33 For Me

My 33rd birthday, on February 11th, was FANTASTIC!

Last year, I said that 32 was going to be hard to beat (see post),

and 33 sure gave it a run for its money.  Phil (who took the day off just to celebrate his wife...Awww...I LOVE that guy!) and I started the day by going out for a kid-free meal (Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa Hillary).  We went to First Watch...a fresh and tasty little breakfast/lunch place in the area.

We then made our way over to Honeymoon Island to explore a new beach.  The beach itself wasn't new...just a new beach to us.

The kids were SO EXCITED, 

and their anticipation mounted throughout the entire drive there.

Even though it was a beautiful, 75 degree and sunny day, 

the water was a bit too cold for swimming.

The conditions were perfect, however, for shell collecting.

Ahhh...we LOVE Florida!

As I held Myles on the beach, I couldn't help but reminisce about the fact that it was ON my birthday last year that we took a positive pregnancy test.

This is the picture of a happy, blessed, and grateful 33 year-old mother/wife.

1 - 2 - 3...THROW!

This Little Guy pranced around with absolute delight the ENTIRE day.

JOY!

A day at the beach is only complete once you've built at least one sand mound castle.

A little quiet time with my littlest love.

Mutual admiration!

We topped off the day with ice cream at the beach.  

It doesn't get much better than that, right?!

Now that this tradition is two years strong, I will anxiously await 34!

Myles' Baptism

Some people celebrated Superbowl Sunday of February 2nd.

We celebrated the baptism on Myles Patrick...

Our "Merciful and Gracious" son.

Uncle Brian and Aunt Marcie are his godparents, and they made the trip down to Florida to celebrate the special day with us.

 Myles was clearly ramped up by the whole thing.

Myles and cousin Sarah are just five months apart, 

and we look forward to watching them grow up together.

Happy Boy

Clare and Isaac knew it was a pretty special day because there was an enormous cake waiting for us at home.

Mama's Little Chunk

Myles wore the same outfit that Phil (and Isaac) wore when baptized.

I baptize thee...

Apparently, I didn't disguise my reaction when Myles was startled by the water.  His arms shot up, his eyes widened, and then he let out a roar that echoed throughout the chapel.

 

It was a special day...blessed with friends and family.

Grandpa and Grandma Hillary helped make the day memorable.

"Aunt" Sarah and "Uncle" Tory are part of our local family, 

and they celebrated with us as well.

"Grandpa" John and "Grandma" Carol also joined us for the festivities.

CAKE!

Every special event in the Hillary family is made complete with CAKE!

Chillin' with Uncle Brian

Cousins

Six of the ten Hillary cousins were represented:

Isaac, Sarah, Jeb, Clare, Myles, and Grant

They had an AWESOME weekend together.

Thank you to all of you who made it such a special weekend for Myles and for our family.  We are truly blessed!

Hodge Podge

I have so many random pictures from the past couple of months, and so little time to give them the credit they deserve.  Here is a conglomeration of photo-worthy events from the beginning of the year until now.

Clare went to Build-A-Bear to stuff Papa Smurf.  This was her ONE Christmas request, and it was a highly anticipated event.

The kids enjoyed doing science experiments with Ninnie.

They put a bar of Ivory soap in the microwave and watched it turn into a puffy, mold-able ball of soap.  Clare made a sign stating,
"Don't Touch...Ivory...Science Experiment."

We went to the Circus in Tampa.

No circus experience is complete without soft pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and cotton candy.

My Little Man

My Littlest Man

Myles around 3-months

Block towers...

This is notable for a few reasons:
1. These blocks have been one of the best gifts the kids have ever received.
(Thank you, Adam and Elissa!)

2. Clare and Isaac work really well together when they have a common goal.

3. Timbering towers is fun at all ages!

Ann's iPad is a major highlight for the kids.  Phil and I don't even have a Smartphone.  Phil's phone doesn't even have a keypad.  We don't have cable TV.  We don't do much of anything with technology.  The kids know how to use the iPad much better than we do.

I was so impressed when I saw the owl that Clare created to match her pajamas.  What?!  I reckon there's something to be said for technology.  What?!

5.5 Doing 3.5

Clare started riding her big bike in November...

No training wheels and no fear.

Ninnie just started training for a triathlon, 

so she bought a nice bike over Christmas break.

Clare accompanied Ann on her first ride (while clipped into a road bike), 

and they went 3.5 miles.

Yes...my 5.5 year-old rode 3.5 miles on her bike.

Ninnie barely kept up, but they both managed to stay upright the entire time.

Papa was along for the ride as well, but I was more confident in his skills.