Celebration: Jose's Birthday, Easter, Diego's Baptism

This has been a big month for celebrating. Between birthdays, Easter and Diegos' baptism, it has been a non-stop party at our house. Well, not really. But, it has been fun capturing small, memorable moments.  The moments I hope our boys will remember. 

A special happy birthday to all those April birthday family members with whom we didn't have a chance to celebrate. Sending our love to you!

Made New.

God poured His love out on us this Sunday as we celebrated Diego Brantley's baptism.

*more photos to follow*

We are so thankful for the Mo and Scott, Diego's godparents. They are so sweet to our family and I am so glad they will always be a part of our lives.

Holding each other...

The Nursery

It may seem a little late for this, but Diego's room is finally finished. Now that Griff is fully transitioned to his big boy bed, the crib has moved into Deo's room and I love it. 

A few of my favorites:

The madras quilt and artwork above the bed (thanks, Muffy and Skippy!)

The dresser turned changing table that moved from my first place at 1st and Lincoln (and the places in between) to Jackson Street 

The grouping of artwork over the crib that was a last minute project completed during my sisters' last visit

The plane mobile over the rocking chair--made from clothespins and mini popsicle sticks!

Oh, and that cute, little buddy hanging out on the bed...I think he's pretty adorable too!

Seven Months.

Sometimes time just slips by. Now Diego is seven months. He's growling just like Griffin did. He's still thinking about sitting up. He's eating some solids. He's smiling all the time and giggling like crazy. He's a roly-poly bug. What a special day!

April 11.

Happy birthday to Jose! I am blessed to be married to a man who is the perfect balance of silliness and wisdom, passion and calm, confidence and kindness. I love spending every day with him. I am so happy to celebrate him today!

Hilton Head

I love when things just work out just right. This week was one of those times. I've been holding in a secret for months. For Jose's birthday present, I wanted to plan a surprise trip. I considered many options--Moab, Santa Fe, Wyoming, Seattle, but the temptation to meet up with my parents and siblings in Hilton Head was just too strong. My parents (very generously) rented a gorgeous house steps from the beach that was just perfect for all of us to meet up and relax and play.

I managed to get Jose all the way to the house before he really knew where we were going or what we were doing. It was the perfect vacation balance--Jose and I got to go on a date, he played some tennis on the clay courts, we all went to the beach and swam in the pool, and I got to go on walks and runs with my siblings and mom and do some good cooking with my dad. And, it was just the best to see Griff and Diego with Lily, Finn and Crosby. The hugs (that didn't end up with someone slammed accidentally into the ground) were so sweet. Seeing as the spring is crazy birthday time in our family, we celebrated for Ryan, my mom, Duke and Jose...hence the birthday crown and Duke's crazy outfit. And, of course, my parents took full advantage of the trip's proximity to Easter to give some sweet baskets of gifts--note the real grass growing in them!

Thanks, Muffy and Skippy, for a wonderful vacation. It was just what we all needed. Miss you already.

It was a beautiful week with people we love...