Be Still, My Heart

I begin every blog with "I know, it has been awhile since I last blogged"! This one is obviously no different. We have had some amazing life events lately and it was tough to find time to myself, much less write about it!

I have been reflecting today on life, husband, kids and work.  How does it all go together? Luckily, work has slowed down a bit for both Chris and I, giving us more time with the kids. There is just never enough of that. Chris is still incredibly dedicated to his IronMan training.  (Yesterday, he rode his bike to Virginia....yes, another state! 116 miles) I am dedicated to work and ready for a little break. We got that break in Italy a few weeks ago. More to come on that in a separate blog. 

Peyton graduated from North Raleigh Church of Christ Preschool on May 24th. We just can't say enough about this school, the teachers and how much we love it. They have been so kind to us and our kids.  Peyton was proud of herself and they presented each kid with a fantastic kids' Bible. 

Love.

The week after graduation was HUGE....Peyton's first dance recital! She was AMAZING! Not scared at the sight of the large crowd at all. Mimi came to watch too and we both cried through the whole thing. It is these moments that make you know you were meant to be a parent.  Chris practically knocked me down to greet her after the performance. So proud!

Did I mention that the Tooth Fairy came to visit also?! Peyton has lost three bottom teeth in the last few months.  The TF adorns her room with fairy dust, money, a small gift and a note. She loves it all so much that she begs us to take more teeth out of her mouth. 

And so it begins...

Peyton started KINDERGARTEN at Wakefield Elementary School!!!

We are actually a little shocked at how well she has adjusted and is loving it. She is generally a kid who does not appreciate change. 

Her teacher is Mrs. Cooper.  She already had some good friends in the class: Noah Laurel, Genevieve Tomlinson, Eliza Hobbs and Steven Crater.  She loves eating in the cafeteria and playing boy chase girl/girl chase boy on the playground. (already?!) 

This Monday will be the first day that she gets dropped off in the carpool line.  She is not thrilled with the prospect, so I will update how it goes. 

We just booked two very exciting vacations. The first is in September to my Dad and Lisa's condo in Sandestin, FL.  The kids are going to have a BLAST.  We cannot wait to hit the beach!

The second is a trip in October with the Spencers, Kuhlemeiers, Seligs and Terdiks to GERMANY and PRAGUE! It is going to be an awesome adventure. Lots of incredible blessings for the Joneses in 2012! Life is Good!

MUCH LOVE!

Myrtle Beach Redemption

About two years ago, when Parker was 3 months old, we took a Father's Day trip to Myrtle Beach.  Well, to put it nicely, it was not fun at all.  Parker screamed the entire trip and there were not enough cocktails in the world to calm our frazzled nerves.

Fast forward to this weekend... We thought we would try again now that Parker is two and slightly more manageable.  

SUCCESS!!!

The trip wasn't all sunshine and roses.  Peyton did throw up all over the car about 10 minutes after we left the house.  But, we were determined to go to the beach! We changed her clothes, cleaned up the car and continued on. 

We arrived at about 3:00pm on Friday, just enough time to catch a few rays on the beach. It was a gorgeous day. We had dinner that night at a great beach bar with live music. The kids danced and ran around.  

We spent most of Saturday on the beach.  It was slightly overcast, but it made the temperature perfect.  After lunch, the kids played in the small water park at the hotel.  Then the storms rolled in. It turned out just fine because Parker was able to get in a good nap and Peyton, Chris and I lounged on the balcony, watching the storms sweep across the ocean. 

That night we took the kids to Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant. They LOVED it.  Sooo much stimulation: music, balloon animal guys walking on stilts and people singing and clapping.  Margaritaville is on a boardwalk with carnival rides and games, so we had to ride the carousel. It was a really fun family night. We don't get many of those these days. It was a very good reminder of how much we appreciate our time together. 

 The kids are drinking a virgin strawberry daiquiri....Sugar High!!!!

Passed out on the car ride home...

 I just love this face

In other news...

Chris was awarded Constellation's highest honor this year...the Contrada. This award is not just given to the Manager with the best numbers.  You must be nominated by your managers and peers as someone who exemplifies what the company stands for.  It is an incredible honor as only two managers out of over 300 are named Contrada winners.

He receives a trip for two to Italy for the Il Palio race in Siena! The trip is at the end of June.  We are sooo psyched!

Sniff Sniff...one more thing to report:

We discovered Peyton's FIRST loose tooth today. It is her bottom left tooth.  Looks like the Tooth Fairy will be visiting our home for the first time in the next few weeks.  We better get ready!


Here is an official pic with all of her baby teeth:

SO MUCH LOVE!!!