Little Underwood, Big Harte

We enjoyed a long weekend with all of us home, and it was oh so wonderful! Stefan took Friday off as well to watch Gavin and the boys had a great time together!  Saturday we ventured to Fairhope, AL (with our favs Libby and Shane, aka Shibby), which is about an hour away. Its a lovely little town and it was nice to see some local hot spots. Sunday we went to the Blue Wahoos baseball game, Gavin ran around the whole time and discovered a love of popcorn (of course being Stefan's son and Bruce's grandson!).  Monday we did our own thing as a fam and BBQed in the backyard. I could get used to a 3-day weekend every week!  Of course, we know for some this is a sad weekend, so we honor those who died serving our country and think of their families.  He loves George! During the boy's day, they went to Imagination Station, a free play area by the Blue Wahoos stadium with more than life-sized characters.  Buddies! Helping check out his new book,...

The retreat weekend has come and gone and months of planning have, too. What a whirlwind full of great memories and some good lessons, too. Libby, Joanne and I spent Thursday running errands and getting set up at the beach house. Guests arrived and the retreat was on! We enjoyed evening relaxing yoga sessions, morning workout yoga classes, a SUP (standup paddle board) yoga class, a cooking class, an on-site pool, amazing on-site massages, kayaks, dinner out and lots of laughter! There were definitely some hang ups throughout the short three days, but in the end everything that was in my control went as planned and perfectly. Even the weather, which only a day before showed thunderstorms, held out and gave us sun and no rain! Although not every aspect went as I had hoped, it reminded me to let go of exceptions and roll with the things you aren't able to change. Oh you sneaky life ... you are teaching me lessons at every turn. I'm looking forward receivi...

We had fun with Caitlin and Grandma while they were here before/after the retreat. Not as much Gavin time as anyone would like, but he still got to see and play with them. Just a few pictures from their visit and some from Stefan and Daddy's weekend - they had a blast doing boy stuff!  Post bath time snuggles. Dinner at Casino Beach Bar Grillin in the Breeze BBQ fest, so cute. Yep, that's a rib. Stefan said he sat quietly and ate it the whole time they were there. haha Night after the retreat, everyone's tired! Afternoon stories.

I had a lovely Mother's Day thanks to my two guys. Pedi and lunch with Libby on Saturday then I got to stay in bed until 8 a.m. (yes that is late for us nowadays!) and a full-on breakfast in bed. Gavin and Stefan made it all together complete with mimosas! We spent the day together (still have to do life maintenance stuff like get groceries and do laundry) but then got a real treat by having dinner with some long time friends from Indy while they were vacationing on the beach. Jenny holding Joseph, with Caden (4) in front and Leah (3) in back.  This week, our visitors before the retreat have arrived! Caitlin her friend Jenny and Grandma all made it in last night. Gavin is of course having a blast, hopefully he and Stefan will be having so much fun they won't miss us this weekend. Today's the last day of work then onto retreat time! A surprise free gift babysitter Ginny got and gave to Gavin, still al little big though. Ironman! Too funny for words. ...

We had a blast with Matt and Anderw visiting! They made a 4-night stop by us on their way to Matt's 20 year cancer free trip to Universal Studios. Gavin had the BEST time with his Uncles. He couldn't get enough of playing with these guys and he sure does love them.  We enjoyed lunch, some down time then an evening out at new Casino Beach Bar right on the water with Libby and Shane Saturday night. Stefan had to head out to a last minute work trip for the second part of their trip but we got in one beach day on Sunday. Monday the bros went to the beach, mini golfing, lunch and a movie then we BBQed at night. Tuesday they went parasailing, lunch and more mini golfing then we went to dinner again on the beach before they left this morning. Thanks bros for a great visit - we will miss you. Have fun at Universal!  Welcome hugs Welcome sign Letting Uncle Andrew swing him in the swing he bought him - look at that smile! Beach baby Nighttime snuggles...