A Full Weekend

Well so much for Spring, it seems we have jumped straight to Summer. This weekend with temps in the 90's we decided enjoy the weather to the fullest. On Saturday we headed out to the beach with some friends. Last year Blake was just an infant so we were excited to see how he would like the beach this year. He seemed to love it. He sat and played in the sand and even got his toes in the water despite the frigid temp. It was so much fun. On Sunday, we went over to MawMaw and Bobble's for lunch which gave Blake some time to play with cousins outside. Noah, my brother's second son, and Blake are special buddies. Noah is 6 and absolutely loves playing with Blake. Noah will bring Blake toys and once even chose a small duck as a prize because he thought Blake would like it. Noah has such a tender heart and I am so thankful for him and how he loves on Blake. I know that Blake is going to look up to his Cousin Noah. I am so thankful for the blessing of family and friends. What a great weekend!

First trip to the beach

Blake playing ball with his buddy, Ethan

Brrr, the water was cold!

Yummy, sand!

Playing at MawMaw's

Playing with Cousins Noah & Samara

Taking a break after all that hard playing

Roanoke Fun

Last week for spring break, we decided to take a trip to Roanoke to visit Blake's Aunt Lori & Uncle Dusty. We weren't sure how Blake would do in the car for 5 hours but as always he did a great job. It was so relaxing just to get away and have a change in scenery. The weather was beautiful so we got to spend a lot of time outside and Blake loved playing with Aunt Lori, Uncle Dusty & Zoe.

Here we go...

Blake loved Zoe's pillow. Zoe was not so sure about sharing!

Going for a walk

I'm gonna get you, Uncle Dusty!

This is so much fun!

Posing with Aunt Lori!

Family Pic at the star. It was nice to see mountains!

Blake with Aunt Lori (baby cousin) and Uncle Dusty

Blake loves balloons so this made his night

What a great trip!

My Grandma Fox

It has taken me awhile to write this post because I just can't seem to find the words to say about my Grandma Fox. She went to be with the Lord this past Saturday. My Grandma Fox was an amazing woman who loved me unconditionally. Growing up, I always felt drawn to her in a special way. As a child I decided that my favorite color was going to be green because that was her favorite color. I remember always wanting to be close to her. I now can see that it was her acceptance and unconditional love for me that drew me to her.

When I think about her, the words strong, intelligent, loving, self-sacrificial, giving and affectionate come to mind. My heart feels like it literally swells when I think about the memories of her teaching us how to play Scrabble and Yahtzee, vacationing to Myrtle Beach, lemon pies, pink things, mello yello, Christmas Eve dinners at her house, cuddling on the couch with her, her famous back rubs with her nubby fingers, how she would read out loud road signs in the car, the noise she would make with her tongue over her teeth and how she drove with both feet. But the most important memory to me is that I knew she loved me and that I was special to her.

I am so grateful for the example my Grandma set for me. My prayer is that I can continue carrying on what she has taught me. I want to love unconditionally, have strength through the hard times, know how to have fun and play games, give sacrificially and carry on the family traditions which remind me of her. I miss her terribly but I am so thankful she is with Jesus, restored to full health, and receiving her reward!

This picture was taken this past Christmas Eve. It was the second time Blake met his Great Grandma Fox and it was the first time he had ever clapped. I am so happy he shared this first with her!

The Easter Egg Hunt

On Saturday we headed out with the family to a local dairy farm for Blake's first Easter egg hunt. We weren't really sure how he would do with the concept but as always he surprised us. He did a great job and loved it. He quickly figured out the eggs had something in them so he was very interested in opening them up. It was messy weather but we had a blast. We also had a great Easter today with church, lunch at MawMaw's and then dinner at Mimi's. I will post more Easter pics later since Poppy took most of them :)

Before the hunt...

Planning strategy...

I'm ready...let me at them

hmm... what's in here!

CANDY!!!

This is so fun!

We love Easter egg hunts!

Spring Fun

Here are some pictures from the last week or so. Spring is definitely here :)

Blake's 12 month picture (I forgot to post this earlier)

Getting ready for Opening Day! Go Cubbies!

Lounging with Daddy in a hammock

Play date at the park

Best Buddies

Dying Easter eggs with MawMaw

Such a big boy

Run Daddy Run!

On Sunday, Blake and I went to watch Brent run a 5k race. After taking a break, Brent is back into diligently running and racing. He ran the Shamrock 8k, but due to the early start time and the cold weather Blake and I were not able to go support him. So Brent decided to do this afternoon race so Blake could watch him run. It was a beautiful day and Blake had a lot of fun watching Daddy. We are so proud of you, Daddy :) Something tells me Blake will be running with his Daddy before we know it and I will be cheering them on from the side!

Go Daddy!

Blake with Daddy & Poppy