Monkey Bug

Four years ago, at this exact moment I was lying on a table in an operating room delivering my sweet baby, Hayden, via c-section. As I kissed him goodnight for the 1,461st time a couple of hours ago, I stood there staring at this little person who can make me cry, make me laugh, make me smile or drive me mad* like nobody else. He has the EXACT same personality as I do, and if you know me at all, then you know that means that he and I butt heads. A LOT. He is curious, lovable, stubborn, determined and passionate. He's my little stinky man and I just adore him!

Since his birthday fell on Memorial Day and lots of his friends would be spending time with their own families, we decided to have his big friend birthday party last Saturday, the 22nd.

We had a bug party, complete with buggy cupcakes

Swinging with friends in Grandma's back yard

Kelsey, Erin and Sara Sousa grubbing on carrots, celery, apples, and grapes

All set for our bug hunt!

Crashed on the way home

Today, his actual birthday, we had a small get together with Grandma, Papa, Nana, Bobby and Daniel. We had tacos, watermelon, cake and ice cream. It was simple and perfect!

Just had to throw in a picture of my little munch! (Short for munchkin)

Time for presents! Now...Hayden CLEANED UP at his birthday party, so he didn't really have much to open today. Hayden excitedly took his present from Grandma and Papa and opened it up to discover a shiny new bike helmet! He was thrilled to pieces, until he realized he didn't have a bike. It was kind of pitiful, actually. His little shoulders fell and he simply said, "I don't have a bike".

Check out this face. I actually got this picture about two seconds after he saw his brand new shiny bike, so it was even MORE excited than this!

Trying it out at the park

Happy birthday, Hayden! I love you bunches!

*Yes, I realize I am totally cheesy, stealing lyrics from Kenny Chesney...you'll just have to deal.

Take me out to the ball game!

Last night we went with one of Mike's oldest friends and his wife and kids to watch our local minor league baseball team play...the weather was wonderful and we had such a nice time!

...except for Dallin - he's teething :(

Cameron and Hayden

Dallin and Dylan
(I know, right??)

Me...trying to make Dallin smile

The boys again

It wouldn't be a blog post without the token goofy picture!

Enjoying a snow cone
Seems like they've gotten bigger since I was a kid...

Toes in the water

Mike got off about 2pm yesterday, so we headed to the beach for a hot dog bbq and some sun! Sometimes Florida isn't too bad :)

First time in the sand!

Goofball kiddos

Soaking up the sun

Seriously. It can't be healthy how much sand this kid ingested...

Building a sandcastle

Battling the ocean breeze......

You can tell how successful we were at the beach with those hot dogs...

I'm baaaaaack!

So...it's been a WHILE since I've blogged! I'm finally dumping out my camera and catching things up. Some things have changed since I last posted. I am no longer working for Ann Taylor! I found a job working at home for Coupon Sense and I LOVE it! I am so thankful that I get to be at home with the kids. I am enjoying the flexibility of my schedule and the fact that we never have to miss out on all the fun things that we did before.

Another thing that I am starting up again is couponing! I post several times a week on the Coupon Sense Blog and there is just no reason I shouldn't be saving loads of money following my own advice!

Last night I kicked my little habit off with a bang!

16 Nivea Bodywash
7 Betty Crocker Warm Delights
20 Photo Prints
1 CVS Reusable Shopping Bag
1 CVS Green Bag Tag

Retail Total: $128.65
Total Out of Pocket: $6.81 (not including tax)
EB Gained: $15.00
PROFIT: $8.19

Cinco de Mayo

For Cinco de Mayo, the Town Center had an event consisting of fun for kids, flamenco dancers, live music, food and prizes...FOR FREE! (Well, the food wasn't free...but everything else was). We took the kids, despite the drizzle, and I dare say we had fun!

Ah, yes...nothing says "Mexican victory over the French" like a pirate with a bird on his shoulder!

Hayden, twirling a red circle thing on a stick.

This is how he rolls

aaaaannnnndddd...of course we had to finish off the night with Chipotle!

Easter Egg Hunt

We had an Easter Egg Hunt at the park a few weeks ago and Hayden had so much fun "hunting" for eggs! (I say "hunting" because they were just pretty much scattered all over the field.)

This is the crowd we roll with

Boys

We have so much fun with our friends at playgroup. Hayden is SEVERELY outnumbered by girls (like 5 to 1). He never minded playing with the girls until recently...because all they want to do is pretend to be princesses! Good thing Hayden has a bud, Kaden (confusing?) that he can bum around with at the park, otherwise he might be forced into becoming a frog!

Wonderful.

My sweet husband had one of the most amazing experiences of his life last month. His was sealed to his parents in the Orlando Temple. It was so sweet to see his parents take each other by the hands and kneel across that sacred alter to seal their marriage for eternity. I am so thankful for the knowledge that we have of eternal marriage and for temples on the earth today where we can make those sacred covenants.

Erin

(Like a month ago!) We had the opportunity to visit with my cute sister, Erin! She was visiting a friend in South Carolina, which is about four hours away, so we met halfway at a Chuck E. Cheese in Savannah, GA.

She is currently expecting a baby girl, whom she is placing for adoption with a family who I am absolutely over the moon about. I've never met them, but I've read their blog and seen their profile and they are without a doubt the best family to raise my sweet niece. They have waited for five years to have a baby and my sister gets to be the one to give them their first daughter!

Erin and Dallin

My son, the crazy boy :)

SUCH a brat. She's SIX MONTHS PREGNANT and still in her skinny jeans!

We just can't seem to get rid of that lollipop, can we?

Well...maybe for one quick kiss ♥