Our Anniversary, The Beach and Friends

A toast to the happy couple! We celebrated our 10th anniversary at the beach last week. Ten years sounds like such a long time. But, then again, it feels like just yesterday we were walking down the aisle together. Without getting too sappy, we reminisced over where we've been, where we are now and where we see ourselves in the future. Here's to many, many more years together. I love you!

Joining us in our celebration were our friends Chris and Kristin, our best man and maid of honor. They are now married to each other and have a sweet little boy named Blake. We're so glad they made the long drive from Texas to visit us. We were able to relax around our house together before heading to the beach.

Tessa was not thrilled with the sand but did like splashing in the waves. She much preferred the heated pool and the lazy river.

The beach with two babies is not a particularly relaxing vacation, especially since our little darling decided not to sleep for 4 nights! Naps, feedings and schedules all got thrown out the window.

We were up very early the first morning to have our pictures made at sunrise. But, it was too cloudy and we had to reschedule. Thankfully, the weather cleared and we have beautiful sunset portraits instead.

Due to the lack of sleep, Tessa was especially cuddly and wanted to be carried everywhere. My arms were tired but I cherish these moments because she won't want me to carry her forever - I think. This was the one and only time she walked on the sand, so glad I captured it on video.

It was fun and I wouldn't trade the memories but we now need a vacation from our vacation!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! How wonderful to be able to celebrate today with my grandmother, mother and daughter. Ryan and Daddy treated us to a lovely lunch at the Poinsett Hotel.

Tessa was a very well behaved little lady and we were all able to enjoy the delicious meal. We laughed that Tessa rejected food from the kiddie table but asked for gourmet cheeses from my plate instead. I think I have the only child in the state who refuses to eat macaroni and cheese!

Tessa amused herself by reading her new Dora book and playing with her new Dora doll. She has learned how to say "Dora" and likes to use this word a lot. Tessa also says "ticka ticka" as she pretends to tickle her doll. Then she asks us to tickle her. Too cute!

We have discovered that elevators can be loads of fun. Tessa and I made many trips up and down today. She hopped off each time the doors opened, only to run back into the elevator and say "again" for another trip. The people in the lobby were quite amused with our cute little bundle of energy.

We wish our mothers and grandmothers a very happy Mother's Day!

Gamma's Birthday

For my mom's birthday we ventured out to a local waterfall. The weather was beautiful and the trail easy enough for even Tessa to walk. We enjoyed watching her make her way up the trail as much as we enjoyed the actual waterfall. Tessa would dash ahead on level spots and then carefully climb up the stone steps. She liked to hold hands with Daddy when going down the steps. So sweet to see her reach up her little hand and wrap it around his finger.




After our excursion, we had a very nice steak dinner with homemade chocolate pie for dessert. Tessa was one tired tike after that big day but she was sweet as always. My parents marvel at how easy going she is, aparently I was much fussier when tired.





The birthday celebration continued on Sunday when we visited our favorite Mexcian restaurant. Our waitress was so sweet, she even let Tessa help her make the tortillas. In this picture Tessa is showing us where those tortillas belong.

One of Gamma's presents was a toddler sized slide. Tessa loves it and has mastered the steps which look like a miniature rockclimbing wall. Sliding is our new favorite thing to do. We loved celebrating with you Gamma. Happy Birthday!

Easter

He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead... Matthew 28: 6-7

After church we gathered at Gamma & Gampa's house for an afternoon of family, food and fun. It was so entertaining to watch Tessa hunt Easter eggs in their beautiful yard. We could not have asked for more perfect weather.

Tessa was thrilled with her new wagon full of toys. A big ball, a singing bunny, super cool bubbles and eggs filled with little treasures. There were even eggs filled with doggie treats for Anabelle!

Little Bunny Foo Foo is Tessa's favorite Easter song. Usually she does the hand motions that go along with the song - including smacking herself in the head. In this video she just does a sweet little dance with Granny. Cute little bunny!

Easter is just around the corner! Today we took Tessa to a nearby park for an Easter Egg Hunt. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we had a ball. Tessa picked up the same four eggs over and over and over. It was fun each and every time. Too cute!!!

First Day of Spring

We are so happy spring is here! Here's looking forward to warm weather and lots of time spent playing outside.

Granny Paula's Visit

We were excited to have Ryan's mom visit us for a long week-end. Even though the weather was cold and rainy, we were entertained by Tessa. She loves to sing and dance and says "AGAIN" at the end of each song. Our current favorite is the Chicken Dance. When she flaps her little wings and wiggles her rear end it is just too cute!

We ventured out to the mall on Sunday and I even let Tessa play in the children's area. It was very crowded with big kids running everywhere but she had a ball. After going down the slide about a hundred times, we called it a day.

Tessa is cutting two more teeth and soothes herself by chewing on raw carrots or her pacifier. She has learned how to say "Binky" and uses her new word often.

Thanks Granny Paula for coming to visit us! We'll see both you and Grandpa Frank this summer.

Visiting the Kosmickis

Tessa and I had a wonderful visit to "Aunt Claire's" house in Idaho. Tessa was great to fly with, even though we had two connections and two time zone changes each way. She's such a trooper! If only I could get her to sleep better in new places she would be a perfect traveler.

I can't get over how quickly all the kids are growing and maturing! Grace is beautiful and precocious as ever. Tessa adores her and would hold up her arms for Grace to carry her. Will is such a lover, he would chase Tessa around to hug her. She wasn't always in the mood and we laughed watching her fend him off. Grant is a super sweet baby. Tessa was fascinated with the baby and he was very tolerant of her. The Kosmicki boys are going to be heartbreakers someday!


It's amazing to think back to when Claire and I met. We were just two teenage kids with practically no resposibilities. Now we are wives and mothers with lots of responsibilities. But it's still hard to think of us as adults. I'm grateful we've stayed so close and love that our kids get along too!

Snow in the South

Last night we had an amazing thunder snow shower and this morning everything looks like a winter wonderland. Tessa and I were supposed to travel today but most flights are cancelled.

So we played in the snow this morning and will try our luck at the airport tomorrow.

Anabelle was in doggy heaven running around in the snow and sliding on the ice. Tessa and I laughed and laughed watching Anabelle play.

This was Tessa's first big snow and she was fascinated by it. I bet she would love to sled down our hill, we may try that when Daddy gets home. Poor Daddy had to go to work. We really could have used his help making a snowman, my attempt was pitiful!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

Being a leap year baby, Ryan doesn't have an official birthday this year. So, we celebrated the entire week-end with family, friends and good food. You're still adorable. Happy 8.25 Birthday!