Monday, May 9, 2011

Good Weekend, Bad Pictures

We took a last minute weekend getaway to Santa Barbara. We had a college graduation, family visit, and mother's day. It was a good time, minus the toddler meltdowns (x 2). I almost cried a few times. But there were lots of laughs too. My camera barely made it out of it's case, but here are a few shots.

Happy graduation Bradley! No picture for this, but we are so, so proud of you. You've done an incredible job staying focused and you've accomplished so much. Above all, you are just a good guy. You have the best heart and you treat people well. It was two years ago that you stayed the summer with us. Now you're all grown up, educated and graduated. Well done.

We brought our beach cruisers and trailer and rode from our hotel to the harbor and on the pier. Nice picture of Mike's back. Imagine two wide eyed kiddos in the trailer.
 

 
I took this right when we checked in. The kids were so excited to find their backpacks from home that I put on their pillows. (Side note: Despite being surrounded by pillows, they both fell out of the bed in the middle of the night. More than once. Honestly, more than twice. That is why they are the only 26 month old kids still in cribs at home).

 
Awkward mother's day photo. They look delighted to have their picture taken.
 

When we got home I got the Mother's Day gift I asked Mike for...an hour and a half nap. SO NICE! But before I went to sleep, one of my big kids surprised me. I came home to a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a super sweet card, and these concert tickets!!!

 
We often laugh at our family because, really, it's pretty funny that I'm 30 and my step kids are 20 and 24 (If you don't know us, our family Christmas card can look a bit confusing). But being a part of their lives is incredible. Blended families aren't always easy, but it is an amazing gift. I feel loved and appreciated by Michael and Maegann. The fact that little Maeg wants to hang out with me at this concert at the fair is awesome. It's a privilege to be a part of this family.
And to my mother and mother in law~You have each blessed me so much this past year. The endless love you both show Maxwell and Ella fills my cup over and over when I'm feeling tired. You each spoil me in your own ways and I appreciate every word of encouragement and extra time you go our of your way to help us. Happy Mother's Day Mom. Happy Mother's Day Judie. I LOVE you both.

4 comments:

Chicago Mom (Heather) said...

It looks like you had a fun weekend!

That photo with you and the twins cracks me up. Kids never want to smile and look at the camera when you really want them to.

It is cool that you have a blended family and it's working for you! You look way too young to be a mom to a 24 year old so I'm sure you get some laughs over it.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. I drool over your beaches and warm weather and would take them any day. You can have all my clothes! Let's trade! :-)

Leanne said...

Happy Mother's Day! You are such an awesome mama! And two things:

1. No worries about the cribs- you should leave them in as long as you possibly can b/c its not that fun once their out ;)

2. Love your Mother's Day pic with Maxwell poking his eye out. I'm still cracking up!

brian, meghan, finley, and adalaide said...

haha that picture with the kids makes me laugh. What an awesome gift from Maegann- i love them!

Anna @ IHOD said...

What a beautiful place. I wish I had one of those bike carts! Mother's day means so much to me now thanks to little ones. Hope yours was wonderful!