HOTLANTA

Today we are Georgia bound, and I am SO excited! Stephen and I have gone annually to Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium for the past 3 years and I always look forward to it. We normally go in the Fall for Stephen's birthday, but this year we decided it was finally time to take Dakota, and with her birthday being this week it just seemed like the perfect time. She's been talking about it for weeks now saying "I'm gonna see Dory, and Nemo, and Marlin and Squirt!" My favorite thing is when she does "a seal." I can't wait to see the look on her face when we finally get there! 

This is going to be a super quick trip (going up Sunday, and coming home Monday) but don't think I won't find time to stop into all the stores we don't have here. Most importantly, IKEA. This will be my second time and even though we are only going to get Dakota a new dresser, I'm sure I will find something amazing I just can't leave without (read: sheepskin rug)

Au Revoir!

THE LOST FILES: THE RESERVATION

Is it okay to be still talking about my birthday? I don't care, I have to share this! For my 21st birthday, my mom planned a surprise Cowboys + Indians themed birthday party! How cute is that? Hindsight really is 20/20 because looking back I feel silly that I didn't pick up on some of the things they were doing. But she manged to pull it off without a hitch! All of my favorite people were there, my beloved teepee that Stephen got me for my 17th birthday was basking in sun after being kept in a box in my closet for years, my Indian princess outfit was all ready there and waiting for me to slip into it, and she made the most deliciously adorable food. Cactus Juice anyone?  

It's probably my most favorite birthday ever, with Disney World (5th birthday) and Disney Land/California Adventures (10th birthday) in close seconds! I've thrown a few surprise parties, but never been given one, and truthfully, I've always wanted one. So now I feel fulfilled in the birthday department. ;) Thanks mom, you rule at throwing one adorably sweet and fun party! 

WEEKEND

This weekend was good. It was the perfect blend of everything I imagine a weekend should have: adventure, relaxation, late mornings, good coffee, even better food, family time, and a good dance session. We spent Sunday appeasing Dakota in her plea to ride "my Star Baby," despite the unreal winds and dropping temperatures. I bet she'd tell you her favorite thing about the weekend is getting to play cowgirl. This time she got to ride with Daddy. These two make my heart so happy.

Easter 2012

This past Easter (like, you know, last Sunday) was nothing short of perfect. So I don't know why it's taken me so long to share it with you! Dakota was old enough this year to dye and find Easter eggs and that in itself was such a blast. There was a lot really yummy food, a great church Service, lots of treats from the Easter bunny, a lot of family, nap-time on the couch, matching boys, pretty dresses, and lots of pictures!

It was so fun because we didn't even have to tell Dakota what to do. She just spotted the first egg and went for it, grabbed it and put it in her basket! We ended the day with another egg hunt in the back yard with our neighbors and their little girls. Followed by a bath (egg huntin' is dirty work!) and an impromptu dance session.

This year I was (and still am) feeling so gracious. I have been blesses with such a wonderful family. Extended, immediate, in-laws and all. I found myself sitting on my moms porch, with the sun basking on me, watching my little girl and my soon to be husband playing in the front yard and all I could do was say thank you, Jesus. I hope your Easter was just as special! xo, Meghan.

Best Pals

No matter what's going on or who is around, everything is forgotten when "dadtee" comes home. He scoops her up, gives her a smooch, and takes her outside to play. They are best friends. I have a feeling that she is going to have him wrapped around her finger one day. And I'm sure he would say "that's okay with me Darlin' as long as it makes you happy." To say she is in a daddy phase is a gross understatement! It's true what they say, a girl needs her father. But I think more so, the father needs the girl. 

Christmas Festivities!

I hope it's not too late to be posting this? It's only a mere 4 days after Christmas, but it feels like much more! Truthfully, the first days after the holiday have me feeling bummed. What's keeping my spirits up is having Bean home for a week! I'm so thankful for the time he gets off around the holidays. With that being said, Christmas was a blast! I wasn't sure how Dakota would feel, or if she would understand the concept at all, but after waking up Christmas morning realizing that Santa had visited her and it was indeed all for her, each one after that kept getting sweeter. We had a total of 4 Christmases (including ours), 2 dinners, a Christmas Eve party, lots of snacks and lots of company. It was a crammed day to say the least, but so much fun. Dakota made out like a bandit, and now we're having a week of clean to make room for the new and pass on what we don't need anymore. It's really refreshing!

My favorite part about the whole day (aside from being with family!) was watching Dakota walk right up to her new kitchen, stick her cup full of milk in the microwave and start pressing buttons. Be still my heart! ♥ I hope your Christmas was as merry and Santa was good to you. xo, Meghan

A family ritual

As of yesterday, we have 3 decorated trees under our belt. That's right, 3! We've decorated at my moms house,  Bean's moms house, and our own house. If that doesn't put someone in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will. What I love most about decorating with both of our families is the chance to treasure each and every special ornament. It's so fun to hear each back story (and believe me, there is one!) for every ornament. Where it came from, how old it is, how special it is, who it used to belong to. It's my favorite! It's even more special this year, because we get to make our own memories, and pick special ornaments with Dakota. This will be her second Christmas, and I just know she will be so excited. This time of year gives me warm fuzzies!

Emily Garrison Photography//A peek at our Christmas pictures!

These photos give me warm fuzzies! We took these pictures almost two weeks ago with a sweet lady at our church, Emily Garrison, and I'm so excited that we got to see the proofs last night. We also took Dakota's 'one year' photos on the same day (why did it take us so long?!) and they are equally as adorable! I'll be sharing more as soon as we purchase a disk and decide which ones we are going to send out for Christmas cards. I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorites. Have I mentioned how much I love the holiday season?
xo, Meghan