Florida 2011

We have been home for almost a month so I figured it's time to post some pics! We had a great time while visiting my parents in Florida! This year was SOOOO different! We had amazing weather and were able to truly escape the yucky MN winter! We spent lots of time at the beach/pool and hanging out. It was a very relaxing vacation! My parents loved seeing the kids and gave Ben and I a much needed break! It was great to have some extra hands to help out!!! Below are some pics... This is the view from their balcony. This was taken in the morning after a stormy night.. the tide was really high, normally we had lots more beach! It was SO fun to dress Laney up in her "beach apparel". She was so cute!

Out to lunch at Breakers... right on the ocean!

This was taken at the pool which overlooked the beach! Such a great set-up!

Laney's first time in the outdoor pool! She loved it! The water was really warm!

Another beach outfit!

First time in the pool ever! This was at the indoor pool! Taken at about 7:30am!

Out to dinner in Ponce Inlet, watching the sunset!

I love Florida!

Matthew is 5!

It makes me so sad and happy all at the same time to think that my baby boy is 5! The time has gone so fast! I am so thankful for what a good little boy he is! I am also so thankful that we truly have enjoyed who he is! I feel like we were able to develop such a great relationship, since he was an only child for 4 1/2 years before our sweet Laney joined us! I would not change that timing for the world! He is such a little "man"! He loves any sport, especially hockey, soccer, baseball and golf! And he is such a good big brother! I love him to pieces! Since Matthew could talk he has wanted to be 5! And now it is finally here! He had a great 5th birthday! We have been celebrating for a month! His first party was a joint party with Elizabeth and Connor back in Feb! Then we went to Florida and my mom had a party for him. On March 9 he really turned "real 5" as he called it! He woke up to breakfast in bed...his favorite, a breakfast burrito and hashbrown from McDonalds, then opened his presents and then off to school with cupcakes for his class! My parents ended up coming home from FL for a few days for a funeral so they were able to celebrate again with us before heading back. Went to Applebees for lunch with Michael, Mary, Kristin and my parents. And for dinner, we met Grandmas Jackie at the Bierstube for his favorite... buttered noodles!! Then that weekend we had Ben's family over to celebrate his b-day and Ben and Jordan's! It was a super fun day! And I think the celebrations have finally ended!!! WOW! Happy Birthday to my Big Boy!! :)


Breakfast in bed for the little Prince!
His new DS! So exciting!

His party with the Schwiegers!

The Birthday Boys with Charlie!

Opening more presents!