SPRING! Oh how we've missed you

Does anyone else feel like we've finally arrived after the looooongest winter ever? I'm sure spending many hours cooped up inside with a rambunctious 1-year old only added to the hopeless feeling that I would never see the sun again. But the past few days have renewed my hope and seriously improved my outlook on life.

Thankfully we had several fun events to get us through the long cold days of March & April, namely  a week spent in Mexico with my family, a wonderful girls reunion weekend and Caleb's first trip to Dairy Queen...

 

Mexico:

Our first week in April was spent on the sandy, 85 degree, sunny beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico with my parents, and my uncle, aunt & twin cousins.

I had nightmares about our 4 hour flight for weeks. It couldn't have gone any better. Caleb loved climbing up and down the seat, but I'm sure it was the endless supply of food that really did the trick.

View from our 8th floor balcony.

Many attempts at relaxation were made and a few were even successful as the family stepped in to give us some much needed rest, sun, and Tim/Sarah time. 

It took a few days for Caleb to get acclimated to the weather and change of pace, but we had a blast with him in the pool, ocean and lazy river.

Pool time with pops

Fun in the sun with Uncle Dan

He was also a dream every night at dinner. I couldn't believe it, but he actually sat still in his high chair for hours night after night.

These cups and the passy were lifesavers during dinner.

And perhaps my favorite pic of the week:

Caleb played with the soap and shampoo containers nonstop and even got Gramps to use one of them as a phone... this kid was in heaven.

Thanks again to my mom and dad for an amazingly wonderful week, one that we hope to repeat many times in the future :)

 

Girls Weekend:

Many of my dearest friendships were forged in the college years. Sadly, most of us are now separated by many miles with Hope in Houston, Fawn in the Pacific Northwest, Hillary in Colorado, Brooke in Indiana and the rest of us here. But thankfully we have made it a point to spend at least one weekend together every year, and it's the memories made in these days that help us make it through to the following reunion. Our weekends rarely include grand outings or busy days, but are rather filled with hours spent catching up late into the night and eating our way through at least 2 batches of puppy chow. You may recall last year's reunion included the babes, which made for a hectic and fun-filled weekend. This year though, we handed the kiddos to the very capable dads so we could really focus on the moms. Thanks to Tim and the other dads for making this fabulous weekend possible. I miss these girls already!

We didn't actually take very many photos from the weekend, but I did find some gems from our college days.

I don't have words for this.

Welcoming the freshman class.

Lisa's wedding (summer 2007)

And the one photo we took at this year's reunion (stolen from Instagram):

Fun in the Sun:

There have only been a few sunny days so far, but we've enjoyed each one as much as possible. It isn't easy keeping a little animal caged inside all day!

Getting the Cozy Coup ready for the summer

First trip to DQ

Caleb is a big fan - no surprise there.

Who couldn't love that little face??

As for the scrape on his head... note to self - moms should not send their 1 year olds running down a giant hill - they will eventually face plant, falling head over heels with blood trickling down their forehead. Not my best moment. Sorry bubba!