BEWARE: CUTENESS OVERLOAD - Memorial Day Weekend 2013

Memorial Weekend 2013 - Friends, Family, and of course Food.

Welcome to the beginning of cookout season.  I have a love/hate relationship with this for the obvious reasons!!!

This year we went back up to Ellie's birthplace for a going away party for a dear friend, Big George.  He is transferring to the great state of Texas (whooo!  did you like that Dave??).  He made this amazing cradle boat you see in these photos for our Ellie Reese.  What a guy!

Ellie and her BFF got a lot of quality time together, which was so freaking cute!  I love them.  If Ellie had a twin, I'd definitely want it to be Bella.  They are just so much fun together.  They nap, bathe, eat and play together...perfect!

So, here's your warning.  Super, uber cute kiddos coming up!  If you don't like babies, you will.  If you have been thinking about kids, here's to baby fever.  If you already love kids, you're welcome!  =)

This is how we do our makeup

Hugs while driving, perfectly acceptable

Playtime at Cape Cod Children's Museum

Dave and Dave =)  at George's going away party

Helping her momma with the bags.

My Ellie Reese at Uncle Matt's and Aunt Jess's place

Memorial Day Cookout with the Fosters - Fresh Lobsters from Cape Cod

Junior Trooper Ellie Edelson 

Trooper Dave and Coastie Dave 

Here, follow me.

Honestly....no words for the cuteness captured here.

"I really like your dress."  "I love your tutu"

Dress up time!

Sneak Peek of our family pictures by the fabulous Ashleigh-Faye Photography

Big George!  We will miss you.

Happy Mom's Day (2013)

I love this day.  I love it for many reasons.

I love it because I get to celebrate my mother; a strong, resilient woman who will always be there for me.

I love it because after years of trying and fertility treatments we have been blessed with the perfect, little, beautiful, girl.

I love it because my husband has to make me eggs... and he hates eggs.

I love it because I will now get to start accumulating adorable handmade gifts from my sweet girl.

I love it because it's a day to remember all those moms who are no longer with us, yet their love and spirits live on in their loved ones and in memory.

I love it because first time moms really understand the unconditional love and devotion that only moms can provide their children.  Happened to me last year.

I love that card makers even make Happy Mother's Day cards from the dogs :)

I love this day because I love being a mom!!!

Happy Mother's Day.

Been waiting for this forever....

Love this!

My sweet girl

A little Mother's Day indulgence

Sweet keepsake

Girls Week (Arizona)

And when I say girls week, I mean two girls and a little one :)

It was the perfect time to get away and see my girlfriend Kanya.  I had been SO over my Healthcare Finance Management course and ended up submitting my final two days early.  I couldn't get done with it soon enough!  

The weather was amazing....80's and 90's, sunny-sunny-sunny!!!  We were able to go on daily morning walks, eat great food, hung out by the pool, and of course (on a girls trip) went shopping.  

Everything was amazing, I wish I could post that even the flight home was amazing, but that would be so far from the truth.  HORRIFIC!  Yes, TERRIBLE, AWFUL, EXHASUTING (catch my drift??)  Thanks to the sequestration we were  informed, after arriving at the airport, that our flight was delayed an hour.  First we were told it was weather (are you kidding me because I'm pretty sure it was 70 degrees in NJ the day we were flying?!) then something with the crew, then after finally boarding the plane we were told it was due to ATC furloughs.  Great.

Then everyone on board started getting texts stating the flight wouldn't leave for another 3 hours...what???? Finally, the pilot informs us of this and tells us we can get off the plane or stay on.  Mind you, during this time, my child is tired (it was nap time), hungry, and fidgety as all get out.  A HUGE sorry to all the fellow passengers that had to put up with Ellie's whining.  Gah!

2.5 hours later we take off.  The only saving grace was the 2.5 hour nap Ellie took. Thank goodness she is a good sleeper.  And thank goodness for the sweet angel grandma sitting at the window in our row who read to Ellie, entertained her, and allowed her to crawl onto her lap to look out the window.  

Anyway-  here is a picture recap of the trip.  I love it there and will be back next year for  Girls Week!!!

Sunset from the balcony

South Mountain views

Goofin around on Auntie's bed

Walking her stroller in Old Town Scottsdale

Girls who like shoes :)

Getting her hair did

Cool kid

Loving on Mater

Fountain time at Desert Ridge

She's just so cute!!!

Happy Hour at Olive and Ivy

Practicing our bubble blowing

Passed out after a morning walk