Neighborhood snapshots & more

As most of you know, we live in the country. I am pretty proud of this fact. We may not live in the grandest, fanciest of homes, but our surroundings are beautiful and our neighbors are salt of the earth people. Every day I am grateful for the scenery and for our little "retreat" nestled in the trees. I love that Max is getting to be a "country" boy and loving all of God's creatures. We recently put up a bird feeder & enjoy getting to watch goldfinch, cardinals, blue birds and some we can't quite figure out. We have grown used to the commute to grocery store, UofI campus, drs., resaurants, shopping, whatever. If we desperately need something, like milk or bread, tp... pop....chocolate..the BP is 3 min. up the road on the highway. You can even rent "yurself" a video there. What do you like about your neighborhood & your home? There is nothing like being able to go home and feel so relaxed, comfortable, yourself; surrounded by the things that you love and make you happy.

Max andMr. Toad

This old school house is just down the road. We walk there all the time.

Emma and Summer-mother & daughter

Honery boy-with dinosaur squirty-a new fave.

Huh? I wasn't suppose to pick this one mama?

Neighbors who graciously watch Max on occasion.

A sweet grandma lives here. She was an Avon rep back in the day. Boy would I love to see her vintage jewerly.

These fun folks just brought us farm fresh eggs and fresh garden grown asparagus.

Hey Bessy!

MARCO ISLAND

The entire Peters clan ventured to Marco Island, Fl for a little spring break fun in the sun! We had a splendid time lounging poolside, catchin' waves, collecting seashells and just hanging out together. This trip was something Rich and Elaine had wanted to do for the family for a while. The trip was in honor of Rich's 70th birthday. What a great present... to all of us! Thank you so much Gma Elaine and Gpa Richard for the unforgettable memories.

Max's first airplane ride. He was a little unsure at first!

Now he's smiling. Making friends with the lady and her little dog behind us

In the rental car headed to the beach. Almost there!

First steps on the beach. He was soo excited.

Ginormous jelly fish washed up on shore. Eww. Felt like a hardened gummy bear

Washed up starfish, he was still alive and squiggling around

Max like throwing the seashells back into the ocean.

Lucky cousins, Hannah, Ben, Will, Ed, Max

Aahh. Rockn' the day away. Max, Hannah, Gpa

Me,standing in the tropical foliage.

Looking for seashells wasn't hard, there were tons. Finding the best one on the other hand

Cheesy. her her

This pic made me think of a hurricane. It only rained one morning.

Odd looking bird. God is funny.

Me and Jen by the pool

Stinky, sunkissed boys. Max, Ed, Ben, Will

Oh Lord. Our family photo attempt

The Peters clan (Max hiding behind my head.)

Headed to dinner one evening

Gotta have a palm tree pick. Just gotta.

Balcony view

Bye Bye Marco

My Baby is 3!

My baby boy turned 3 on Mar. 2nd. He is technically, officially Not a baby anymore, but he will always be my baby. You know how everyone always tells you how fast they grow and to enjoy these young precious years? Well, its true. I shed some tears on his bday, felt a little choked up and I thought, "Man this is only 3, what am I going to do at 10, 13... 5! A mother's love for her children truly is unexplainable
We celebrated with a pizza party at Monicals pizza with cake, icecream,
pizza of course, balloons, fun and fellowship. Rather than bring gifts, I had guests bring a new children's book to be donated to the Newman Regional library. As much as Max loves books, I thought this would be a great idea and a good way to give back to the community. We did open a few presents on his birthday and had some cupcakes too. Homeade at that!
Enjoy all the pics! There's alot...it was hard to narrow down. :) Plus, gmas and gpas like to see.







Mmmm pizza!

Big bro Will lighting the candles

Red frosting was everywhere!

Will, Ed, and Max(who is eating more sugar)

Bath pic for fun

Homeade cupcakes!

Presents!

Theres nothing like a brand new box of crayons. Smells so good. :)