Cole is 3 (well...almost)

Although it feels like 3 years since I've updated the blog, I *really* can't believe Cole is almost 3 years old! His actual birthday is June 25, but his Aunt Lara (my sister) is in town for a visit and we decided to have a little party while she was here! Cole is facinated with fire trucks and per his request, we took him to the fire station for a tour, then headed to the park for pizza and cake. He loved visiting with the firemen and sitting in the fire truck- he constantly reminded me that he did not want the sirens to come on. This was such a special day for us! We are so blessed and truly can't believe he is turning 3.

We're back!

...not that we've been anywhere interesting...but we've definitely taken a break from blogging! I don't even know where to begin with catching you up on happenings over the past 3 months.. I can say, we enjoyed a fabulous day playing outside in over 70 degree weather today! What a treat! Cole is also doing an amazing job @ potty training! He went to school today in "big boy" underwear and stayed dry for the 2nd consecutive day- we are so excited! We've been busy with the normal rhythm of life and are enjoying the fact that Spring is around the corner (hopefully).. Look back soon for more updates and photos (huge sigh...)

Christmas tid-bits

On Monday, Cole's Mother's Day Out had a Christmas program..it was absolutely hilarious! He's been practicing- singing, dancing and all, around the house, giving us a snip-it of what to expect. We laughed so hard watching all the kids as they entertained us with "Jingle Bells"
and some "Santa" song. Later that evening (after his nap) I asked him a question, our conversation went a little like this:

me: I really enjoyed your Christmas program today..
Cole: OHH YEAH! Now, I'm Soooo tired (huge sigh..)
me: Do you need to go to bed early tonight?
Cole: I think so!
It's tiring when you're on stage!

We were hanging out in the living room the other night and Cole says,"Get out your camera and take a cheese (picture) of me"..how could I resist that? He's just getting the concept of smiling at the camera..not just saying "cheese", which was a brief phase...I just love this photo..too bad he doesn't have pants on!!

I asked Cole the other night what he wanted for Christmas, he said "a kitchen sink"..Good thing I put in a good word with Santa, I think he's bringing a kitchen, depends on if he stays on the good list.

West Coast and more

We just returned from a fabulous trip to California! My dear sister, Lara, was married which was fun time...we had so much fun preparing for the big day and got to spend a lot of sisterly time together. Here are a few photos from our trip (and some before the trip-because it's been so long since I last posted).
I realized when we got back that when you're in a wedding, it's harder to snap photos! I had so many "Matron of Honor" duties (not to mention following a 2 year old around). Now we're back, we all have colds and are enjoying settling back into our routine. There's nothing like home!


After the wedding, we drove north to stay with some friends and explore a bit. We made it to Santa Barbara for a day of great food, neat scenery, wonderful time with friends, and a little shopping!

If you're ever in Santa Barbara, they have the neatest little zoo! Because we are members of the Nashville zoo, we didn't even have to purchase tickets which was an added bonus. Marc and I giggled so much at the giraffe, we bought him a biscuit and fed him..it was truly priceless!

On a train ride around the zoo.

Lara, the bride with Cole, the ring bearer.

Mommy and Cole, thankfully, I brought a sweater to wear over my dress, the evening of the wedding, it was so cold!

Mema and Cole. Mema traveled to CA from Florida and she got a bad bought of stomach flu which kept her in the hotel for an extra 5 days! Poor Mema, we're glad you're all better now!

One of my favorite memories of this trip, Marc, Cole and I got up and drove to Laguna Beach (which was about 5 miles from where we were staying). We relaxed and had family time before the day got super busy!

Cole wasn't so sure about the sand...

We went hiking the weekend before the wedding at one of our favorite Nashville spots. It was really cold and Cole insisted on walking the whole time.

Happy Halloween

We had a fun night filled with friends, family and good food! Cole had a fantastic time trick-or-treating and exhausted himself by running up and down driveways..Marc was quite pleased with his candy accumulation. Although he doesn't look like he had fun in this photo, our little cowboy was all wrangled up and "yee-haw'd" the night away! Hope yours was memorable!

Imagine That

This morning, like every morning, I poured a cup of coffee for myself and watched Cole play for a while after he had his breakfast. Still sleepy eyed, I heard the familiar sound of Cole's *play* cell phone, ringing. He answered the phone and proceeded to order a pizza, then handed me the See and Say. Cole then took a bite out of the toy and said, "mmmm, Cole loves pizza"! I love watching this imaginary play! He's just started really using his imagination while playing and it is wonderful to watch.. Do you have any fun memories of watching kids as they use their imagination?

It's Fall-Ya'll

We love everything about fall- weather, food, being outside.. here we are at the local pumpkin patch which Cole's *school* had a night reserved so it wasn't quite busy as the weekends! He loved it this year!

The day of Cole's school picture..(I know this isn't the cutest photo, but I had to show you his cute outfit) Oh- he's holding a weed out of the yard, too!

Cole had his first Krispy Kreme and you can tell by the look on his face that he was quite satisfied! Unfortunately, they were sold out of their pumpkin spice ones this day, I was very bummed!