Happy Birthday, Mom!

When I realized the Disney Princess Half Marathon was going to fall on Mom's birthday weekend, I invited her to join me on the little weekend getaway. It's been years since she visited Florida, the last time being when John and I had just started dating and Mom, Britt and I went down to celebrate Britt's 13th Birthday at the Magic Kingdom and Discovery Cove to swim with the dolphins.

We boarded the plane Thursday morning. Thankfully we got out in time before they canceled all flights in and out of Midway later in the day. To quote Mom after we took this picture: "How cute are we?!" Yes, I think so :) Matching too, without even trying.

Ronnie told Mom to soak up the sun, so we were sure to get a picture of her doing just that!The Ladies lunched at Briar Patch on Park Ave. to celebrate her birthday. Delicious, as always. The Bellinis and Mimosas were flowing.
The Grandmas gifted Lola & Johnny with adorable Easter outfits from Tugboat & the Bird, my favorite little boutique on Park Ave.

Mom made a delicious pasta dinner to fuel Ren and I for our big run, and then we indulged in a chocolate cake Mom made and Ren frosted (Bailey's Irish Cream Buttercream, yum!)
I think the Birthday girl enjoyed it all!!!

Prince Charming

Mom and I are headed to the airport in just a short while. I had to get one last cuddle in with my Prince Charming before we leave. Johnny was supposed to come with us, but after his super-sickness-virus last week, we decided it was better to not subject him to all the airplane germs (yuk!), even if the Florida weather is awesome for his lungs.

I'm not kidding when I say I have a crush on my son--he is beyond sweet and so gorgeous. I just can't help myself!

Outside

We spent alot of time outside while in Florida, soaking up the sun and perfect temperatures. Oh, what we wouldn't do for some warm, sunny weather in Chicago right about now!

Outside

4 Rivers Smokehouse & Sweet Shop

We had a blast visiting Titi's work while down in Florida. The Sweet Shop is awesome and of course, the 4 Rivers Smokehouse BBQ is to die for. My new obsession from this visit is the Cornbread Salad! We feasted on dinner before heading next door for some sweet treats. And since the weather was perfection, we sat out on the front patio to enjoy them, all together :)

The Sweet Shop

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Tiffany just sent some pictures over from our fun Valentine's session a few weeks ago--how cute are they and seriously, how talented is Tiffany?!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Titi gave Lola a special Christmas gift this year--a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disney! The day after Christmas, we headed out to Downtown Disney so our little princess could have an official makeover. And while she walked out looking more like a mini-J.Lo then a Disney Princess, it was an adorable and fun experience for her--and us!

We walked around, browsed in some shops, rode the Carousel and Train, of course, and then headed over to Rainforest Cafe, where Mom and Dad treated us all to lunch. It was such a fun day and it was great that we could all be together.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

{father + son}

Johnny WALKS!

We promised these videos last week, but we had no idea Johnny would go from taking his first few steps to practically off and running in just a short amount of time. This is all made possible by lots of Physical Therapy over the last 10 months, Prayers & Faith! We are SO proud of our son. Before you know it, he's going to be running bases :)

Just press "play"--there are 4 videos!

Lola+Preston=LOVE

My dear friend Tiffany (mommy to the ADORABLE Preston) had the brilliant idea that we should do a Valentine's Day themed photo session with L & P. Tif is an aspiring photographer herself, so it was great practice for us both. We of course prefer to shoot in natural light, so we set up a mini studio in our kitchen, which if you move the table, take down the curtains and set up shop right in front of the bay window, is not a bad spot! Haha.

I haven't even started editing my share of photos, but wanted to share a random one I grabbed off my memory card. Tiffany styled the entire session to perfection--so many adorable accessories for our silly preschoolers to keep occupied with. We were so proud of them--they let us snap for a good 30 minutes straight!

More to come :)

How does Snow White run 13.1 miles?

We shall see, come February 26th! Renee and I are running the Disney Princess Half Marathon together *THIS* month.