Key West

Micah and I just returned from a very relaxing vacation to Key West! We aren't big beach people, but this was a great one! Micah took some family time after accepting a new job, so we've been using it wisely until he starts next week. Basically, we just rode bikes around the island and ate at yummy places for breakfast and dinner and then spent the entire day just laying on our little semi-private beach and reading/napping. It was greatness!

Beaver's Bend

We've been soaking up the family time lately! We sneaked away for a few days for a "camping" trip to Beaver's Bend, OK. It was such fun!! We stayed in a cabin overlooking the river. It was the perfect combo of outdoor fun with all the comforts of home. Micah and Annalee went crawdad hunting, in the chilly water. We went on a nice little hike and found all sorts of things to explore.

A visit to Beaver's Bend wouldn't be complete without a picture by the giant carved bear at the Forest Heritage Center.

We also went canoeing, but I was afraid to take my camera in case we tipped over! Annalee loved it, and Grace was terrified...until she fell asleep standing up with her head in my lap.

Soccer and Family Fun

Annalee is playing soccer for the first time this season. Last week was a little rough, but she did so great this week!

It made me smile that she was smiling and enjoying herself!!

We had a fun family day at an aquarium recently.

This was our senior portrait pose...lookin good!

I was a little obsessed with the butterfly exhibit. For some odd reason, I love me some emerging butterflies! While we were standing here, one of them started to emerge! I was so excited, and then it fell from the branch and started flopping on the ground. I was a little heart broken for the poor thing and had to stand there and watch to make sure it finished getting out of it's chrysalis. After some serious struggling, it finally did and I was able to continue on...whew! By the way, you better believe the Beck girls are growing our own butterflies in the next few weeks, so get ready for some posts on that excitement, although, I really think I might cry if one of them fails to develop properly!

Also, the other night, Micah and Annalee had a camp out in the backyard. She would sleep in that tent every night if she could now! Such fun.

Amanda's Baby Shower

Today was Amanda's baby shower! This group of girls and I have been friends for at least 15 years (I've actually been friends with Amanda since birth!). It was so good to be together again for such a special occasion. We can't wait to meet baby Tristian soon, Amanda!

Look at all the loot!

Ashley made the most adorable and yummy cupcakes!

Instead of signing a traditional baby book, I picked up a copy of Mary Engelbreit's Mother Goose rhymes and each guest wrote a special note next to their favorite one.

This blue cake stand was my great-grandmother's. I borrowed a ton of stuff from family and friends...thanks girls!

I found this idea online....a coffee filter wreath!

Thanks for all your help girls. We had a fabulous time!

Date with Papa

For Christmas, Papa wanted some one on one time with Annalee, and Saturday was their date! She was so excited for Papa to come over and pick her up. As soon as she heard his car, she ran out the front door screaming Papa! He was so sweet and brought her flowers, which we have since planted in our newly cleaned out flowerbed in the backyard. They went to see a play at our Children's Theater and then had dinner at Chick-fil-A (Annalee's choice, of course!). They were invited to meet us for dinner, but she only wanted to go with Papa. Such a fun memory for her.

I can't leave you without some classics of Grace....

I was trying to get a pic of her one Sunday morning, but she was more interested in making sure she didn't have fever, I guess.

This will be a good one for the senior slide show....really depicts her love for shoes (in this case, her sissy's), hats, scarves, and lack of actual clothing.

Cuz

Annalee loves her cousin, Caleb. They are only 8 months apart and so adorable together. She wants to marry him, go to his school, and call him on the phone all the time. So sweet.

Ha! Our attempt at all four Beck babies.

Randomly, Annalee is sleeping in a tent in her room tonight! What would we do without our creative Daddy?

Catching Up

Garage before and after...

Of course, there's still some organizing to do here and there, but hallelujah I can park my car in here now!

This little stinker has finally learned to climb the bar stools and help herself to whatever is going on in what used to be our "safe zone." There are none of those in our house now. :(



Annalee was super excited about Valentine's Day this year. She was so happy to have her own bouquet of flowers from Daddy!

And this little love bug has been on a sugar high ever since...she loves cookies and treats!

Annalee was invited to the cutest Valentine's tea party at Mallory's house...too bad she didn't really get to enjoy it due to her stinky mood that day. Boo. Sorry Mallory, maybe we can try again another day!

On a side note, if you haven't tried Mr. Bubble foaming bath soap, you should. Makes for a fun bath night. :)

Winter Weather

We've been having fun on our snow day!