Ohio

After a week in Maine, we took a short (haha!) 16 hour drive to Ohio to spend a week with my family.  For the most part the drive went smoothly.  We had a few moments when we weren't sure if we would make it, or at least we weren't sure if the kids would make it but we pulled up at my Uncle's house at 4:30am with all 4 of us.  As horrible of an idea as this may have sounded, it really wasn't bad and the kids did great.

Dylan golfed everyday but one and I hung out with the kids and watched them play from dawn until dusk.

I am now suffering the repercussions of a two week, anything goes, vacation, but I'm sure Tatum will eventually realize that popsicles are not a major food group and they can not be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner although its a hard lesson to learn.  She is also struggling with not having a play buddy 24/7 or someone to entertain that will hold her at all times or let her have her way with a sad look or fake cry.

Let's hope these lessons take effect soon!

We had a blast!  I love watching Tatum have fun, spending time with family and Dylan loves golfing.  He has a few hard lessons as well, for example, golfing everyday is not the norm, we were on vacation!  He played twice this week and went to the range one day.  Between him and Tatum, getting back to reality might be a battle. I think I have lost them both.

Thankfully, Druz is holding steady so I'm not alone in this.  :o)

Dad finally meets his newest grandson

I think she was a bit confused by so many people.  This was the first day in Ohio.

Papa and Tatum catching up and sharing some M&M's.

My beautiful little girl

Grandma and Grandpa with their newest Great Grandson.  They are up to 8 Great Grandkids and it seems to be growing quickly!

 Tatum showing Rowan her basketball skills.

Tatum telling Papa about her day.

 

Dylan golfing

Tatum driving a John Deere, which comes equipped with a top of the line stereo system.

Hanging out in Great Grandpa's tree

Grandpa and his pink flamingo???

The Back Clan

We set off fire works one night.

Sparklers!

Kissing cousins

Hugging cousins

Playing at the playground with cousins

Popsicle station (notice the step stool in front of the fridge...the kids just helped themselves)

Redneck playpen (in Jamie's words)

Swimming with flamingos

Girls only picnic!

We went to Tuscora Park one night and Tatum got to ride the train.

 

Riding on the carousel, this was the fastest carousel I have ever been on!

Grandma Baker and Aunt Gina after lunch at the park.

Tatum feeding the ducks

Hanging out with a turtle

 

Aunt Gina took one for the team and went down the slide with Tatum

While the kids played on the playground at Tuscora, the parents all took a little break.
Ben, Jackie, Druz, Dylan, Kirk, Renee, and Jamie...plus 7 kids!

 This reminds me of the hamburglar thing on the McDonald's playgrounds when we were kids.  Do they still have those???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TROSS!!!

Tross turned 11 today! 

Boy how time flies. 

He is going to be in middle school next year!

His favorite color is purple and he is really into skateboarding.  He can do some pretty cool tricks too. 

Happy Birthday Tross, I hope you had a good one!!!

Weekend

We spent most of Saturday at Mom's while we had some showings, then we went to dinner.  I love the weekends.

Dinner at JR's Grill, Tatum hugging Grandma

My little fish in the water.  This is the first time Druz was in the pool.  He liked it so much that he fell asleep after about 5 minutes,

 Tatum loved being thrown around by her Dad.

Maine Part II

More pictures from Maine...

Aunt LuLu holding Tatums dinner new friend.

Gam-E and Aunt LuLu in Bar Harbor with Tatum 

"Come on Gam-E!"

Gam-E and G-Pop with Tatum in the ocean at Sand Beach

Trying one more time for Tatum to touch the lobby, she eventually did but it was a very quick touch and go! 

She was more comfortable with glass in between her and the lobster. 

Auntie M, Druz, and Aunt LuLu 

We had dinner at Stewman's (where Obama ate when he was there last year).  It's a newer restaurant so we hadn't been before.  Good food and nice atmosphere.  Plus, Tatum liked the lobby out front.

Maine

It occurred to me that I have yet to post pictures from our trip.

We had a great time in Maine and the wedding was beautiful.  Things were a little hectic the day of the wedding so I didn't get any pictures of the BEAUTIFUL bride or the ceremony, but hopefully I can get my hands on some from someone that has them.

Tatum played her little heart out and was a total trooper through the traveling, some days with no naps, and all the constant goings and comings that go along with vacation and family gatherings.  

We can't wait until next year!

Here are the pics from Maine...

Our first family hike up Gorham, it was a challenge, but we made it!

The end of the trail let us out at Sand Beach so we spent the rest of the day playing, relaxing, and lounging on the beach.

Tatum lounging in the creek

She LOVED running and playing in the creek at Sand Beach, it was the perfect size for her!

Full day of playing, getting ready to head home.  This was on Sand Beach.

The Dylans'.

Another day at the beach, this time we had fun at Seal Beach.

Gam-E and Tatum, splashing around in the ocean.  Gam-E made her a seaweed necklace, which she loved.  After that Tatum proceeded to pick up and collect all the seaweed on the beach.

(The Before)

Lucy and Maddie at the salon, getting ready to get their hair done for the BIG DAY!

(The After)

The blushing bride, ready to go!

My little man, resting up for the big party.

The house we rented and where the reception was (there 13 of us staying in the house).  It was BEAUTIFUL, the house and the reception.
We missed staying at the Green House this year but this place was very nice and had plenty of room for everyone.

Our wedding favors...handmade plates.  Very cool!

Druz looking all fancy in his tie.

We took a hike up to Thuya Gardens.
Tatum giving a little wave.

Beautiful flower from the garden.

More of Thuya...

And more flowers...

And even more flowers...

And yet one more...can you tell I like pretty flowers?

Tatum just relaxing while I attempt to snap some pictures.

"Is it time to go yet, Mom?"

Some succulents...I liked the pot.

Heading back down from Thuya, this was the view of Northeast Harbor.

Back to Sand Beach, Tatum couldn't get enough of the beach or the swings there.

My big girls little foot print.

Gam-E taking a stroll with Druz.

Daddy and Tatum taking a dip in the frigid waters.

Most of the crew on the beach, the last day we were all together.  Good times!

 

Tatum's yearly picture in front of the the park sign.  It will be fun to look back at all the pictures and see how much she has grown!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

It's only been 3 short years of marriage...but we've come so far since we were 13 (thats when we met).

I couldn't do it without you and can't wait to see what lies ahead for us in our lifetime together!

I LOVE YOU!

Back at it

Went to the gym today for a spin class.  Man, I miss working out.  It felt so good and I was energized the rest of the day.  Ahhhh, its good to be back!

Hopefully, I can get a routine going and get back in shape FAST!

2 months

I'm sure I will say this every month, but I just can't believe how quickly the time goes by (I feel old and like my parents, every time I say that!)

Druz is cooing a lot and smiles all the time when you talk to him.  He isn't a fan of the pacifier (good and bad) or the bottle (bad!).  He isn't sleeping as well as I had hoped he would at this point but we are working on it.  Tatum slept 8-10 hours a night by now and he is sleeping 5 on a good night, which makes a very exhausted Mama!

He LOVES his baths.

He is starting to focus pretty well and he will turn his head towards you if you talk to him.  He also tries to get his fist in his mouth, all the time...I think we will have a thumb sucker like his Daddy.

Tatum is so sweet with him and it melts my heart to see her talk to him and try to calm him when he cries.

 I'm such a Mom!  I couldn't decide which one to post so I just posted them all!  All the pics were taken at the same time, I just played with the camera settings.

Bummer

Buyers backed out of the contract.  Boo!  Who does that?!?!?! 

Updates Updates

Finally updated after a month!  I posted updates all the back to June 11th, so keep scrolling back until you see them all.

Can't wait to get home to blog about Maine and Ohio...

Good times are being had by all!!!

Happy Baby

This little guy has taken quite a liking to his Daddy.  When Dylan talks to him he just smiles and coo's and smiles some more. 

Happy Birthday Lucy Lu

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday dear Lucy...

Happy Birthday to You!

Under Contract

We had a feeling this would happen.

We got an offer on the house today, one that we will accept.  Yay!  Since we are still out of town it makes this a little crazy but we are so thankful that we received a good offer and most anything can be done over the internet these days.

We close August 3rd, so say a little prayer that everything goes smoothly between now and then!!!

Look out Mom...here we come!!!