bubbles,
Ruthie loves bubbles



played some golf and baseball


Hanging out with Gigi

and PapaRuthie and Aunt Nana matched
and had an Easter Egg hunt, of course!


Ruthie was happiest with an egg in each hand, banging them together

and showing them off

here she is checking out Jay's stash!



We attempted a family photo, and here is how Ruthie felt about it, I think her face is hilarious!

After that all we had to do was put her on her Daddy's shoulders and she was happy!
Here is a close up!We were also able to get some good cousin shots! So cute!!!


We had a great Easter and hope you did also!

Gorgeous Weather

Lately, since the weather has been so nice, we've been taking full advantage of living by the beach and heading down there.

Its pretty safe to say, Ruthie loves sand (mainly in her mouth although she's doing it less and less now)

and the beach

and climbing on her Daddy

and is completely, 100% not afraid of the water....at all, as she charges for it every time like a little turtle. It is so cute.

We absolutely cannot wait for Spring and Summer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

To my Favorite 11 year old Nephew Matt!!

Can't wait for you to be down here and wish we could celebrate with you today! We love you!!