Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?

We didn't have to go far to reach Sesame Street. It turns out it was only a block away. Recently, the USO and Sesame Street put on a special performance for military families in our area. Lucky for us, we got tickets!

Makaela has loved Elmo for what seems like forever. Something about him being red, I think, is what drew her in originally, and now she recognizes him on anything - if there is an Elmo book, she wants it, an Elmo plate, she's gotta eat off it and if Elmo is on a commercial, prepare to see a toddler's MIND. BLOWN. 

The performance was held inside a gym, we got there early enough that we landed an awesome spot on the gym floor. And let me just say, sitting on a gym floor sure does feel different at 29 vs 9. Yikes. Anyway, when we got there they gave everyone a nice USO bandana and all the kids got a special Elmo light-up-spinner toy. You know, the kind you pay $20 for at a normal event, haha. 

That little toy certainly came in handy while waiting for the show to start. That, and goldfish crackers. When do those NOT make a toddler situation better?

Once the show started, Makaela was locked in. It's possible that she didn't blink for the entire 30 minute show. 

The show was perfect - just the right amount of singing and dancing. It appropriately focused on moving, and making new friends, go figure.

There were even some parts where Elmo and his buddies came into the crowd. We were on an aisle so Makaela scored some high-fives and a couple pats on the head. 

That was really great because throughout the show she had been blowing kisses to Elmo. Probably like 17 kisses, and she seemed to get her feelings hurt when he didn't blow a kiss back! It was cute and sad all at the same time. Perhaps she didn't notice the 75 other kids in the room that Elmo also needed to give attention to ;-)

We were so thankful to have had this opportunity, it really was a blast!! It is all Makaela talked about for the rest of the day. Seriously. 

Reunited and it feels so good!

Daddy is finally home!!

It comes with the territory...the hubs is occasionally away from home for periods of time due to training. This summer he was gone for 5 weeks...in fact he had to leave the day the movers arrived with our stuff...great timing right? During those 5 weeks we were able to see him every Sunday for about an hour and half, and we got to talk to him on the phone 4 times. We looked forward to each of those moments. 

The training that he just returned from was 3 weeks and we could not see or speak to him at all :(

Fortunately, now that we live closer to family I had visitors to keep me company and help with little miss Makaela for a little bit each time Tim was gone. Although it always sucks being away from the hubby, it is nothing new and we try to stay as positive about it as possible! Keeping busy is key, I've found. 

I loved having my family come visit. My parents always cook yummy meals for me....like SUPER yummy. And of course I LOVE hanging with my little brother. He is the sweetest guy ever. He totally stepped into the role of "man of the house" while Tim was away. He helped with Makaela, took out the garbage, helped unpack (this summer) and helped keep things clean around the house. Best helper ever. 

Whenever Z comes to visit we are sure to make fun our priority. There is always a lot of ice cream eating, cookie baking and scarfing down of pizza....

The dogs adore him. The little fur balls crave attention and Z loves giving it to them. This summer poor little Taylor puppy actually got sick and threw up when Z left. Someone needs a lil doggy xanax..

One of our favorite things to do also included bowling. We always have fun doing this as a family....Grandma won of course. She does this little butt wiggle thing that cracks us all up. The first time we went this summer Grandpa kept baby Makaela entertained. And of course in pure Grandpa fashion, we went around and "showed her off" too all of the bowling center employees. 

This past time my mom came down and brought Z at the beginning of his Thanksgiving break. She stayed for a few days but then had to go back to work. My dad came down the last part of Z's break to hang with us and take Z back home. It sucked that my mom and dad's work schedule's didn't overlap, but it was great having Z here for his entire Thanksgiving break. 

Again we went bowling. I wore Makaela for 1.5 of the 3 games we played, and even managed to break 100 while doing so, hahah. 

I love bowlin' with my homies. 

We also made it to the Drive-In which is a blast. It's really neat having one close by!!

Z and I managed to squeeze in some serious tennis playing this past time too. You won't be seeing either of us at Wimbeldon but we had tons-o-fun, and Makaela enjoyed being outside. 

She was our official referee, however, we did catch her sleeping on the job a time or two....

It was a little chilly one day, hence the crazy outfit above. I didn't think the girl would need a coat in 'bama!

Makaela and Z are buds. She keeps her eyes locked on him at all times, and he gets a kick out of it. It is crazy to see how much she has changed in between visits from the fam!

Summer 2013

Fall 2013

 Thank you to all of my family and friends for always supporting us, especially when Timbo is away. We love you!!