Florida Vacay!

Ryan and I got home last night after spending a wonderful 5 days

in sunny Florida!  We did some "tourist-y" stuff the first few days, 

then spent the last 2 taking in the ocean view and sitting on our butts!

There was a lot of fun things to do, good food, plentiful cocktails, great

company, and some gorgeous views!  What's not to love?

It was Fabulous!

I took about a million and a half pictures, but here is a "sampling" I liked!

This was our view the first night in Orlando!

Dorks at SeaWorld!

The Manta:  yes, we rode it, and yes... it was AWESOME!

Some of the gorgeous scenery at Discovery Cove

The dolphins showing off for us!

A very enjoyable part of the trip!

Um yeah.... I sat in a pool with these guys... they're slimy :(

Sunset on last night there - St Pete's Beach

And this could have been the best view of all....

Oh, how I missed them!!!!

(more trip pics to come later, but I have a mountain of laundry to tackle!)

This weather Sucks, I'm outta here!

Seriously, Mother Nature needs to get a clue.

I'm typically a pretty patient Minnesotan.  I fully understand blizzards in March, 

and freezing cold at Easter....but for crying out loud...

THIS IS MAY!

Thankfully, Ryan and I are headed out on Thursday morning.

5 Days

No work

No kids

No dogs

(yes, I realize you're all jealous)

and THIS is the kind of weather I'll be enjoying!

Thursday May 05 Partly Cloudy 84°/68° 0 %
Friday May 06 Mostly Sunny 84°/71° 10 %
 Saturday May 07 Partly Cloudy 85°/74° 10 %
 Sunday May 08 Partly Cloudy 85°/75° 0 %
Monday May 09 Partly Cloudy 86°/75° 10 %
 Tuesday May 10 Scattered T-Storms 87°/77° 40 %

Sigh....  this will be delightful!

Elle's B-day Party pics

Yesterday we had a little party to celebrate our baby girl turning 1!

Nothing real fancy, just family and Godparents, food, cake, etc.

Ellie cried when we sang Happy Birthday, and had pretty much no interest in

opening her presents, so all in all... a pretty typical 1st Birthday!

(I was not on top of my "photographic" game, so forgive the fuzzy photos)

I also wanted to share some photos from when we celebrated with my Dad

and of her on her actual Birthday. One last time..

Happy Birthday Sweet Elaina!

You are so loved!

I don't think I have a career in cake decorating, but it didn't turn out too shabby!

On her actual Birthday (April 21, 2011)

Celebrating with Papa Dave and family!

Going after Papa's strawberries!

I also wanted to throw in her stats from her 1 year check-up.
Weight 19lb 11oz (25%)
Height 29.5" (50%)
She is still a small little girl, but doing very well!
We did discover she has a tibial torsion of her left foot,
basically means that she turns her left foot inward when she stands and walks.
No need for correction right now, as long as it doesn't become a function problem.
Overall, got a big smile, and a thumbs up!
(oh, and lets not forget 5 nasty needle pokes, poor baby )

Amelia 6 Months

These are a little delayed, but so SO sweet, I had to share!

This is my best friends' little girl, isn't she just darling?

Happy Birthday Papa Dave!

I wanted to send some love to my Dad today on his BIRTHDAY!

I hope you have a great day!

We all miss you and love you, hopefully we'll see you again soon!

Lots and lots of love to you today from Belle Plaine!

Fairytale kind of day!

Today has been a good day.

No, make that a GREAT day!

I started April 29th by helping my patient deliver her third baby.

And not in my usual, stand to the side, coach-like, nurse-y way.

I actually delivered the baby!

Seeing as the patient only allowed about 8 minutes from door to delivery, our poor

in-house Dr. didn't have time to make it.

This put me in the receiving position, and I was blessed to place a beautiful, healthy,

baby boy into his mother's arms!

What a way to start!

Today's weather has been Gorgeous!

What Spring is supposed to be all about!

Sun shining, birds singing, color coming back to the world!

I love seeing the green grass, and the buds on my trees and my lone lilac bush!

Oh to drive home with my window down, so SO great!

And what really put me into this euphoric mood... the wedding!

You know?

The one that has been mentioned a time or two in the media?!

The Royal Wedding!

I really had only slight interest in this whole event, something I thought I would watch

a bit of, just because it was history.

But then it sucked me in!

Seriously, I felt happy, and joyful, and just a touch giddy as I watched the event unfold!

I'll admit to tearing up twice.

It was beautiful!

And happy!

And joyful!

And very, Very, Royal!

I loved it!

A great day indeed!

Meet Mason

I was so lucky to have the chance to take some photos of this DARLING

little boy!  Seriously... could he BE any cuter?

Little blonde-haired, blue-eyed, dimple-in-his-cheek, sweetheart!

He stole my heart!

Cute little dimple!

Tell me that hair isn't amazing?!?!