The Big 2-5

Today I turned 25. I have been dreading this birthday. Can I really be 25? I met Andy when I was 19. I feel like it was just yesterday. Last year on my birthday half of the Bruce clan left for South America so today was already looking better. Mainly because today marks ONE YEAR since Doodle, Dad, and Mom have been gone.

We woke up this morning and had a personal favorite of mine- Einstein Bagels with Diet coke. Yum. Lucas loves Bagels, I love Bagels, Andy loves Bagels. A win win for everyone. I thought to myself, why don't we do this more often? At any rate... Andy and Lucas have been sneaking around all week going here and doing that. So today I was anxious for the big surprise. And a surprise indeed! A new camera! I have been secretly wanting to upgrade, but didn't really need to... but the two boys pulled it off. So the first order of business was trying it out...

I am loving it already. My sissy sent me a package of all the things I hate to buy... and typically never do because I hate wasting money on it... things like paper towels, pledge, gum, gossip magazine, etc... a perfect gift! I didn't know this, but my mom had sent a giftcard to one of my favorite spots-lululemon- and Andy had wrapped it up with a "note" from my parents. I opened it and of course got teary eyed because I was not expecting a "gift" wrapped up. So Lucas and I hurried and got ready and headed to the mall for a little shopping. I am now fully outfitted in "mom" outfits for Summer. You see, in the winter time I wear Lululemon yoga pants (AKA Mom pants) almost daily. But it way too hot in this heat... so I got some shorts and most likely will wear them all summer.

When we got home my sweet Mother-in-law was waiting. Andy had planned an afternoon movie and my MIL was tending Lucas. We got to see Midnight in Paris which I thoroughly enjoyed...We came home to a happy Lucas playing basketball with his Minna. He was showing her all his tricks.

We Skyped with my parents which was so fun to see them. Lucas loved seeing them and it was fun to chat. I was then informed by the hubby to get changed for dinner. Charles and Angie and their three daughters watched Lucas for us so we could have a quiet dinner sans cheerios and sippy cups. Lucas love love lovesss his cousins who we call "the girlies". He thinks they are his older sisters and had the time of his life.

We decided to go to Kings Fish House because it is probably one of my top 5 favorites. The Parmesean Crusted Ono did not disappoint. I also love the menu with the day printed on it... June 22. (just an FYI... these restaurant pictures were taken with my phone, not the new camera.. hence the blurriness)


The free dessert was also amazing... chocolate cake with chocolate shavings.


When we arrived back to pick up Lucas, Angie opened the door and said, "I don't know how you do it, Lucas is nonstop!" For those of you who aren't nearby, you probably don't know that Lucas runs nonstop ALL.DAY.LONG. He never walks... it is always running. Angie exclaimed that Charles was giving the kids a bath and to head upstairs. As soon as we get to the top we hear Charles say, "Lucas!" and 5 seconds later Lucas comes running out of the bathroom dripping wet. We all started laughing because no one could catch him! Finally I grabbed a towel and we got the boy dressed. The girlies and Lucas played for another hour while the adults sat and talked. Lucas loved playing with the girlies kitchen and reading books. It is so cute to see the four of them interact and play together. I forgot PJ's so Lucas had to wear some of Beatrice's. These were the most unisex they could find... I personally think Lucas makes a darling little girl.



It was a wonderful birthday. A HUGE thank you to everyone that sent texts, emails, messages, and cards. It was such a special day, and I guess 25 is not that bad :-)

Beach Finale

Today we got home from Florida. We were very sad to leave, but very excited to see our daddies. Here is a little video I put together to show grandmas and aunts how much Lucas LOVED the water. I guess one could say I take after Grandpa Honey. If only I knew how to rewind and fast forward this would be a better movie.



And here are a few random pictures from my camera:

This was my first meal in the South. I learned what a Hush Puppy was... the round thing on the end. It was delicious. I want some right now! Lucas also loved his. 

Love my silly boy

Lucas slept SO well in Florida. 12-13 hours at night, 3 hour naps... in this picture he had just woken up so he looks a little sleepy

Sleeping on the plane (this was on the way there... on the way home we didn't have the luxury of extra space)

This my friends was breakfast at the Waffle House. Let's just say it was the best breakfast. YUMMY breakfast sandwich on a southern biscuit, hash browns and waffles. All for $6.00. You can never go wrong with Waffle House. If you see one, please stop in and eat for me. Lucas is watching Baby Einstein... he turns his head when watching DVD's.

The way home was an adventure and a half. Security decided Sara looked threatening so she was patted down and Jude was patted down. After waiting for an hour for her to be thoroughly checked we were on hour way. Both flights were completely full. And Lucas was CRAZY man. I went to give him some advil and the bottle was empty! Which meant for a VERY long flight home. But we made it. We got home and Lucas and Andy went in the backyard to swim in our new blow up pool. Then it was time for Lucas' chores... watering the plants.

Love those buns!

Tomorrow we are having a low key day... one week home before Girls Camp and 4th of July at Fish Lake. Could our summer be any more crazier? Phew. I am going to bed!

Run run run!

Today was our last day in Florida. We played and played and played some more. Lucas has no more fear of the beach. If I wasn't there to stop him he would never stop running into the waves. Tonight Lucas even dove into a wave. Crampa better get home soon to teach this boy to surf!

Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today.

We went to Seaside which is a darling town. It is where they filmed The Truman Show which is one of my favorites. Here are Lucas and I in front of the post office.


We then ate at the yummiest food truck, the barefoot BBQ. I loved it. All the meat was free range which made it even better. I am still dreaming of my BBQ chicken sandwich on toasted Texas toast with Mac n cheese. YUM!

With a mouth full of food!


Cute boys in matching shorts



Up to no good these two!



Cute Jude and Sara


Every night after dinner we would bet back in our suits and swim diapers and go back to the beach. This is by far our favorite part of the night. Lucas runs runs and keeps running, going in the water and back out. The water is the perfect temperature and we love our nightly swims.

Here are Lucas and I right before we said good bye to the ocean and blew kisses.



We love you Panama City and cant wait to come back next year... We hope!

Naughty Shamers!

Lucas and Jude love the stairs. Jude hasn't mastered going down so we barricaded the stairs to keep everyone safe. Then Lucas decided to figure out a way around the barricade... Naughty Shamers those two:












Pretty much Lucas is teaching Jude his naughty tricks, and Jude is teaching Lucas his naughty tricks. Funny little boys and diaper babies :)

We made it!

Yesterday Lucas and I hopped on a plane and came to Florida. My friend Sara comes every year and her husband couldn't stay the entire time because of work so Lucas and I decided to keep her company.

We went to dinner at Bayou Bills... It was so yummy. I had mahi mahi and Lucas had chicken and fries. Loved it!









Today we played, played and played some more. Lucas and Judey-boy in their matching suits. And yes, that is a bottle Lucas is drinking. Don't judge.



Tonight we went the this fun boardwalk with yummy food, fun shops, and a jelly belly candy store.

Dinner at Red Brick Pizza.... Each table had a personal TV = perfect for toddlers


Jelly Belly heaven... Juicy pear anyone?





When we got back from dinner we decided a little beach was in order to tire the boys out. Lucas now loves the beach. He loves running, splashing, squealing... It was fun.

























Lucas took a 2 hour nap today and he literally put himself the sleep. He grabbed his Blankie and crawled upstairs... I guess it's safe to say he is exhausted from all the fun. We can't wait for tomorrow!

Cheers!

While in Chile my mom taught Lucas two things.... 1. To drink from a straw and 2. To love diet coke. Enjoy mom!

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18 Months

18 months is a HUGE milestone because it means NURSERY! YAHOOOO! We (I) have been counting down the days since about 12 months. Church is just exhausting with a toddler. But today I had a relaxing second hour and even made it to YW on time! Sister James, the nursery miracle worker, took Lucas under her wing and said he did great! The only thing that was a bit of concern was snack time. Lucas doesn't quite understand the concept of only eating what is on your plate. They were passing out fruit snacks and each child got 2. Lucas put his in his mouth, noticed that his neighbor hadn't eaten hers yet, so he snagged them, looked at his other neighbor, and snagged hers as well. He was so quick his neighbors didn't even know what happened. It wasn't until Sister James saw him with 10 fruit snacks in his mouth that she realized something was amiss. Leave it to Lucas... Wish us luck that next week is tear free as well!