I just returned from our Babymoon in Disney World! Bill and I met in Orlando Thursday evening and spent the long weekend together in the ‘happiest place on earth’. We could not have picked a better place to celebrate this time together. We stayed on the Disney property at the Swan Hotel, spent most of Friday at the Magic Kingdom and finished off the afternoon/evening at Epcot, dining at San Angel’s Mexico Restaurant at the World Showcase (I was surprised by how delicious the food was – best Mexican food I’ve had outside of Mexico!). Saturday we toured Hollywood Studios and returned to Epcot, where we ate dinner at Via Napoli. Our favorite rides were the new Toy Story temed interactive rides and the Monsters Inc. ‘laughing’ film, as well as the classics. Unfortunately I was pretty sick with a bad sinus infection and cough that kept me up most nights, but that didn’t take away from the excitment. Sunday we had brunch with the Disney characters and walked around Downtown Disney before parting ways in the evening. Lilly had a blast staying home with Grandma and Grandpa and loved the gifts we brought back for her. Now it’s time to focus on baby #2 – less than 13 weeks to go!
Mark and Leela at the Wild Animal Park
Tevin's first trip to a nail salon
I just returned from a whirlwind weekend in San Diego! Bill stayed home with Lilly (with a little coverage from Nana Judy due to B’s flight schedule) so that I was able to visit Mark, Pinata, Leela (32 months), and Tevin (4.5 months) for a long weekend. This was my first time meeting my nephew Tevin and he is a CUTIE PIE! I like to refer to him as Cheeky McCheekster because he is one well-fed baby boy! Leela has grown up so much since I last saw her. She loves all things ‘girl’ and will only wear dresses or pink tutu’s. We can’t wait to spend more time with the whole family in Phoenix at Christmas!
For the complete set of photos, click here.
Enjoying Nana's blueberry pancakes
Sending daddy off for his 20 mile run
We just got back from a fun-filled long weekend at Nipigon with Nana and Bapa. It was a bit cold and rainy but fine with us because we were able to relax indoors, nap, and play board games. I rode a bicycle alongside Bill while he was completing his 20-mile run on Saturday and we spent a nice afternoon on the Island Sunday. Lilly had a great time playing with Rocket and running around the cottage. We look forward to more visits next Summer!
We just returned from 10 days at The Beach! Lilly and I flew out on her birthday and Bill joined us from Houston later that night. Lilly did GREAT on the plane both ways (was even complimented by 8 different people on the way back) and we were able to have a relaxing and fun-filled family vacation. Bill and I did an overnight trip to Vancouver and one to Seattle. We got in plenty of running and hiking and Lilly LOVED playing in the mud flats. Lots of beautiful sunsets, kayaking, and good food. We can’t wait to make it out again next Summer!
To view the complete photo album, click here.
We just got back from a great, long weekend up North. Bill and I drove up Friday morning with Lilly and were excited to have her back at Nipigon. This visit was full of family firsts: Lilly started ‘walking’ across the room when her hands were held, she spent an entire hour floating in Lake Huron with Nana and Boppa, went on her first boat ride, and ate her first ice cream cone! It was a beautiful, HOT weekend so we spent most of our time outdoors – much of it next to a shaded kiddie pool. We can’t wait to get back there!
For more photos, click here.
Sabino Canyon
Sabino Canyon
Bill and I just got back from a two-night trip to Tucson. We spent the first day walking around downtown and ate vegetarian pho for lunch near the University of Arizona. We checked into the Westin La Paloma and then toured Sabino Canyon. We were only able to walk about a mile and a half into the canyon because the bridge was flooded (for the first time in years apparently). It was very overcast – what we thought were storm clouds were actually just dust in the air! That evening we ate at an Indian restaurant and watched The Time Traveler’s Wife in our hotel room.
On Friday we went to the Sonora Desert Museum and ate at a local vegetarian restaurant for lunch. We walked downtown a bit more and went back to the hotel to run at the fitness center. We had dinner at J Bar and went out for gelato, then watched The Invention of Lying.
We headed home on Saturday just as Lilly went down for her nap. We were greeted with big smiles when she woke up and couldn’t believe how much she had changed in just two days!
After spending two years in Virginia I almost forgot how quickly the seasons change here in Michigan. Over the past three weeks we’ve gone from t-shirt and shorts weather to sweatshirts and warm jackets. Lilly and I have been busy taking our last few walks around the neighborhood before it gets too cold for her. Today I dressed her up in a fleece jacket – you can see she wasn’t too happy about it! We’re not looking forward to dressing her in multiple layers for the fast-approaching cold weather, but at least she will look really cute!
Fortunately there is a sunny spot in the long Michigan winter for us. We will fly to my parent’s place in Arizona on Christmas and stay for the month of January. This will provide us a necessary ‘break’ from bad weather and plenty of time with Grandma and Grandpa Sessoms!
I spent this past week (Spring Break) in Michigan making final preparations for the upcoming move. It was nice to be back – Michigan will always feel like home.
While in town I was able to cross a lot of things off the ‘preparing for baby’ list and did the following:
- bought a crib
- bought dresses for upcoming showers and Bill’s graduation
- interviewed several certified nurse midwifes and doctors – settled on a CNM
- selected a pediatrician
- finalized the color and bought paint for Baby Gray’s room (pale yellow)
- checked out the house we are renting – will post photos soon
- Oh! And I finished my Master’s degree!
Bill arrived on Thursday and we spent a lot of time with family and friends. We were able to visit my grandma at Woodward Hills, enjoy Easter dinner and brunch with family, and visit with Jerry, Karen, Becca and Amy who were taking care of a sick Heidi.
We were also surprised with a package of baby clothes from my mom and Pinata and a beautiful, hand-knit teddy bear made by Judy. Baby Gray’s first stuffed animal!
Needless to say it was not the most relaxing vacation, but we are excited about the decisions we made this week and look forward to moving back to the midwest!
Supporting the Obama Family
Future President
This weekend Bill and I drove up to northern VA to spend some time with Devon and Yasue. Friday evening we dined on Brazilian BBQ at Chima and we took the Metro into DC on Saturday to see the cherry blossoms, which were just about in full bloom. We spent the entire day walking around the city – hard to believe that the next time we are in DC we will likely be pushing a stroller!
Saturday was an especially exciting day because we commited to renting a house in Michigan! We are thrilled with the house and it’s location in Birmingham – it will be a wonderful home for our growing family. It is also a big relief to have one more thing pinned down. Just 7-8 more weeks until the big move!
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