Little Underwood, Big Harte

Happy birthday to our best guy! We had a great weekend celebrating Stefan, although we were extra sad to see him leave on the afternoon of his bday for his next work trip - he'll be home Saturday morning at least. We will also be hosting my cousin, Jordan, next week, yay!  Here are a few shots of Gavin I just had to include followed by our bday festivities!  One of my new favs from all time probably - baby savanna. #futureyogi  Playing at Dad's work. He knew exactly what to do with the glove.  We got a sitter for Saturday night and dinner with several friends - so glad lots could make it out!  Gavin was told he had to wait for Dad to get up (a short sleep in on his bday) before we could open presents. As soon as Stefan walked out, he ran and started to "help" tear the paper off.  Part of M&D U's presents ... margarita glasses and salt - it is quickly becoming our family drink.  (We love the wh...

For the last few years I have fundraised and attended the Light The Night Walk (LTN), a fundraiser for the organization I work for, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Of course you all know this mission is close to home: working toward finding a cure for blood cancers. Between Team In Training and LTN over the years you have all helped Stefan and I raise over $10,000! AMAZING - THANK YOU! All of our efforts and donations are making a difference on the research home front. We have invested in more than $1 billion in research so far! LLS is truly changing the landscape of blood cancer. Recently an important gene mutation was identified in an adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) patient and in a pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL - the kind Matt had). This mutation is already known to be present in solid tumors and is treatable. This means there is a potential for new therapy for patients with AML, which hasn't had a change in its standard of care for over 30 year...

We've enjoyed some weekends with all of us home and have a few pics to share to prove it :)  The Juan Sebastian de Elcano is the third largest tall ship in the world. It is still part of Spain's Naval fleet and is used each year by the senior class in their Naval Academy. Their last year is all on the ship sailing around the world, pretty cool. Since Pensacola was originally discovered by Spain, they still celebrate that history at this time of year with Fiesta Festival. They coordinated to have the ship here during that time, and there were free tours. We got their early enough we dint' have to wait in too long of line in the sun and heat. Gavin liked it some but I think Stefan enjoyed the history the most.  Too cool off Gavin had an impromptu visit with the sprinklers at the pier before meeting friends for lunch. That evening after nap, he hunkered down to read his books. He loves them and many times will just sit and check out the pictures...

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.