Sunday morning traditions

I love tradition and ritual. I thrive on it, and I am pretty sure I am creating two little ritual-loving little boys as well. One of our favorites is Sunday morning pancakes. After we are finally able to drag ourselves out of bed and downstairs, Chad starts making them for us all. He is very talented! We all prefer chocolate chips in ours, though we try blueberries every so often as well. Yum!

Look Out Disney World!

So most everyone knows this, but in case you haven't had a conversation with me recently (because Disney is all I talk about now, ask anyone!)...we're going to Disney World! Our trip is officially set for September 7th through the 14th, and I could not be more excited! I first suggested Disney to Chad last fall when they came out with a "Buy 4 nights, Get 3 nights free" promo. But after some research, I learned we could go this September, get free dining, and since my birthday is the 7th, also get a $75 gift card. Well, Chad likes the word "free" A LOT, so I sold him.

Parts of our plans have changed some since we booked. Just ask our travel agent, who has had to send me 5 (yes, 5!) confirmations as we've played with dates. The first (and best) change was that my mom and Chad's mom are coming too. We are super excited for them to get to experience their grandkids' first Disney trip. For two grandmas who are so involved and in love with their grandsons, it's only fitting!

We had been planning to drive to Disney. Have you met Chad? He's cheap. Flying costs money! But after we added two more people and realized we would be cramming 4 adults and 2 kids into a Honda Odyssey, and after seeing how reasonable airfares are right now, I convinced him to fly! Woo Hoo! I am so excited about NOT spending 30 hours in the car with two cranky kids. Plus this way the adventure starts as soon as we get on the plane-no two days each way to get there.

So this is our big news and the cause for much excitement around here. I am of course planning like crazy-Disney is a planner's dream!

First Zoo Trip of the Year

We LOVE the zoo! Aunt Amanda has given us a membership each of the last two Christmases, and we use it all the time. Yesterday, with the weather so beautiful, we decided it would be a great day to visit. We got to see the new brown bear cubs, who are SO cute and super active. This was an especially fun trip because Cooper is really into animals and animal noises right now, and it was the first visit he's been really "into" seeing everything. He was so enraptured by it all.

Did I mention that we love the zoo?

Unexpected Surprises

Let me tell you, a day in early March where you can wear shorts is a very welcome blessing! This was March 10th, and we had a blast playing outside. Sure the next day we needed our winter coats. That's just springtime in Indiana-but I'll take what I can get!

I think it's obvious...

Why I married this man.

Just some cute pictures!

My Valentine

Here we are, in all of our "royal" glory. I love this man. I've loved him for more than 10 years now. Every good thing in my life is as a result of him. He has given me everything I've ever wanted...beautiful children, the chance to stay home and raise them, a wonderful house and secure lifestyle, and a partner who is always, always on my side. I could not ask for more.