all good things must come to an end...

She didn't want to go home, either:

Some thoughts on vacation:

1. Just because you are wearing a sexy little bathing suit, does not mean you are sexy and/or little.
2. Visiting family is not a vacation (no matter how much you love them and they love you).
3. Sunscreen - lots and lots of sunscreen.
4. Don't feel guilty about eating lots of yummy things - unless, of course, you think sand is yummy, which may result in some discomfort later.
5. A picture is worth a thousand words.
   
   

   

Thank you, Brian, for the best trip ever.

even more outer banks...

Today we got up-close and personal with these beauties:

The smaller dolphin is a tiny baby born just this year.

more outer banks...

We're doing a lot of lounging

and a lot of playing,

including Zoey's new trick:

outer banks welcome...

This is the view from our balcony:

Let the vacation begin!

A few evenings ago Brian brought me this to complete:

My initial thought was, "I am so tired and I just want to sit here and watch television. I do not want to complete a crossword puzzle."

Here is the completed puzzle:



All the clues have to do with North Carolina, where Brian is taking me on a surprise(!) trip to celebrate my upcoming 30th birthday. Best part? He's been planning this for months, I didn't have a clue, and I didn't have to make any decisions about the trip. Other best part? He remembered me telling him years ago that I would like to go to Outer Banks "someday" and, now, he is making that happen. BEST. HUSBAND. EVER.

to my little big girl...

Today you are 1 year old and, for reasons I can't seem to articulate, I am sad. I am sad that my tiny baby, who was seemingly born yesterday, is no longer a tiny baby.

More than my sadness, however, I feel gratitude. I am grateful you came to join our family, I am grateful you are healthy and strong, and I am grateful you are happy and funny and oh-so-cute.

You love to dress up (everything can be turned into a necklace or a bracelet), you love balloons and Elmo and flowers and dogs and birds and trucks and kids and music and food. Your excitement over these items, and a few others, is contagious and I am reminded that simple things can make us happy.

The simple things that make me happy are your kissing noises, your hugs, your beautiful smile, your bright eyes, and your tiny dimples.

And so, when I sneak into your room to peek into your crib and watch you sleep, I will try to hold back the tears of sadness and, instead, shed tears of gratitude and happiness. Happy 1st birthday, little one.

early celebration...

We celebrated Zoey's first birthday a few weeks early in order to use the Olsons' beautiful backyard one last time (sniffle, sniffle). We could not have asked for better weather, yummier food, or nicer friends.