Darrin's 30th in Punta Cana

I was planning on splitting up the pictures into the days we were there, but once I got to uploading I realized it would be easier to upload them all into one post. Most everyone has seen all the pictures on facebook, but I went ahead and posted most of the 400 and something pictures we took here as well. 

Sister and Forrest arrived around 2:00 on Wednesday, we picked them up from the airport and just went back to our place. 

Sister wanted to check out Zara and a few other stores at our mall, so we went up there for some shopping and some dinner. 

The next morning, Thursday (Darrin's actual birthday) we got all packed up and left around 10 headed for Punta Cana. 

We spent the first day at the villa and just the beach/pool there. 

That night we went out for dinner to celebrate Darrin's birthday. We went to a restaurant called Jellyfish that was recommended and boy it did not disappoint. The restaurant was beautiful and the food was delicious.

The next morning we drove over to the Hard Rock hotel and spent the day there. And here is where we fell in love. The hotel was huge and there was so much to do. They had over 6 pools, a spa, restaurants, shopping and a casino. 

We had so much fun the day before at the Hard Rock, we decided to spend the next day there as well. Breakfast, lunch and dinner!

The last day the guys went out on a zip line tour and we stayed in. We went out the the beach for a little while and got packed up. 

We had a wonderful 3 days in Punta Cana. It wasn't our favorite beach that we have been to so far and the drive there was a little father than we would have liked. I'm pretty sure that will be our last trip there, but who knows!

Thank you Sister & Forrest for coming to spend your "babymoon" with us, we had a great weekend with you guys!

Love - I hope you had wonderful 30th birthday, we sure love you! 

Someone's Thirty!

Saturday morning Reagan and I baked a cake for Darrin's birthday. Reagan knows no birthday is complete unless we make cupcakes or a cake, so we did just that. 

She could hardly wait for him to get home from work, she was so excited. Once he got home, we quickly ate dinner and then we surprised him with the cake. 

She helped me ice the cake and it was her idea to use chocolate and vanilla. As well as the 2 candles on the cake. I tried to get her to at least put 3 for 30, but she instead on 2. 

We sang happy birthday and they blew out his candles. 

Then him and Reagan shared one or two three pieces of cake.

I love this. Just when I think she is looking more and more like me, I see this and I am reminded how much she looks like him.

Grayson didn't have any cake, but he still joined on the fun. 

Love -  I wanted to write something special for the BIG 3 0, but for some reason the words just aren't coming to me today. What I do know is that 30 never looked so good and I am so lucky I scooped you up years ago. I hope you have a great time at the beach, you deserve every bit of it. You are so wonderful and I can't wait to celebrate your very special day. We love you and thank you for all you do every single day. 

Happy 30th Birthday! 

Tomorrow my sister and her husband get here and Thursday (his actual birthday) we are heading to the beach. I could not be any more excited! Bring on the swimsuits, sun, sand, tropical drinks and fun, we are all ready. I will be back Sunday with LOADS and LOADS of pictures from our trip!

Fisher J. Garrett

Today my bf April had her second little boy. 

Fisher J. Garrett

October 20th

1:45pm

6lbs 2oz; 18 inches long

Welcome to the family of 4 club! 

I wish I could be up at the hospital holding and loving on that sweet, sweet boy. Good news, I will be home in less than 2 weeks and I will have plenty of time to love him!

Here is his big brother Maverick's baby picture. I think they are going to look a lot alike. Two precious, healthy baby boys and I could not be more happy for them.

Looks like we need to start a baseball team, or (Justin) a fishing team!

Daddy/Daughter Dates

About a month ago we decided Sunday mornings would be set aside for just Darrin & Reagan. It's hard because Darrin works Monday-Saturday, so all we have are Sundays. (we have evenings together as well, I'm just talking about full days) There are times I am ready to get out and do something. However, I know the time they spend together on their Sunday mornings, are the little things Reagan will remember the most. Their time together, just the two of them every Sunday morning.

I read one of Kelle Hampton's blog a while back ago and it was all about quality vs. quantity. (read it here) I loved everything she wrote, I always do, but she was so right. I am with Reagan & Grayson all day everyday however, the quality is not always it's best. Darrin is with the kids in the evenings and on Sundays, and the quality is always at its best. I know at times they both get way more out of the little time Darrin might get with them, more than the hours and hours they spend with me. 

So they plan to head out, 2-3 hours every Sunday morning, just them two and I know they both love it. They don't go anywhere special, just somewhere that is open is all they need. The first time Reagan said, "Is Mommy going to go?" "But I want Mommy to go with us." When they were out she called a few times, just to see what I was doing. But when she came home she was all smiles.

We they get back, I always have lunch ready for them and we all eat together. But for those 2-3 hours, when it is just them it is quality over quantity and they both love every minute of it. 

I laughed after I reread this, "I always have lunch made." And here these pictures busted me with my gourmet grilled cheese sandwich and leftover soup. 

When Darrin got home the first time he was kinda quiet. I said, "everything okay?" He said, "Yes, I just forgot how much she talks, you have to talk to her non stop!" That was hilarious to me, so true. That girl can talk! 

As they continue to do it, Reagan asks less and less questions before leaving. She knows her and her Daddy are going out and Mommy is not going. I wish I could have someone taking pictures of them while they are out and about, I would love to see what they are doing or talking about. I would try to get Darrin to take some pictures, but I know he would not go for that. He does send a picture to my phone here and there, but I would love to see and hear it all!

So for now, all I get are these pictures of them in front of the door heading out. 

Now she is completely used to it. She wakes up on Sundays and asks where they are going. She left this time saying, "Bye Mom, we'll be back."

Once they left I teared up a little, I am not used to her saying a. Bye and b. MOM. I thought they say Mommy until at LEAST 10? No? What's that about?

Sister wears her backpack everywhere these days. She's lovin' Dora so she takes her bag, her map and whatever else she feels is important that day. And I promise Darrin has more than one black shirt, but he "says" this is his Sunday shirt. So every picture, I'm sure, will be of Darrin in his "Sunday black shirt."

I am so glad they get their time together. They both come home all smiles, telling me what they did. Reagan always has new goodies; pens, markers, coloring books, notebooks, toys, candy.

One thing I know, Sunday mornings are quality. Pouring out their all, making memories and making the most of it.