Highlights...

You've probably surmised, given the length of time between posts, that May has been busy. Busy, wonderful, stressful and almost over... thank goodness! I have a lot I could blog about but NO ONE wants to read that much about my life, so, here are the highlights:

Cash is 6 months old. Can you believe it? I think since he is officially our last baby (unless it's another case of immaculate conception trust me he's our last!) I am way sentimental about him. Each of his firsts are kind of bittersweet because they are lasts for me in the realm of babyhood. At 6 months he is my best baby ever! To give you perspective he started cutting teeth and I had no idea! Boom he has a tooth! No fussy nights, no wailing, no skin off my teeth! This is his passport picture it kills me.


Josh and I took a 4 night cruise out of Miami...SANS CHILDREN. It was wonderfully romantic and an incredible time. We went with my parents and are already setting money aside for another cruise in January.



GETTING ON SOAPBOX. We love cruises. Best and most cost-effective vacation out there. If you haven't cruised yet you are missing out. They are great for every type of traveler. We even love crusing with kids. I say it all the time... cruising is the best. GETTING OFF SOAPBOX. Highlights of our trip.

Miami- Josh got us a gorgeous Art Deco hotel in Miami right on South Beach. We got into Miami a day early and what did we do with that day? We laid on the beach of course!



At night mom and dad were beat... so they ordered room service and read books. Josh and I went out for late night sushi (It's always better when you are on the ocean). We also ate giant pieces of chocolate cake at a Jewish deli right across the street from our hotel. YUMMY.

Cruising- Stayed on the second floor of the ship requiring us to trek up and down the stairs to go to pool, spa, meals, etc. Downside... really hard in formal wear heels. Upside...didn't gain weight on cruise! Mom and dad gave me a spa package on the cruise for mother's day. So mom and I headed off for our treatments while dad and Josh played ping-pong, something for everyone.



Coco Cay- Royal Caribbean's private island. Rented snorkel gear to swim in crystal clear water with amazing sea life. Saw the most beautiful purple coral, looked like velvet. Josh braved the snorkeling in the "deep end" and saw a 5' wide sting ray. I sat on a hammock and read two books.

Nassau- We rented mopeds and tooled around the city. Drove around for 15 minutes before we realized that they drive on the "wrong" side of the road. Rather, we drove around on the wrong side of the road for 15 minutes. Bargain-shopped for gifts and saw the famous Atlantis hotel.



Preschool Graduation is rite of passage. Here are the abnoxious photos of Cole's graduation. He is pretty cute and he had a great teacher. I shouldn't poo-poo this important event. I guess I just hate being another one of those moms who only have their children to talk about... guess I should get a hobby. Cole was Peter Peter Pumpkin-Eater hence the silly costume. He defintely did not get the performer gene. He is mesmorized by the crowd and just forgets to sing and dance. Thank goodness because I worry I would be the worst kind of stage mom. He did love school which I am so grateful for because he looks forward to kindergarten so much!

A pocket full of sunshine...

One of my great friends, (Elizabeth) , believes that "boys smell like sunshine." I really love that saying. While there is most definitely a distinct odor about boys, that odor is the result of sunny days played outside in the mud; exploring, climbing and discovering. I love the quirks that are uniquely boyish.

So on a beautiful sunny day I was sorting laundry... as the laundress I am in the habit of emptying all pocket contents into a jar on top of my laundry machine before starting a load. If you are not in the habit of doing this get in the habit. It only took one load washed with a red marker (from my waitress apron in college) to make me a thorough pocket inspector. It can be a tedious job but it often yields great rewards. Like crumpled dollar bills (finders keepers right?), lost earrings, important phone numbers written on scraps of papers, you get the point. I was going through pockets and I came to Cole's jeans, there in his pocket was a little glimpse into the mind of a BOY. His own pocket of treasures he wants to keep away from his little brother. Pulling out this handful of Cole , warmth spread to my heart. I put a lot of pressure on Cole and this was a reminder that he is still a little boy and should be allowed to behave as such.


Pocket contents: Bakugan, loose change, two mini lightbulbs, a marble and a smooth shiny rock. Does it get anymore boy than that?

I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me special moments of reflection and introspection. They help fasten my feet to the ground and keep my life in perspective. I am grateful for boys and the whiff of "sunshine" they bring to life. Most importantly I am grateful for my Cole who never ceases to make me smile or teach me something new.