Caribbean Cruise Part 1 (Grand Cayman)

Wes and I love to cruise and have both been on a bunch. When we heard that both of our families were going on another one we decided to get in on the action.  We love the Caribbean but have never been there together so it seemed like the perfect time.  We wanted to bring some friends with us so we would have a full cabin so we invited one of our favorite couple friends, Taylor and Mari.  We have known them for a long time so it seemed fitting that they came with us.  The cruise started in Ft. Lauderdale and went to Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize City, and Cozumel.  First stop, Grand Cayman!

The first day was a day at sea and so we enjoyed ourselves by sitting by the pool, swimming and eating like crazy.  It was great to just relax before all the fun began. The second night on the ship was our first formal night so we got all dressed up and enjoyed some amazing food.

The next day we got to Grand Cayman which is one of my favorite places.  Wes had never been there so I really wanted to take him to see the sting rays.  I knew he would love it but before we went on our excursion we had a little bit of time to kill so we walked around and took some fun pictures.

After we got on our boat to see the sting rays it took about a half an hour to drive out to the middle of the ocean where this sand bar is.  We got out and you can stand up to you waist. It is crazy that this exists and is a little weird standing up and walking around when you are really far away from the shore.  When you step onto the sand you are immediately taken over by all the sting rays at your feet. They have no fear of people and will swim right up to you and usually through your legs.  It is crazy and a little scary until you get your bearings.  Wes LOVED it and couldn’t get enough of looking at all the animals.  I really like it too and it was even better than the time I did it before cause I got to share it with him.  Wes is s fish and loves to swim to he was in his element.  We got to hold them and give them a kiss. It was truly spectacular!

After we got done with the sting rays we were taken to a spot to do some snorkeling and then we went to the beach.  It is so beautiful there and the water is just so clear.  Mari and I had to drag Wes and Taylor out of the water so we could go back to the ship in time to sail for Roatan.  We had an amazing day in Grand Cayman and we were excited for more to come!

18 Months

So Reid made it to the year and a half mark.  I can’t believe that it is Christmas again and my little boy is getting so big.  He is definitely not a baby anymore and is all boy.  He loves to wrestle with his dad and his cousins.  He is so active and all over the place which keeps me on my toes.  He seems to be talking more and more and he pretty much says a new word everyday.  He is great at trying to say all the words that I repeat to him.  I know he will be talking in no time.  He does have his own language that he will talk to me for hours in.

His favorite things right now are coloring, cars, motorcycles, wrestling, helping mom, the park, and Gymboree.  He loves to be active and must be doing something at all times.  He is getting much more independent and will make new friends wherever we go and I don’t have to be right next to him anymore.  He loves to help and has to carry his own grocery bags in the house. He doesn’t like me to carry him but has to walk on his own.  I don’t even take the stroller very many places anymore because he just wants to walk like a big boy.  He is my snuggle baby and loves to snuggle, especially when  he is tired.  He is great at giving kisses and hugs and I will often find myself being attacked while doing dishes or cleaning the house with a big hug and kiss.  I love him more and more everyday (which seems crazy!).  Best year and a half ever!

He loves it when I take pictures and has to say cheese which makes for some awkward faces but I love it!

Style

So Reid is already developing his personal style.  He loves, LOVES to put socks on his hands and sometimes will refuse to leave the house without them on.  The other day was one of those days and I was planning on a walk over to Whole Foods.  I tried all kinds of things to get him to take them off but with no success.  (You would think gloves would be a good compromise, but they are no good.) I finally gave in and then he insisted he have me tie a string around his head which he also refused to take off.  (For someone who doesn’t talk yet, he gets his point across!)

My little boy just has his own style and knows what he wants.  I guess I should just embrace everything and let him be himself.  He did make a few people laugh on our walk and so I guess it’s not too bad!

Halloween

We had  a great Halloween this year. Reid  understood what was going on a lot more and had a blast.  We had two parties and he got to perfect his trick or treating skills before the big day.  My sister had a fireman’s costume so we thought that we be perfect for Reid.  I decided to dress up as fire to go along.  Wes had to work for most of the parties so he was lame and didn’t dress up.  Reid was so cute and got lots of candy which I, of course, ate.

Reid had a blast with his cousins. He followed them around and figured out what to do.  On the actual day we got to go trick or treating with everyone so Reid was even more thrilled to have all all 6 of his cousins around.  It was a blast.

Brian came home for one of the parties so it was so fun to have him there and the kids loved it.

Wes decided to forgo the pumpkin carving and go with just coloring the pumpkin.  I think that was a good choice and Reid got to participate a lot more than he would have if we carved it.

Cutest Fireman ever!

Gogur

So Reid’s favorite food lately in yogurt. He loves it and is constantly asking for it.  He’ll go to the fridge and bang on the door yelling “Gogur, Gogur, Gogur” over and over again while also doing the sign for please.  The kid will eat up to 4 or 5 yogurts a day if I let him. 

He has discovered that he can do it all by himself which is a little messy but fun.   After a 20 minute tantrum over him wanting to eat the yogurt by himself walking around the house instead of in his chair this is what we get.  He finally gave in and sat in his high chair but he had to be extra goofy to make up for him losing.

Birthday Play Mats

So while I was perusing the internet one day I stumbled on some adorable play mats.  I marveled at how intricate and  well made they were. I wished that I could make something like that but I don’t sew. As I read a little bit I noticed that she did it all with a glue gun. I was intrigued but put it out of my mind for a while.  Later, as I was thinking of what to get my niece and nephew for their birthdays these popped back in my mind.  I thought that I would be bold and just do it.  I ended up making one for my nephew, Roy, who turned 3.  It was the first on that I made and I was pretty impressed with how it turned out so I decided to make two more for Bridget and Ethan who recently turned 4. 

They turned out so good and I was so excited for them to open them.  I think they really like them and I hope that they get lots of play value out of them.  I felt so creative and in touch with my womanhood but I think I’m good for a while. At least until Christmas when I make one for Reid.