Our little Stay-cation

Since we're still on a student budget (the end it near though!) we opted for an inexpensive stay-cation instead of forking over money we don't have on a fancy vacation. It was just what we needed!!

We stayed at my parent's house and did a few things in Atlanta.

To start us off we went to Alpharetta's Old Soldier's Day Parade. It started off nice and cool... then it totally rained! I've been to many of them, and I don't ever recall rain like this! Since there was no thunder, we let the kids play around a little bit. Once we realized that the rain indeed was not going to stop - we skipped out early.

Although it was the rainiest parade I've been too, it was probably the most fun too! *Not pictured: the "grown ups" getting onto our kids for trying to lap up the water from the city street! Seriously! You're children, not dogs!! (also, note: Nora and Brooke stayed dry!)

















First up, Morgan and I went to the World of Coke. It was free for us! Thanks for all the Coke Rewards I've been saving for the past year or more. It was recently redone and was completely different from when we went 7 (!!) years ago.

 (The one change they made that I was sad about was that they took away the soda fountain that had the Soda Jerk demonstrating how it was made and what not)

 Trying to figure out the secret formula.

Me with one of the 2012 London Olympic Torches!

Of course... NO trip to the World of Coke would be complete without a taste of Beverly. (I have NO clue how Italians drink and enjoy that!)

Next off we headed to the Atlanta Zoo (also free for all of us! I won some tickets on facebook). Andrew had an AMAZING time! The weather was surprisingly nice and there weren't many people there since most of the surrounding school systems had started back to school.

 First off... flamingos!

 Andrew and I next to Willie B.'s statue.

 This is how Nora spent most of her time at the zoo :-)

Although we saw giraffes, zebras, lions and what not... I really enjoyed the Gorillas! There were several babies. I just could get over how much those babies love their mommas!

 Andrew was pretty excited to find a Blues Clue!

And now... Andrew's HIGHLIGHT of the zoo... the pandas!!

 Seriously, look how close he is to the Panda!

 I figured I needed one shot of both of the kiddos to prove to Nora later on that she was there!

Here's a video of Andrew with the panda. Please excuse my annoying mommy voice!

All in all, a GREAT trip! We have one ticket left, and am planning on taking Andrew back on the day before his birthday.

My dad was also great enough to set up a tent in their piano room so that Andrew and Morgan could "camp" out... Andrew on the floor in the tent, Morgan on the couch next to the tent. Andrew had such a great time camping out!

We enjoyed having fun in Atlanta. Morgan and I were able to escape on a few dates as well. Just what we needed before this crazy semester started. At the end of the week, I think all of us were worn out and ready to get back home and back to 'normal' life!

Yes, that's Andrew... asleep on my parent's toy chest. Funny little boy!

Summer Update: Instagram Style

I've totally jumped on the Instagram bandwagon. If you don't follow me, you should! My name is byu_emily . BUT, for those of you who aren't on Instagram, here's all the goodies you've been missing!

 LOVING the Bounce House at Cousin Brooke's first birthday (back in June)

 Nora and Papa having a little snooze during Brooke's party. :-)

 Look at those eyes!! This picture was taken just a few days before she learned to roll (from back to tummy... still working on the reverse!)

 Spending some time at the local lake. It's nice and sandy, we love it!

Nora snoozing at the lake.

 My little smiley boy!

 My little smiley girl!

 All dressed up for Cow Appreciation day at Chick-fil-A.

 Enjoying random lunch dates with my kiddos at a very quiet play ground close to our house. Honestly, I think I've seen another group there a time or two, and we go a lot!

Morgan and I have also jumped onto the Green Smoothie bandwagon. Don't let the purple color persuade you - there is a whole cup of spinach in that smoothie!! (and they're yummy!)

 Another family lunch date to Costco. Love those hot dogs!

 Mother's dream! Two sleeping kiddos in the car... at the same time! Nora usually screams in the car seat while Andrew begs her to stop. Non stop fun I tell ya!

 Gettin' my move on! Lets lose that baby weight!

 Banana's the bear getting ready for our little staycation. (More on that later).

 Andrew (and the rest of us) getting POURED on at Alpharetta's Old Solider's Day Parade. It' is the first time I can remember it pouring down rain (and I've been to or have marched in a lot of those!)

 My daily 4pm. I love being this little girl's mommy!

Andrew camping out in my parent's living room. My dad was nice enough to put up the tent during our staycation. He had SUCH a fun time sleeping in the tent!

Fourth of July

We headed to Alpharetta's annual Fourth of July celebration. Some nice man let us park in his yard (which was super close to 'our spot') because we had a Romney 2012 bumper sticker (I loved this because Morgan is not a fan of stickers on cars, I on the other hand don't see a problem with them).

The weather was great, the company was better, and the fireworks were spectacular. Nora really enjoyed them, I was a little concerned since she was only 4 months old at the time. I just love the amazement that was on Andrew and Nora's faces. Oh, the innocence of youth!

 Daddy and Andrew laying down watching the show.

Me and Nora, just prior to her figuring out what was making all that noise!

Seriously, how cute is that little guy?!

 Nora enjoying the glow sticks!

I hope you enjoyed this video! It is too funny to see how into it Nora was! Totally mesmerized!

Happy Birthday to... ME!

I turned 27 on July 1st. It was a great day! My parents came out to Athens to help us celebrate. I got some fun presents... an external hard drive (so I can back up all of our photos!), some clothes, an owl (my mom knows me so well!), some kitchen gadgets... and an iPhone from my hubby! I'm no longer stuck in circa 1998 when I pull out my cell phone. My mom also made me a birthday cake, chocolate cake with white icing... yum!! It was also so nice to have all my sibling call me, some other family members call as well. I also enjoyed all the Facebook birthday wishes. They all made the day that much better!

I've had some time to reflect on how blessed I am! At 27 years old I have a wonderful husband, two amazing children, and a loving family. I feel so blessed. I can't wait to see what this year has to hold! It's gotta have a lot to live up to the blessings I've received this past year. 

Brother Sister

Everyone is always telling me how much Nora looks like Andrew. Now, I do admit they look a bit alike, but I see lots of differences. These pictures are from the exact same age... and on the same blanket. (sappy, I know!). It's fun to see the similarities and the differences. 

Andrew, 4 mo.

Nora, 4 mo.

So, what do you think? Are they more similar or different??