New Ride

We finally got some new wheels to accommodate our larger family. After debating forever about whether to buy a minivan, we settled on the Chevy Traverse, which seems to be a happy medium between an SUV and a minivan. We love the extra space and all the fun features.

Cooper clearly not enjoying watching Mary Poppins.

Ella and Daddy showing off the new wheels.

The rest of the weekend we goofed around and tried to get things done around the house.

Cooper wondering what on earth his sister is up to...

Yes, Ella decided she needed to "feed Baby Tooper."

Passed out after a long weekend.

Some early morning reading.

Mr. Smiley!

Someone has been all smiles recently! (As long as you don't catch him when the reflux is bad...in which case you won't see any smiles...just lots of crying :( ) Brian and I don't remember Ella smiling and cooing as much as Cooper does at this age. He is so happy and smiley, as long as he is being held or can see you. But if you put him down or put in him the carseat -- watch out!

Mother's Day with Elmo

We spent Mother's Day weekend at Busch Gardens! We love the park, and Ella loves all the rides and having lunch with Elmo and friends :) So much fun celebrating the weekend with my two monkeys.

Saturday started off just as any trip with a two year old and a newborn should -- Ella had a giant meltdown in the hotel when she saw gummy bunnies in the diaper bag, but her mean parents would not let her eat them for breakfast. However, these mean parents eventually decided to spare the other hotel guests and did allow Ella princess her gummy bunnies. Then, as soon as we arrived in the parking lot at Busch Gardens, Cooper promptly pooped all over his cute orange and blue outfit, and Mom only had an old sleeper to put him in that had been in the diaper bag for weeks. Despite the craziness, we were laughing the whole time. This is what being a mother means! :)

I am beyond lucky!

Lunch with the Sesame Street gang...

Braver this time than she was last time we visited...

Her favorite part - Elmo cupcakes!

Ella refused to take a picture with Cookie Monster, so Cooper stepped in.

Petting Sausage after his big performance.

Riding the rides with Preston -- the son of one of my sorority sisters who lives in Williamsburg. How fun to be able to visit Busch Gardens all the time!

Smashing grapes. (Ella wanted to know where the grapes were).

Today

Today is one of those days I wish I could live over and over. And one of those days when I could totally be a stay-at-home-mom. Yes, some days I feel like I'm being pecked to death by chickens (I've heard another mother describe it this way -- I've since adopted the description), but today was borderline perfect. The weather was amazing. We had nowhere we had to be. The kids were in a great mood. Cooper slept blissfully all morning. Ella threw her arms around me and gave me her silly smile and I seriously felt my heart triple in size. I walked everywhere with a skip in my step. I'm not sure if a 32-year-old's best friend can be a two-year-old, but I think mine is. We shared Mac n Cheese at one of my favorite lunch places and then hung out in the park. Ella had me laughing all day. The sun was shining everywhere we went. I want to remember today.

Covered with chocolate from the chocolate chip cookie.

Fun Fun Fun!

We've been enjoying the great weather, visits from friends, and Cooper's better mood :) Everything went well at his 8 week check, he's growing like a weed!

After seeing mommy wear it for days, Ella decides it is her turn.

At Jack's 4th birthday party. What a beautiful day!

Always twirling.

The girls (and Cooper).

Enjoying a sunny, warm day in the sunroom.

Yes, she does run my life.

Not happy with the preppy look. Cooper decides to spice things up.

I. love. them.

I could eat them with a spoon!