Catching Up

My laptop has recently crashed, so I've been behind on blog posts lately. Here's some of what we've been up to.

Practicing holding up 2 fingers.



This was a miraculous moment, all four Becks and Wardlaws sitting still in one place. Don't worry, it only lasted a second.



Our soccer season is almost over, this was a chilly morning...look closely, my child's arms are tucked into her jersey (#3). That's how the pros do it.



Caleb and Grace have the same birthday, so last weekend we celebrated him turning 5!

Happy Birthday Grace

Today is Grace's 2nd birthday. She celebrated by having her last day of school, eating dinner at a family fav, Mi Cocina, and splashing in the bath. As I was putting her to bed she had her head on my chest and sang about 10 verses of Happy Birthday, each with a different person's name in the song. We were both giggling...such a sweet memory that I will not soon forget. I love you Grace, Happy Birthday!

This was her first bath. One of my favorite pictures!









This was her in the bath tonight! Such a big girl.

Easter

We had a great Easter Sunday. Church was great and we had nice afternoon naps too! We had a fun egg hunt at Grammy's house in her yard that is blooming with springtime! God is good.

This was on our way to church, seconds before Grace grabbed a handful of cat poop! Seriously people? We don't even have a cat! YUCK!

Beauty and the Beast

We've been anticipating last night for many months around our house! Annalee was Belle for Halloween, and she loves Disney princesses, so it was only fitting that we went to see Beauty and the Beast live on stage. (I was just as excited as she was!)

Before the show, Papa treated her to a special pampering package at our favorite girly salon. She had her nails painted, makeup done, and got a fancy hair-do! Spoiled rotten, I tell you! She loved every minute of it, too!



You know Grace was right in the middle of things, having a blast too!

After meeting up with Daddy for dinner and handing off Grace, the four of us headed to the show.

We accidentally got there early, so we had time to get our picture with the angels.

Our seats were pretty cool...a box right by the stage. She's actually looking at the audience in this picture, the stage is behind the gold scroll curtain.

At intermission, we had a cookie and orange juice break.

The show was about 3 hours long, and she sat perfectly still the whole time (except for a brief second to tell us that it was a long show!).

What a fun memory!

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.