Flashback Friday: Usually Funny, Occasionally Freaky, Probably Self Deprecating . . . Always From The Past!

It's Flashback Friday--the Birth-da-versary edition!  Eleven years ago today we began celebrating Jonathan's birthday on the day before his actual birthday, because we were married the very next day . . . on his birthday.  My sweet hubby was born on July 14th, which is now our wedding anniversary.  For those of you who have been following our lives here on Mommy Thoughts for the last several years, the Birth-da-versary is not a new concept for you.  For those who are new, that is the silly term we coined to refer to July 14th Jonathan's birthday and our wedding anniversary.  In case you are wondering, I do still tell my husband happy birthday on his "real birthday," but eleven years ago he said he didn't want me to fuss over him on our wedding day, that he was getting the best birthday present ever . . .me!  And, a collective "awwwwwe" was heard from Mommy Thoughts readers across the country.  So, the pre-birthday birthday celebration tradition began.

Eleven years ago today . . .

July 14, 2001 . . . happiest day of my life!  How could it not be?  I married my very best friend! I happen to think he's generally awesome and pretty handsome too!  Still makes my heart flutter for sure!

Flashback Friday: Usually Funny, Occasionally Freaky, Probably Self Deprecating . . . Always From The Past!

This patriotic Flashback Friday comes with a glimpse into the present, as I am including pictures of our family's Fourth of July celebrations this year.

Me and My little sister, Katie, visiting Nana & Poppy over the summer (home from Japan).

Quite decked out in patriotic garb 

(summer after 7th grade).

Our Family enjoyed the Fourth of July for two days this year.  On July 3rd, we enjoyed a Moe's dinner and then joined up with friends for fellowship and fireworks.  July 4th was spent at home--very low key (chillin' and eating). 

iPhone Eyes:  As seen on Instagram

It's Tradition!

I can hardly believe that over four months have passed since I brought my sweet baby boy home from the hospital.  Alas--they have.  And, in this house, it means that it is time for one of my most favorite traditions . . . naked baby on the changing table photo!!!  Caleb was a sport and showed off his birthday suit with style and dignity.  All dignity will soon be lost, however, when Mommy proudly puts Caleb's photo on display with the other "naked baby photos" (his 3 sisters) in the hall bathroom.

Here are all my naked babes together (Clockwise from top L:  Caleb, Emerson, Hannah, Madeline)

Florida Vacation 2012: Vacation Mode

The transition from "normal life" to "vacation mode" is always so easy.  It's the transition back to "normal life," after some R&R, that always proves difficult.  Once we hit the road, I can immediately feel the cares of my little world begin to lift.  By the time we reach our final destination (in this case Grammy's house in Florida), I'm in full blown "vacation mode!"

Our family on vacation looks like . . . 

Late night visits.

Chillin'!

Special time with Aunts.

Lazy mornings spent playing in PJ's.

Date night.

Cousins.  Silliness.  Grammy.  Food.  Movies.  Games.  My sister's in-laws (Grammy Deb & Papa Jim).  Outside fun.  New hairstyles.  Coffee.  Shopping.  Ice cream.  Adventures.  Rest.

 Aunt Katie Cam:

Grammy Cam:

And, of course, Mommy was following everyone around with iPhone Eyes:

Flashback Friday: Usually Funny, Occasionally Freaky, Probably Self Deprecating . . . Always From The Past!

What can I say . . . we have weird family

 traditions and a flare for the dramatic!

Moving to my first college apartment in '98.

Moving to first "Married Apartment" in '01.

Moving to Clewiston, Florida in '03.

I was quite pregnant for our most recent major move; and, we were therefore moved by a professional moving company.  When we moved from our apartment to our current house there was nobody around to take a picture of us (Hannah was 2 and Madeline 8 months old).  Sadly, for us. . . lucky, for you--there are no silly moving truck 
reenactments for those two moves.   

Traveling To Florida 2012

Everyone travels differently.  We are not in a huge hurry.  You will not find our family racing to beat our best time, eating while we drive, or forgoing the occasional "on the road" Starbucks or gas station treat.  We are of the belief that traveling should be an experience . . . not just a race to get from one place to the next destination.  The journey is part of the adventure or vacation and a perfect time for making memories.  We intentionally plan special treats, activities, meals, music, etc.; and, we have as much fun as as we possibly can while traveling in a minivan teeming with suitcases, lovies, strollers, and four children under the age of seven.

This year, I chronicled our Florida vacation on Instagram.  And, I began at the beginning . . .with travel preparations.  Packing for six, running errands, planning car activities, and gathering up princess movies to get psyched up for Disney World were all on my "To Do" list.

We began our annual summer voyage to Grammy's house (in Florida) on June 4th . . . just three short days after our school year ended.  We left bright and early and had a great deal of fun-- despite the torrential rain that greeted us in South Carolina and proved a loyal traveling companion through Georgia and north Florida.  

Mommy was primed and ready to photographically document our journey.

Emerson enjoying the early morning view.

Madeline working on a game of Travel Bingo.

There was some major singing!

 And, a great deal of sleeping!

Our travels through iPhone eyes (as seen on Instagram):