Mina's Birthday

Another weekend flew by. We went to Leah Remsberg's first birthday party on Saturday and then went to Bill and Julie's house Sunday afternoon to celebrate Mina's birthday. It's hard to believe that she is seven years old now! She was born when Kevin and I started dating. Has it really been that long?!?

Eli had a really good time at their house. He found a plastic sword that he wielded all afternoon. He has been playing the hugging game lately, too. It's definitely my and Kevin's favorite game. He gives ones of us a big squeeze and then turns and runs to the other and gives another giant hug. He repeats this about 10 times until he loses interest. He entertained us with that game on Saturday.

Here are some pictures.

Pointing out Mickey and Minnie and all of Eli's favorites from Mickey's Clubhouse

Carrying a sword around can really make you sweat.

Time to strip down to the tightie whitie onesie.

Look Mom, I've got skills.

Boo!

Looks who's SEVEN!

Hugs for the rock star

18 Months!

Holy moly- 18 months today! Our little man still only says a handful of words, but he understands just about everything I say to him. I can give him multiple directions and he can follow them. He'll pick up one of Gracie's toys and I can tell him to put it down the steps and then close the gate. Or I'll ask him to bring me specific books off of his bookshelf, and he can find them. Or my favorite that happened this week... I asked Eli if he loved Mommy, and he said "Yeah!" I asked the same about Daddy and he said "Yeah!" I asked if he loved Mim and Pop and he said "Yeeaaaah!" Then I asked if he loved sleeping and he shook his head no. Stinker.

Sleeping has not been good lately. First it was a few miserable weeks of molars popping through. Then he started not going to sleep as easily and waking up mutliple times in the middle of the night. So, we're doing some modified sleep re-training to get him back on schedule.

His favorite things hands down are his books. We read tons of books everyday. He loves his new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book and can point out all of the characters. He still loves his Jesus Loves Me book and his Sandra Boynton books. Mim and Pop just bought him It's Pajama Time and he's a big fan!

He's starting to learn colors. He says "eeen" when I hold up something green, but if I hold up something red, he just looks at me. Both yellow and orange get a response of "oooon" or something like that. We'll keep working on that. :)

At night before bedtime, Eli watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. He loves Toodles and gets so excited when Toodles is on the screen.

Eli has learned Ring Around the Rosies and thinks it's hilarious. He also can do motions to "The Wheels on the Bus" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." We sing "If you're happy and you know it, Shout Amen... AMEN!" He throws his hands up and says "Ahh Ahh" with a lot of enthusiasm. It cracks us up.

Eli has also been enjoying the outdoors. He loves his lawn mower and his big red car. We go for rides or walks everyday that it's nice out. This is a really fun age and we're enjoying each day with Eli so much.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Sean Chisholm!

This weekend was the second of our back to back weddings in April. I said it last week and I'll say it again... we had a blast!

Our good friend and Kevin's best man, Sean, married an Enterprise girl, our friend Michele. Ah, Enterprise love. The wedding was beautiful- Michele looked stunning and I've never seen Sean look more handsome.

The weekend started off with the rehearsal and then dinner at LaTavola's in Little Italy in Baltimore. Delicious. On Saturday, the wedding was held in the Belvedere in Baltimore. The ballroom was gorgeous! Kevin was in the wedding party and I was a reader in the ceremony. Sean and Michele are the winners of the "best wedding favor award"- cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes! The DJ was great- we spent a lot of time on the dance floor. All in all, it was a great evening. We got to catch up with so many friends- Kevin's old roommates from the Bethesda house, ex-Enterprisers, Sean's family.

Now, onto the pictures. Disclaimer: Ok, so I am wearing the same dress that I wore last weekend. I felt the need to admit that. :)

This is my momma. Doesn't she look pretty? She's sitting in an old booth at the Owl Bar in the Belvedere. The Belvedere was built in 1903 and it has incredible charm.

This is Mrs. Chisholm, the mother of the groom. She and Mr. Chisholm are like family to us.

This is Christine and Dave Walsh, the parents of one lovely Miss Julia

Here is Mr. Chisholm. He changed into this kilt after the ceremony and surprised Sean.

This is why I'm so good-looking. Haha... my parents looked great!

....and they had a great time, too!

The beautiful bride

Rocco, Michele's son

Handsome groom

Chase, Sean's nephew, and Rocco

Chris Herpel (wife of the best man), Joey Balsamo, Kevin's old roommate

The centerpieces were gorgeous, but check out those bea-u-ti-ful pink cupcake boxes!

First Dance Song: Glory of Love

George... after watching Kevin dance, he told my dad he would teach Eli some rhythm.

Yes, there are beanie babies on the top of this cake. No, I am not going to explain it. Let's just say this probably wasn't Michele's idea.

Momma/Son Dance

Mim and Pop cutting a rug

Boogey Down Bishes!

Have a wonderful time in Italy and on your cruise, Mr. and Mrs. Chisholm. We're so excited for you!! Bring home a souvenir *wink wink*!

Eli and Mommy

Easter at the Kim House

Eli loves his new lawn mower from Uncle Nathan and Katie

Eli loved all of his fun Easter gifts from Mim and Pop AND Aunt Jo AND Nan AND Nathan and Katie- spoiled little boy!