Spring is Coming

Yesterday's beautiful weather reminded us Spring is not far away as we filled the now almost too-small sandbox with fresh sand from Lowe's.  We delighted in bare feet and short sleeves and even ate dinner on the back deck.  Is this what Heaven feels like?  Perfect on your skin.  Days like this make me so grateful that days like this are only a tiny taste of eternity for those in Christ.

Remodel

We knew when we bought our new house that we would need to remodel (or at least update) the master bathroom.  The original bathroom was made up of two small spaces: a vanity with no door and open to our bedroom and a claustrophobic toilet and shower room.  Almost a year later, with the hard work of a great contractor, we did the remodel.  

The vanity room before the remodel.  

The vanity area after the remodel now made into one room with the shower/toilet area, a double sink, new cabinets, and tiled floor.  Note the door to our bedroom that closes.

Here are some shots of the toilet/tub area before the remodel.  The space is so small that I had to take multiple "before" shots to get the whole area.

Brass shower door

and brass fixtures

and more brass fixtures

Here is the after...

New tiled shower 

Little vanity area where the old sink was located giving us more storage

A shot of most of the "new" bathroom.  

Although, because of the boys, I often get my shower where I can in the house having shampoo, soap, and razors stashed in every bathroom, it is nice to have this new, beautiful space in our home.  Still, it is only a space and not an end to itself.  This remodel is a gift and we are grateful for it.  

PS.  So both boys were actually asleep at the same time this afternoon so I took an extra-long shower in the new bathroom.  It was glorious and since it is all brand new it I don't have to clean it yet...

Snow, Take Two

A surprise (to us) snowstorm arrived the day after we got home.  There is nothing like going to Ingles at 6pm with two kids the night before a snowstorm.  I don't think I would have braved it but we didn't have anything in the house.  With a well-stocked pantry, we faced the snow armed with hot chocolate and chicken soup.  I enjoyed three days of pretty views of our snow frosted yard with my three favorite people.  

E riding my sled (over 25 years old).  We tied a rope to the handle and pulled him through the neighborhood.

Our snow-day family photo.  I have no idea what was going on with my hat.

E's first snowman

Sledding at the elementary school up the street.

Vacation?

Brooks may need a vacation from his vacation but I don't think he minds.  Good grief, I love these four.

In the Backyard

Sand and Sun

Despite the rain and cold, the sun made its way out and gave us a couple of fun afternoons on the beach.  Elijah was very intense about his digging.  Simon wasn't a fan of the cold, damp sand.

Trying to keep the sand from touching his bare feet.

Simon's version of a Corona on the beach.

Even Z got a long walk on the shore.  She isn't much of a fan of the beach either.

Children's Museum at Myrtle Beach

Definitely hokey but worth the trip.  When the boys are bigger we will give it another try.

Aquarium

I always thought going to Ripley's Aquarium was a little hokey tainted by visits to Ripley's Believe It or Not when I was in middle school.  However, it was just right (and really worth the money) for an almost three year old.  If you go, go on a winter morning as we had the whole place practically to ourselves for a while.  E had a couple of meltdowns but those were quickly forgotten with great views of sharks and sawfish hovering above our heads.  

Even Simon enjoyed watching the fish and pointed a lot with his finger.

Beach Days

Brooks' Aunt Merle invited us to enjoy a week at a friend's beach house.  I am not sure she knew what she was signing herself up for but we had a wonderful time.  There were a couple of warm days allowing for playing in the sand on the beach, exploring Myrtle Beach's kid-friendly attractions that we have always been too cheap to go to before, and lots of time with this sweet lady and Brooks' cousin Juan.  These ladies are two of our favorites.  They are always kind and gracious and I have much to learn from being around them!

Birthday Boy

Our littlest isn't so little anymore.  Simon turned one last week and we celebrated with a small, simple party.  How can a year go by so quickly?  At 2am when you are feeding a 3 month old it seems it will last forever but then you blink and he is a year old and prefers to feed himself.  With Elijah I enjoyed his littleness but always expected to have another baby so I think I wanted to rush him growing up.  Simon is most likely our last and knowing that helps me enjoy his littleness.  I hope I am learning from my mistakes.  Simon already doesn't fit on my lap like he used to and is working on walking.  He has a fun personality and enjoys climbing over anyone lying on the floor, especially Ziva.  He gives hugs and kisses and smiles often.  He can say "Clap" which comes out like "Gwap".  It makes me laugh every time!  Our littlest boy is such a gift and we are grateful to God for His goodness and grace this past year.

Big Brother helping blow out the candle

I am not usually a fan of smash cakes but when you order a first birthday cake from Publix they give you a free one.  Simon didn't seem to mind. 

Brooks took E shopping to get Simon a gift and he was adamant that he wanted to get a guitar or "con-tar" for him.  Daddy is showing the birthday boy how to rock out on his new instrument.  

Playing on the playground on his birthday.  

Happy Birthday, Simon!!  We are so in love with you!