hometown vacation

We spent a full week of vacation time on the World's Most Beautiful Beaches.  Paul and I are so lucky to have grown up in Panama City and we love going back home to visit as often as we can.  Vacationing in Panama City gives us the best of both worlds since we can spend time with our family and friends AND enjoy the beach at the same time!

Off to explore the beach on our first day at Splash Resort....

Brrrr...the first few days were actually pretty cool and windy!

But we didn't let that stop us from some serious beach time!

Unfortunately, the cooler weather did stop us from enjoying the splash pad, lazy river, and pools at the resort.  Paul and Emma Jane gave them a try, but the water was just too cold!

 Paul was miserably cold and Emma Jane's lips were turning blue!

So, more time at the beach...

More pics to come...I'm just getting started!

186.5 Days

   Little Vivian turned 6 months old last Sunday.  It's hard to believe she's already half way through her first year.  At her well-check yesterday she weighed 18.6 pounds and is now 26.5 inches long.  I don't usually report percentiles, but her weight has improved so much that I have to share.  At 2 months old, she was in the 20th%, at 4 months she was in the 46th%, and now at 6 months she is in the 85th%!  We are so relieved to see her putting on some weight after a tough beginning.  The reflux is still there, but she is improving day by day.  Vivi can now sit up alone for several minutes without falling over.  She loves to sleep on her belly and sleeps through the night for a good 10-11 hours.  She is still teething like crazy.  Her two front bottom teeth are completely in and her front top teeth are ready to pop out any day now.  She chews on her little hands incessantly and loves to play with her feet.  Vivi giggles and smiles at most anything we do.  We love to see her personality blossom with each new day.  Happy Half-Birthday, Vivi Boo!

growing up too fast

   Emma Jane is growing up right before our eyes.  While spending some mommy and me time at the condo last week, she asked me if I would paint her toenails.  I was happy to honor this rare girly request.  After her toenails were freshly painted with the only color I had on hand (a little too dark for her, but she loved it), she held up her little hands and shouted, "Fingers too, mommy!"  For those of you who know Emma Jane well, staying still is not one of her strengths, but she patiently waited for her toenails and fingernails to dry.  We then took a morning walk on the beach in jeans and flipflops (it was still too chilly for bathing suits).  On the way out the door, Emma Jane reminded me, "I neeeeed my sunglasses, mommy!"  Yes, our little girl is growing up way too fast!



beach belles

We're back from the beach and we had an amazing time.  More pics to come as soon as I get all this sandy laundry done!

mama's day in greenville

My Mother's Day started with a sweet card, a yummy breakfast, and two precious girls in purple.  Then we hopped in the car and drove to Greenville for the day.

It was the perfect day for "strolling" downtown.

 

We met the Sadlers there. 

 Emma Jane and Lily had a blast together.

Emma Jane made friends with a ladybug. 

It crawled all over her and she LOVED it!

We walked across the suspension bridge and stopped for a few photos in the BRIGHT sunlight...

Emma Jane is trying to be patient with Vivi's new interest in her bouncy curls...

But there's only so much hair pulling a girl can take!

This was Viv's first ride in the "big girl" stroller seat.

She chilled in the stroller and hung out with dad!

Then we discovered a place to cool off with a little toe dipping...but the water was pretty cold!

 

We couldn't resist splashing!

The Mamas

The Dads (with babes in tow)

 

Yes, we had lots of adventures in Greenville.

It was the perfect way to spend Mother's Day!

pretend birthday

    Emma Jane had a "pretend" birthday party at preschool today. Since she has a summer birthday, her teacher wanted her to have an opportunity to celebrate with the class. She "helped" make (eat) cupcakes last night and was proud to share them with her classmates today. I made alphabet cupcakes by using M&Ms to make the first initial for each of her classmates' names. We had A for Austin, B for Mrs. Bonnie, C for Campbell and Caroline, (No D!), E for Emma, and we skipped over all the rest and ended with W for Will. Emma Jane liked wearing the birthday hat Mrs. Bonnie gave her and even put it on her bouncy turtle when we got home. She's been singing "Happy Birthday" to herself and the rest of us all day. I think she understands that today isn't actually her birthday and she can tell you that her special day is July 14th. Unfortunately, since her concept of time is limited, I think she is going to be asking "Is TODAY my REAL birthday?" everyday for the next two months!