The Greenville Zoo

Brooks and I go to the zoo about every other week. Sometimes it's with one friend, or a playgroup, and other times it's just us. Yesterday we went, just us two! It's nice to just have some one on one time, even though we get that everyday, but it's different when we go out to do something. He behaves differently, and usually listens to me better! He enjoyed looking through his binoculars at the animals. Afterward we went to the park and ate lunch and played on the playground. Then, after his nap,  we made some art projects and blew bubbles outside until it rained. It was a great day, just us two!

             He loves the turtles

                       Running through the mist

                   Looking at the Lions

                     The Leopard got so close!

                        Finger Painting a picture for Daddy!

Cooking

I absolutely love to cook, and try new recipes all the time! My husband is a very brave man, but he has yet to complain about anything I've made. The process of putting all the ingredients together, sauteing the garlic and vegetables, and grilling or baking the main part of the meal is kind of therapeutic for me. I have found that I'll be so hungry for whatever I'm making, but by the time it's ready to eat, most of my appetite is gone. I'm guessing it's just from smelling everything for so long. I guess that's OK, because I actually enjoy the cooking more than the eating! Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE to eat, especially now that I'm pregnant, but it's relaxing for me to cook and the end result doesn't leave me bloated! I took a few pictures of the meals I cooked this week...they were all either new recipes, or something I created on the spot.

      Grilled Tilapia with rice and veggies

        Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

      Ravoli Toss

Keller Williams 3rd Anniversary Party

Last night KW threw their 3rd Anniversary Party. It's at Larkins on the River annually, and this year was even better than the last! We had great food and lots of dancing. It was a great night out for Brian and I, and Brooks got to spend the night with my parents. It was the first time I've gotten to sleep in in longer than I can remember! Brooks stayed with my parents til 5 this afternoon, and then Brian's parents took him to the park and to dinner. We got spoiled with a wonderful date night and full day toddler free! We thought we would get some stuff done around the house, but only a little got done. We just couldn't pass up the opportunity to rest and relax on such a beautiful Sunday :)

          The women danced the night away!

          My mother-in-law dancing :)

Brooks' Last Day of School

This past week was Brooks' last week of school until September! I was really sad and told Brian to be prepared for a few tears. We aren't completely sure what our plans are for next year, so me being pregnant, was having a really hard saying goodbye to his school. He started there at 9 months and had been there til now at 2.5. We went through a lot that first year...he was not happy about leaving mommy. But this year he went in the first day and never looked back! He LOVES his teachers and friends and I know will be asking to see them this summer. I have also become attached to the school, probably more than he is. I loved picking him up and seeing how excited he was to show me what he made that day. He would also drag me to the playground afterward; it couldn't be avoided, as we pass it to get to our car. But it was actually a great thing because all of us moms would socialize while the kids played. I am planning on getting together with many of the moms and their kids this summer and I know he will be so excited to see them! The pictures below are from his last day.

                          Brooks before school

                   After school

The Greenville Drive

Tonight was Realtor Night at The Greenville Drive game! Brooks and I went and met up with Brian and some of the realtors that work with him and their families. We got to eat and sit in the Spinx suite with many other agents from all over Greenville. One of our good friends, Ariana, who also works with Brian, came with her 2 sons Vegas and Austin. Brooks was excited to play with them! This was Brooks' first baseball game and he was so good. They have a playground that the kids had a good time on and he had fun looking through Vegas' binoculars at the game. We can't wait to take him back to another game soon!

                                   Brooks and Austin

 Brian walking with the boys: Austin, Brooks, and Vegas

           Austin, Vegas, and Brooks

                         My family :)

1st Pool Day of the Summer!

Brooks and I have belonged to an awesome playgroup for one year this month. We went to the pool on Wednesday and had a blast! It's amazing how different it is for Brooks this year compared to the last. A year ago he had to have a float to stay standing in the pool, and now he's all over the pool without needing one. I just can't believe how fast our little ones grow up. We are looking forward to going to the pool with our playgroup friends all summer!

 

And Baby #2 is...

Brian and I are very excited to be having another BOY!! Brooks really wanted a baby brother and we pulled through for him. I am hoping that by being so close in age the boys will be best friends. I can't believe that in about 18 more weeks our new baby will be here! Time has really flown by. This is the exciting half of the pregnancy for me...I get to register for things we need and decorate the baby's room! Both of our parents are really excited to be having another boy in the family. My parents had 2 girls, and Brian's parents have 2 daughters and one son who have given them 4 granddaughters and Brooks. Now with another boy things will start to even up! We can't wait to meet our son and welcome him into this world :)

 I told Brooks he was waving to him!

I l

I love how they always point it out hehe!

Strawberry Pickin

Today Brooks and I were invited to go pick strawberries with Caroline and Stella and their playgroup. We had a blast! Brooks loved finding the red ones and putting them in the basket. But his favorite part was eating them. All of the kids had red faces and hands afterward...I think some of us moms did too ;)

 

                                          Brooks with the girls :)

                                          Stella and Brooks

I got the perfect shot of him eating a berry haha!

Caroline and Stella :)

Mother's Day Weekend

We had a wonderful Mothers Day weekend. My cousin Ashley had a baby shower that all of our kids got to go to. Brooks had a great time playing with Reese and Avery, his cousin. We also went to Amelia's 3rd birthday party! Can't believe how fast the kids are growing up. And my wonderful sister-in-law and one of her daughters Anna came down for a visit. We cooked dinner Saturday night and had 2 cakes from Strossners. They were delicious! Then Sunday morning we had Brian's parents over and all cooked a Mother's Day breakfast. Then for the rest of the day I laid around in my pajamas...exactly what I wanted! Brian was so wonderful. He brought my presents into the bedroom right after I woke up...he got me some much needed cute maternity clothes! Then he cleaned up the kitchen after Helen and I cooked and played with Brooks all day. I also got to take a nap! It was a great day of relaxing and spending time with family!

Stranded

This weekend Brian and I started to notice our brakes needed some repairing, so Monday morning we took the car in. After being there for a day, we have been told that it's going to be at least 2 more days til we can have it back. Now I am so used to being able to just jump in the car when I want and go where I want, but now I feel stranded. It's a lot harder than I thought not being able to go anywhere. Luckily we have wonderful parents who are helping to take Brooks to school, but if I want to go to the grocery store, I can't. I don't know if any of you have been without a car for a week, but it has made me think about how lucky I am. I can go anywhere I want and there are a lot of people in the world who can't. It made me realize how much we take for granted everyday. Usually if I have a craving for something and we don't have it, I just run out and get it. I am very spoiled to be able to do so. Yesterday wasn't too bad because it was raining and Brooks and I didn't want to get out, but today is a different story. I'm hoping by the end of this week when I get my car back that I will start to change my habits. It will be hard, but I think it's necessary. I really don't need to spend the money on gas and food just because I want something. I need to be more frugal and only go the places I NEED to go. Hopefully I can start saving some money that way!

Blaire's 18th Birthday

My little sister Blaire turned 18 yesterday. I guess she's not so little anymore :( She outgrew me a long time a go, but she's still my baby sister. My mom got together with some of Blaire's good friends and decided to throw her a surprise party! She has been working on it for a while, and Blaire got suspicious in the beginning, but we threw her off! Her boyfriend Jordan brought her to the Mellow Mushroom and when she saw all of her friends she was really surprised. It turned out to be a great party and my parents did a great job with the planning. She got a lot of cute things to take to Clemson with her in the fall. I can't believe my sister is going to college soon. I remember the day she was born, and it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. I'm sure it has flown by faster for my parents. She has a few more months before she goes off to college, so we all will be sure to soak up enough Blaire time before August!


Blaire and her Boyfriend Jordan


All of the girls at the party...plus Jordan


Blowing out the candles...I hope her wish comes true!