Maine and back again

Well, we did it. We packed Beckett up and took him on his first airplane and he did GREAT! Ben has a lot of family in Maine, so we headed up there for a wedding over Labor Day. We took tons and tons of pictures, but this is just a quick recap of the trip.

This is where we ate breakfast in downtown Portland the first morning we were there. It was featured on "Diners, Drive-in's and Dive's". Ben had a lobster omelet that was the size of his head. Gretchen (Ben's sister) and I both had dishes with fresh, local blueberries, Beckett slept through it :)

The state parks in Maine are BEAUTIFUL!!

Beckett and Aunt Gretchen. She was a huge help with Beckett on this mini vacation. Thanks Gretch!!

We couldn't visit Maine and not get a lobster roll. This was our view from the picnic table at the restaurant.

This is one of my favorite family pictures.

The fam at Reid State Park. Hurricane Earl was supposed to hit Maine while we were there but luckily the weather held out. The rough seas behind us and a couple of clouds was the extent of the storm.

I'm surprised Beckett is enjoying this because the water was absolutely freezing!!

Beckett and his cousin Rachel

After a day in Portland, we headed up to Bethel. The condo we had was right on the golf course, literally, we walked out our back door and we were standing on the fairway. Needless to say Ben was in heaven.

We ended the trip attending Andrew and Melissa's wedding. Beckett fell asleep in my arms on the dance floor but at least we got this great family picture!!

Happy Birthday Sis!

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister Brittany. I love you!!!

What's blooming? And other random updates

My Mom is out of town for a couple of days so I took time off work to do my dream job, "stay-at-home mom". It has been amazing!!! Beckett and I have such a blast together and have I ever mentioned that he is a great little shopping buddy? Here are some pics of our most recent purchases.

I know this print is everywhere, but Ben and I have adopted it as our new motto. I just bought it and soon it will be hanging in our family room. Just a reminder to take a deep breath and move on.

Nothing new in this picture but thought I would post it since I was taking pictures of the family room. The roses were freshly clipped from my garden this morning.

Again, nothing new in this pic, just love taking photos of my home. This is an antique dresser that my mom is letting us borrow (or keep) until they build their home in Charlotte. I changed out the knobs to some that are a little prettier. Don't pay attention to the jogging stroller on the right :)

This is my newest and most exciting piece. It's a navy blue linen zebra ottoman with nailhead detail. I have been looking for something to liven up our family room. The walls are "griege" and all of our furniture is neutral. I try to add some color with accent pillows, art work and small pieces like this. I absolutely love it and the best part is that it was 50% off!! Bargain! Slowly but surely this is becoming the room of my dreams........ it's just taking a while.

Happy Mother's Day!!! This is my beautiful Mom, sister and brother-in-law. Brittany and Bryce came up for Mother's Day weekend from Florida to surprise my mom. What a surprise it was. We had a great time, I just wish we could see them more often. It was such a fun couple of days.

Long post, I know, but I wanted to share whats blooming in my garden because it's absolutely lovely. Every time I go out there I discover something new.

Our clematis has just exploded this year and will be up and over the pergola by the end of summer.

Climbing roses up our brand new trellis'. Ben framed out two 4x8 pieces of trellis and attached them with chain on top and bottom to our pergola. It looks amazing. He is so talented.

Trailing verbena in our hanging baskets. Such a beautiful color.

My FAVORITE flower. Pink double peonies!!! We had tons of huge blooms this year. The house was full of them in vases, mason jars, pitchers. Anything we could find that would hold them all. It was gorgeous.

Last but not least, the first blooms of spring. Our white single peony.

Beckett's first road trip

We took a little road trip on Friday to Lottsburg, Va aka the Northern Neck. My in-laws have a beautiful house there on the Coan River. It was opening season for fishing so the boys spent all day catching dinner while the girls hit the local wine festival.

We also got to see wonderful friends that, unfortunately, we do not see as much as we'd like to and meet new members of the "Eddyspark Family". Eddyspark Drive is the street we all grew up on. Our parents are all friends, we are all friends and this weekend we got to introduce the third generation to each other. I can only hope that Beckett is fortunate enough to grow up on a street so special, where he will make lasting friendships. I am sure throughout the future of this blog you will read much more about "Eddyspark" so I will save more of the history for later. Back to the weekend...............

It doesn't get any fresher than this. Caught that morning, grilled that night.

Beckett and his cousin Jaxon. We were able to get some pretty cute pics, despite the fact that the boys don't hold still for longer than 5 seconds.

Jaxon is on the move and Beckett will be chasing close behind in a couple more months.

Beckett laughing at his Uncle Evan

Beckett and Easton

Here they are............. the third generation. They don't know how lucky they are to be born into such a great family.

I love this picture of Jaxon. He is so handsome.

Nana and her boys, Jaxon and Beckett

Easton and Beckett laughing. These two aren't quite as mobile as Jaxon so it's a little easier to take pictures. It's getting them to look at the same camera at the same time that is tricky.

Beckett and Leanna :)

Aunt Caitlin and the boys

Josh and Brittany finally get to meet Beckett :)

What proud Papa's. Ben and Beckett & Connor and Easton. Not a bad looking group of boys.

Beckett and his Uncle Evan

It's been too long

Well, I'm back to work. Can you tell? Haven't done a post for like a month. Ooops! I guess life kinda got in the way. Not to worry though, here is the update!

This is Manster a.k.a Tregg. Ever since Beckett came along he thinks it is his job in life to protect him. How does this go over with the other dogs? Not too well. Such a cute face though, right? We love that he wants to protect his little brother but not at the others expense. I'll keep you posted, I think we've got it figured out.

Who are these people? They are my wonderful parents. They have been kind enough to put their lives on hold and take care of Beckett for us while we are at work. Even though just my mom is staying with us, I still say "they" because I know it is hard for them to be apart. Although, I have seen alot of Jim lately :) We are so grateful to have their help and Beckett absolutely adores them both!!

Here he is! My little man is huge. I feel like I just woke up and all of the sudden he is 4 months old. Holy cow!! He is so much fun now. He smiles and laughs at everything, he will talk your ear off and he is trying really hard to roll over. And the best part? He sleeps 12 hours a night. It makes for a happy baby, happy parents and happy grandma :)

This is Beckett's first Easter. I'm pretty sure he could care less but it was a great photo op. Wish he was in a better mood though. His poor cousin Rachel had to hold on pretty tight to his fussy flailing. What a good big cousin she is.

We are going to my in-laws River House this weekend. It will be Beckett's first road trip. We are excited because we get to see friends and family that we haven't seen in a while. We always have a great time there. More pics and great stories when we get back :)

A Princess Party

This is my beautiful niece Rachel and on Sunday she turned 3 years old!!!! Her parents hosted a Princess and Prince party to celebrate!

Two little princesses making crowns..........

Look at all this fun stuff. The kids could decorate crowns, magic wands or swords (for the princes). My sister in law found all the supplies at orientaltrading.com.

What a pretty tiara Rachel made.........

No princess can have a birthday party without a castle cake. My friend Heather makes AMAZING cakes. If you are in the Charlotte area and need a cake, email her at thecakeshoppe.heather@gmail.com

Rachel blowing out her candle. I wonder what she wished for ???

In the end, she ate more of the wax off the bottom of the candle then she did her slice of cake. Silly girl......... For the rest of us that ate it, let me tell you, it was delicious.

This is a "stick unicorn" from her Grandma & Grandpa in Connecticut. I thought it was so cute. I hope she's had a chance to "ride" it around.

OMG!!! Have you ever seen so many toys? I'm pretty sure this is only half of it. I hope Rachel enjoyed her party!!

Happy Birthday Pretty Princess!!!! xoxoxox Aunt Ashlyn