Win Some. Lose A Lot.

Last weekend I screwed up. BIG TIME.  In attempt to organize the last 2 years of pictures and videos that have been sitting on our computer (and nagging at my OCD nature), I LOST just about everything from January 1st, 2011 on.  In the fine words of Steve Martin in The Jerk circa 1979, "I'm a jerk."

I took our computer immediately to a super tech-savy friend who was able to recover 300 files...300 of thousands.  This morning was the first opportunity that I could stomach to sit down to assess the damage.  Its pretty bad.  We were only able to recover Jan and Feb of 2011, everything else is long gone.  Kellans First Steps video is the one that literally is ripping my heart out.  I've sobbed over this mistake mulitple times now, and if I learned anything, its don't wait two years to back-up precious memories.  I vow to stay on top of it from here on out. 

Sweet EV Jean

On August 27th, I became an auntie for the 3rd time to pretty little Evelyn Jean Hayflich.  I have got to get down to LA to get my hands on her...immediately.  Sweet. Little. Bean.

My Kellan Turns 2!

This past Saturday, my sweet baby boy turned 2, thus justifying his toddler-like actions which include, but are not limited to:

-Frequent use of the Word No!
-The occasional "maybe more than occasional" attempt to hit and bite
-Kicking and Screaming to get his way
-Reluctancy to eat anything you put in front of him
-Using any food he is refusing to eat for throwing practice or as lotion (ie: yogurt)
-Running sprints down the hallway with his radio flyer and using the newly painted walls and doors as brakes

But also:

-Forcing Mom and Dad to sing "Wheels on the Bus" over and over
-Singing in the shower and begging to squiggy the walls....OK
-Engaging me in full on conversations about his day at school
-Swaddleing his baby doll and then himself (he will make the best big brother one day)
-Giving hugs that require a running head start and knock you over backwards
-Big wet kisses on the lips
-Helping mama in the kitchen especially with the pepper
-making you get up and dance at the end of his favorite movie Rio
-Going na-night in his big boy bed without any hassel
-Saying  "I love you Mama"

We had a fun weekend of celebration with friends and family at Sand Harbor.  We stayed on the beach until about 9:00pm, the sun was out, the water felt amazing and Kellan had a blast! Special thanks to all our family and friends that came out to help us celebrate!

Pictures of the Birthday weekend posted below in no particular order. Enjoy!

Buddies at the Beach

Little Swimmers

Opening his Big Boy Jeep from Mama and Dada

Chillin with Dad

Chasing Bubbles

Birthday Morning Balloons!

Browned Butter and Sea Salt Rice Crispy Treats

Cruisin

He's so cute

My Loves

Someone got a Mobile Phone..."Hi Grandpa, what you doing?"

Daddy's Refurbished Hand-Me-Downs from Nana

He LOVES them!

B-U-B-B-L-E-S

We had the whole family blowing bubbles, sheer bliss for a 2 year old!

The Radio Flyer that Rams the walls. Crazy Boy!

My longest time friend...Joy!!

Cool Guy

Allstate Vacation

Thanks to MC's hardwork this past year, we were given the opportunity to head down to Florida on Allstate's dime.  We had such a great trip.  We stayed at the very modern and hip hotel "The W" in South Beach.  We were treated to a lovely night out where we were entertained by the likes of Gloria Estifan and the Miami Sound Machine, Cirque du Soliel AND Lionel Richie...and that was all in one night!  The next night we were treated to a lovely dinner cruise that not even the rain could put a damper on...especially when we found a few fun Vegas agents to go out to Ocean Drive with...and even though I felt like a old lady for not being dressing in the shortest hot pink dress anyone could imagine, I managed to have a great time...thank you Patron 1800.

Our time away from Allstate functions included bike rides all the way to South Point, shopping on Lincoln, dining in Little Havana, driving down through the Keys, hanging at the super posh W pool, and gossiping with other agents about celebrity hotel guest sightings that included Mark Whalberg, and some other sports guys that I can't remember because you lost me at Mark Whalberg.

It's been about 3 years since MC and I were able to escape reality for a little while, so even though this was mixed with a bit of work, it was so nice to get away, but even better to come home to our little boy who was so excited to see us.

A few good shots from our trip are posted below for your viewing pleasure...in no particular order.

Night Club Bottle Service Prices. Dumb.

The Drive down though the Keys.

Bahia Hondo State Park Beach.

Amazing Dinner Spot. Sundowners at Sunset.

Orchids grow on the trees here. Its amazing.

The view from our room.

Sundowners

We had lots of cloudy days, but they made for good sunsets.

Partying at Mangos

Self Portrait at Bahia Hondo

Love the Art Deco Vibe of Miami

Downtown Miami view from Dinner Cruise

Ahi Tuna Nachos...Delish

Little Havana at A La Folie. 
I seriously felt like we were at a cafe in Paris. Crepes, Pate, Petite Creme...Fantastique!

Vending Machine Bikes...the best way to get around South Beach!

Low Rider

Little Havana Street

They forgot about his sandwich

This guy...right here...Love.

The water is shallow and warm for 100's of feet. 
Yes, it's as awesome as it looks.

Coming home to this guy...Priceless

"My Mama, happy now!"

 

Sweet

Headed to Miami tomorrow and things are not looking up...

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's day to all Mother's out there. Almost 2 years ago, when my little K was born, I learned just what being a mother is all about ...un-dying LOVE and complete self-sacrifice. I'm so lucky to be a mother to the sweetest "almost" 2 year old I know.

My handsome little boy

Super Silly

Kellan made me this awesome pen-holding flower pot, he was really excited to give it to me!

Blurred self portrait

Nearly impossible these days to get a good picture

Love and appreciation goes out to all Mother's in my life...you are special ladies and I love you so much! But this Mother's Day my thoughts are with my Step-Mother Annalee. For the past 3 weeks she has been in Panama, enduring stem-cell therapy. We miss her so much, but pray that this time away will help her quality of life.  She has been someone I looked up to since I was 7 years old, but since her accident just 18 short months ago, she has blown me away with her strength, determination, and good spirit. Everytime I feel like I can't do something, I think of her and I dig deep for strengh, because I know she does it every minute of everyday for even the simplest of tasks. 

You can follow her inspirational journey here:  Four Weeks in Panama and see a pretty great video that she and her friends made below:



Congratulations

...to the newest member of the Coast Guard, my darling sister!  Congratulations Jessica!  I'm so proud of you...and sorta jealous too! :O)




Kyle and Jessica
How adorable are these two?!