A few "framers" and special visitors.

Because we are quite the pale family when it comes to skin pigmentation, morning walks seem to be our prime time on the beach...

I was so happy to capture a few "framers" on this morning as Mitch and SJ continued our seashell search...

In the afternoon we had some special visitors drive over for a fun time of playing and visiting. Mitch's Aunt Louann and cousins Aubrey and Schuyler made our afternoon!

Here are SJ and Aunt Lou opening a sweet b-day gift they brought. 

Cookies for SJ's baking endeavors! 

Thanks Aunt Lou for making the trip to see us and for always reading ;)

How about those Kentucky Wildcats!!!!!!

We all cheered on the CATS in the Final Four from our condo on Saturday evening... 

But when they were playing in the National Championship only 3 hours away, the boys just had to be there for it!!

 Dad, Mitch, Chaz

The Superdome after the BIG WIN!!!! 

It's so fun that they won anyway, but extra special that it is 2012 -- the year Mitch graduates. 

WAY TO GO BIG BLUE!!!!! 

Just a little side-note: after listening to the national news about what was going on back home in Kentucky, we were wondering if our house would still be standing when we returned. One thing is for sure, the Big Blue Nation has some CRAZY dedicated fans. 

Back to the beach.

We are back at the beach and loving the "down time" we have in order to fit in some of our favorite snacks (pistachios)... 

And most of all, lots of time with Daddy....

Palm Sunday

We are back at the beach with the whole gang and are loving it. We typically don't miss church, even if we are away from home... that is just not how "Boo" rolls, if you know what I mean. The church we attend when we are down here had a Palm Sunday celebration complete with a Cantata this morning. Well, before we got to our seats one of the ushers approached us and said children would be opening the service by waving palm branches through the aisles up to the front of sanctuary. I explained that Scarlett looks a lot older than she is and that she probably would not understand. As soon as we sat down Mitch leaned over and said he thought she would enjoy it. I agreed. So off they went to prepare for their moment to shine (yes, Mitch joined all of the children in their march. Ha! He is a sweet daddy). Just thought I would share this little video of Scarlett. We got so tickled because she looks a little lost, but she did a great job. 

Hoping you experience the fullness of this Holy week as we prepare to remember the death of our Savior and then celebrate His defeat over the grave! 

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!"   Matthew 21:9

sticking to the point.

My mind has been busy lately so I am going to stick straight to the point today, bullet points that is:

-- The countdown to Scarlett's 2nd birthday is on! T-minus 10 days. I cannot even wrap my mind around the fact that my baby is going to be two, so I will go on. I am so excited about her party plans. We are going to be at the beach (again, I know!). One of the consolations to your husband being in school forever is -- SPRING BREAK! Holla! In keeping with the beach theme, her party is all about mermaids. I will be sure to post details from our celebration, but for now I am loving these little mer-people I got off etsy that will be our cupcake toppers:

-- Before Scarlett was born I always painted my nails. I just love the look of painted nails! That fell by the wayside very quickly after the reality of motherhood kicked in. But, just recently I have gotten my nail file back out and have been painting my nails. It is just a little something I sit down and do for myself. No big deal. Well, the other day I found what I believe will be 'one of my all-time favorite colors' and wanted to share it with y'all: 

OPI -- Most Honorable Red

-- I have said this before on here, but it is really important to me to teach Scarlett that it is fun to work and cook in the kitchen. That is something that my mom taught us and I want to try to do the same. One of my tasks in the kitchen at my parents' house growing up was putting away the silverware. I actually fell in love with this task because I thought it was fun to pretend I was the cashier at the grocery sorting the cash and coins. ha! Anyway, just yesterday I taught SJ how to put away the silverware. She picked up on it like a champ! Go girl. 

But then just this morning, when the dishwasher was already unloaded, she saw it necessary to re-organize. In an effort not to stifle her imagination, I let her go to work. I don't know if you can tell from this picture, but my silverware drawer is now in utter disarray ;)

-- Scarlett has become quite the little bookworm. She totally gets that from her Daddy. I am embarrassed to say I am not a big reader. 

As you may have heard in the video, she already has a favorite author -- Jane O'Connor who has written the darling Fancy Nancy series. 

We totally recommend the Fancy Nancy series... Nancy keeps Mitch and I in stitches, most days. When we read about her fancy ways going on 253 times a day, not so much. 

-- My final point, as we prepare to celebrate Easter... the greatest day EVER... when Jesus overcame the grave for YOU and me.... I want to remind you (as I am reminding myself today): No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 

How exciting is that? Be blessed today by those words alone. 

Bringing a little outside in.

One of the many things I am going to miss so much about our house is our perennials. Every spring, without fail, they pop up and brighten our yard. Tulips, hyacinths, hydrangeas, peonies, and jonquils. I have to admit that I do love that they take no effort on my part. Is that awful or what? ;) 

  Flowers seem to be our theme this week. Scarlett and I thought we should bring a little spring inside so we selected a bouquet with various colors... 

This sweet smile is hilarious. Mitch said it almost looks like a little growl. I love it! 

Miss Callie is alive and well for all of my "doggy loving" readers. She is currently a tad too furry for my liking. That will change next week when she gets her spring trim at the "salon" :)

We enjoyed placing the flowers strategically around the house to bring a little of the outside cheer in.

We even had a special, afternoon guest to share our new arrangements with -- Aunt KT. (and tulips are her fav!)

We had to make our friend Beth's cookies while we were together. Thanks for the fun visit, KT!

"But mommy, flowers are for picking..."

SJ and I were planning on meeting Kristin and Kingston at the park this morning, but our favorite little guy was feeling under the weather so we had to postpone. The day was too pretty and our lunch was already packed to so my girl and I headed out into the beautiful sunshine! 

Obviously we are at the stage where looking directly at the camera is just not going to happen. Sigh.
Oh well I guess I will have to wait until she goes to prom before I get a "posed" photo. Well, that is if Mitch will let her go. Ha!  

 It is so hard to resist picking... it seems almost innate to pick beautiful flowers. 

I guess this will be a true test to see if Scarlett has allergies 

because her little hands were covered in pollen. 

And yes, I am the lady who lets her child walk through the flower bed. Yikes. 

And the most important part of our outing -- LUNCH. 

An empty tummy makes a girl cranky, don't you know ;)