The Birketts

Fresh mountain air!

2011-03-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

It feels amazing outside. I've been feeling very blessed... and just need to write it all down. Kevin and I brought the kids up to the mountains on Wednesday for a little family getaway. Don't get me wrong... it can get a little hectic... and annoying at times... but man... the little moments with the kids that make you smile... makes it all worth it!

Kevin is playing golf with Megan While Jake sleeps... and I relax. This morning I took another great run... and the mountain air felt so incredibly good. It feels like spring... and I love it.

It was Jake's first time flying in the airplane. Actually, our first family flight too! The kids looked so cute in the back of the plane together. The loud engine made Jake pass out... just like his Mama!

Megan's Latest:

Loves doing puzzles. She is actually really really good at them. She seems to really be getting the visual concept of putting the parts of the colors and shapes together. She is addicted to memory... and I think this helps with the puzzles. She made up her own game yesterday... where she turns all of the puzzle pieces over face down. Then... she flips 2 of them like she is playing memory. If the 2 fit together... you can put them on the puzzle. I thought she was crazy... but as I played it for a few minutes... I could tell she was actually picturing what pieces fit together. Pretty cool.

She is doing better at playing with Jacob. (Not that she wasn't before... but as he has gotten older... they actually PLAY!) She still gets in trouble for trying to carry him around (which he usually hates). She does however get a kick out of making him laugh. They go crazy together sometimes. It is so fun watching them start to really bond. I caught them holding hands on the couch as they watched TV together this morning. I love it when I spot her sharing snacks with him... or going out of her way to bring him a toy or water cup.

Finally deciding to blog the little moments-

2011-02-04T10:46:00.000-08:00

Okay... So I decided it was time to type things that I want to remember. I hear or see stuff the kids are doing... and I forget to write it down. It's the little daily things I want to remember. I suppose my blog will be my journal... that I don't mind others reading if they want to. I think I will use my blog as a motivator and also to keep as a reference to look back to. I was blogging like crazy with Megan when she was little... but now with two... there hasn't been as much time. When there is time... I have been distracted with Facebook. I must admit... I'm not too into the Facebook phase... but it has its perks. I like to glance at how people are doing... and like it or not... this is the generation we are living in.

Megan's conversation with Renae at her house on Tuesday February 1st-
(while doing an art project)

Renae- "You're good at your colors and shapes"
Megan- "Yeah... I'm an artist"
Renae- "I bet your Mommy taught you your colors."
Megan- "Yes she did... My Mommy taught me everything else I know too!"

It made me feel like I succeeded at something! Hooray! She's a pretty cool kid! I don't always get her at her brightest moments... ex: complaining, begging, taking toys, pouting... but Man... her great moments make me feel so special! I love being her Mommy. (We have lots of fun doing projects together.)

Thursday February 3rd-
Jacobs 15/18 month check up. Oops... I forgot to take him to his 15 month check up... so I decided to catch up on the 18th month. He did really great. I felt so bad for him... he really seemed to get his feelings hurt when the nurse gave him 3 separate needles for his booster shots. His stats weren't surprising. 15% in weight. 45% in height. 55% in head.

My favorite thing he does lately...
Pat you on your back when you are holding him! He's so sweet. He bear hugs you... lays his head on your shoulder... and pats you as if to soothe you. He has a big heart for a little guy!

Jakie is running around the house like crazy. He is always a happy little boy. His dimples are amazing and smile contagious. He doesn't say a lot of words. Megan beat him in that department... but he engages... pays attention... and smiles all the time! I'm happy with all of that. He is a great napper! He goes right down... he takes a 2-3.5 hour nap during the day... and 11-12.5 hours at night. @ 18 months he still loves his paci ---morning- noon and night... but I don't mind. He will get rid of it when he wants to.

Megan is in Pre-school (@ Stepping Stones) on Tuesdays and Thursdays while I'm at work. She goes to Nae's in the afternoon... where she gets to play with Jacob and Eric. I always look forward to seeing my kiddos daily report cards. She usually has some pretty funny quotes for me.

Fla/Ga camping 2010

2010-11-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Megan tried to be a big helper ... putting up the tent.

Ahh... it's fun to get away!

Hey mom... "this pickle is bigger than my coconut"

Evan gives camping 2 thumbs up!

All snuggled into her sleeping bag!

We were surrounded by animals... who apparently aren't shy. The armadillos would walk right though our camp. Yuck!

This raccoon was sitting up on our picnic table right in front of us. Now that's just rude not to at least wait till we were in our tents!

She loves Camping!!!!!
Megan woke up bright and early. Kevin and I could have used a bit more shut eye!

Yummy pancakes!!!!!

This was Lydia's make shift crib... napping in the front seat of Kevin's truck.

Would you believe I was the first one in? Me and the boys jumped in to get refreshed! The water was awesome. It did take about 2 minutes to get fully numb... then it felt great.

This was as far as Megan would go! At least she tried.

"Happy Camper #1"

"Happy Camper #2"
Watching his first 2nd Fla/Ga game in the woods!

Chris and Nae

Go Gators!

The Brendy's

Nae Nae!

Me and Sissy!

Evan pooped out... so instead of walking... he hitch hiked in Jake's stroller basket!

"Did your parents give you permission to drive?"

This stinking raccoon wouldn't leave us alone. He finally went up this tree and hovered over us... after shooing him away a dozen times. he really wanted our dinner!

Look who found the s'mores!

Good-morning... Happy Halloween!

The deer were everywhere! Seriously... they must know we can't shoot them. I was surprised with how skinny they were. Figured they'd get fat with everybody feeding them.

Fun Fun Fun!

Joel and I took the kids out on Stephanie's Kayaks.

... Until next year... Enjoy!

Our big adventure for the perfect shot! "Capturing the-TINY"

2010-07-26T05:53:00.003-07:00

"Got it!"
Could have just stopped here!

But... we kept on for more.
Thanks Linda for working so hard to get the perfect shot!
This photo tells his little personality.
He is a happy boy!

... I don't think that's so good for your teeth son!

Love the expression...
Which path will he take?

... hangin' with big sis!

... holding Mommy's hands!

... Megan headed down the track with best buddy Evan!

Megan had fun getting dirty!

"Summer fun with my boy"

"I wish I could keep him this way...
I cannot express how much joy this little guy brings me!"

At least one person thinks Mommy is funny!

... So grateful!

Megan got so dirty... I guess it goes with the photo op theme.
She kept saying... "no... I need real water"

... happy siblings!

... hangin' out!

"Tiny Toes"

"My Mom is gonna be mad at these dirty hands and feet"

Life with my kiddos is an adventure... one I love traveling on with them.
I am so grateful for all the little moments we share together.

"Life is Good... Jake's 1st Birthday!"

2010-07-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

"Happy birthday to you... happy birthday to you...
happy birthday to Jacob... happy birthday to you!

I sang to Jake when I went in to give him his bottle. He was sooooo cute... looking through the slats... laughing at me... or was it my singing?

Megan made Jake a home-made birthday card. She loves to color!

PJ snuggles with my boy!
I love those dimples!!!!!!

Jake's first party...

Cousin Samuel came to play too!

The boys...

Aunt Steph... with her nephews!

All the boys enjoyed checking out the new toys!

His lil' buddy Eric came for the party too!

"Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday dear Jacob...
Happy Birthday to you!"

The sugar kicked in!
Jake- "Hey guys... this stuff is good!"

Everybody stood around to watch him eat his first dose of pure sugar!

The big kids were ready for some cake too!
They all dove in for dessert while Jacob got a bath.

All cleaned up... sugared up... and ready for more fun!

Oh my... I'm having flashbacks of Megan on her Little Mermaid car from her 1st birthday party.
Jake loved it!
"Life really is good!"

Gammie- "Hey bud!...You're Gammie loves you!!"

Jess, Kyle, Nana and B-pa had fun playing with Jake on his big day too!

"Our Family Reunion"

2010-06-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Last week we went to Blowing Rock North Carolina for my Dad's family reunion.
We have continued with the long family tradition
of his and my Grandmother's (Mary) family.
We had a great time at the "Chetola"... the mountain resort we stayed at.

The paddle boats were a great way to relax and get a little sun.

There were 3 beautiful white swans in the lake with us.

It was an indoor pool...
so the boys were able to play ping pong right next to us
while we swam a bit.

Lyric and Olivia were like 2 peas in a pod.

The girlies found a nice spot in the sun by the playground.

Thursday night we had a meet and great with all the cousins. It was an awesome house for a party. We had somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 family members attend.
(can you believe that is smaller than usual?)

Here we are a Uncle Thad's house.
(The original house my Great Grandparents MaMaw and PaPaw raised their 11 children.)

It's pretty cool having the opportunity to bring my children back here to climb on trees in the yard that all my relatives have played on for so many years.

Here's our Freas Clan. Emma is getting so TALL... Wow!
We were excited to have all 7 grandchildren together.

We had a lot of fun playing games after the Bar-B-Q.

The 3 legged race got a bit extreme.

Here is Olivia... catching a water balloon in the face. Oops!

Me and my brothers!

This game was a lot of fun too. You had to squirt water into your partners cup. But... you better choose your position wisely... or you might end up getting wet!

Doug and Emma were gamers...

... but in the end
It was Kristin and Zoe who won the game!

Cousin Gregg and Kristin couldn't help themselves!

Our Hike at Hounds Ear

Steph thought it would be a fun idea to wear "Do-Rags"...
Kev said we looked like "mini-maids"
Oh well... it was nice to get outdoors.

Not sure if we were brave or stupid...
for taking all 7 children into the woods without the guys...
but we did it!

The climb was a bit rough at times... but the they did it!
They really had a great time. (So did we)

The little ones hung in there pretty good. Samuel was the only one to fall in... and Megan was the only one to cry... but all in all a fairly fun afternoon.

The rocky climb was beautiful...

What a crew!

"Banquet night at the Chetola"

"Megan out by the lake"

She got to dress up like the big girls.

Olivia, Zoe, and Lyric let me put there hair up too. It was fun fixing up our little pixies.

Here are the guys. Jacob and Samuel wore their first real ties! Handsome.

"Our family"

Look... Kevin's mini-me!

Daddy's little Princess

Gammie and Jacob

Sissy and I

The Freas clan!

Lil' Samuel giving Uncle Doug a Hi FIVE!

Hooray... the boys did it again! They won the Gordon Freas Memorial golf tournament. 10 strokes under. Cousin Ron filled in as their fourth... Dad would be honored.

Michelle and the four older girls did a beautiful performance signing to "Remember me". It was in remembrance of all those family members who had passed on... especially their Pop!

Down town Blowing Rock

Ice cream in the park!

Back to Mill Creek for a few more days.

The views were beautiful this time of year.
I'm use to the fall color... or winter.

We stopped on the side of the road coming back from the grocery store.
The flowers were so pretty.

We enjoyed a few days up here before and after the actual reunion just to get away. We helped plant flowers at Mom's place, rode the golf cart, played in the creek, collected rocks, played on the play ground, painted, and watched movies.

Here is Jake at 11 months

Megan enjoyed playing at the new splash park/playground in town.

Jake and I enjoying the back porch.

Hangin' around on the golf cart.

On Monday when we got back from Blowing Rock... Mom and I decided the painting over her couch needed to be replaced. She wanted me to paint her one... but like always... I never seem to make time. So I said... lets go find a store to buy a canvas and do it right now. So... we did!

I was shocked after all this time... that if you just have an idea... and get off your butt and do it... it really doesn't take that long. This is the painting I did to replace the one over Mom's couch. The colors turned out pretty nice to match the rest of the decor.

In all... the trip was a success.
We were tired... had lots of fun... and ready to head back home.

The last 24 hours

2010-06-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon:
This is Megan and Evan hauling the armadillo trap around to the other side of the house for Kevin. He was giving them a lesson in setting traps. Nice! The best part was looking out the kitchen window to see this...
them driving by with their shirts off (because they were in the sprinkler)
hauling an armadillo trap
and them... acting as if this was completely normal.
(and why shouldn't Evan think this was normal... he did pee on my ligustrum in the front yard 30 min. earlier- he must think anything goes here.)

This morning:
Jacob got his first hair cut!

Uncle Gregg came over with the clippers!

He got a bit wiggly...

... getting shorter!

... doing the finishing touches!

My big boy got his first trim!

He loves playing at his toy!

This afternoon:
Megan was pretending she was a dancer!

She was dancing all over the living room. I will try to get the video uploaded. She is really a trip these days. Really cute.

She is always pretending different things! (Talking to imaginary friends... playing parade, cheerleader, ballerina etc.)
She has been keeping me laughing through my recovery!

I will eventually get to all the pictures from the last 3 weeks. My brother and his family came for the week/memorial weekend. We did lots of stuff with the girls. 24 hours after they left... I finally got my hand surgery done.
I have been waiting several months/years to have my carpal tunnel done... (left then right)
I am out of work for the month... and then back a bit... before doing the other hand. I will post more on our happenings as soon as I get a chance.

Team jerseys!

2010-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

We got the kids dressed up in their jerseys a couple of weeks ago just before I headed in to work. I made them before the kids were born. Cousin Samuel has one too... but it was a very short notice photo session.

"Hey... could we get some bigger balls? This just isn't challenging enough!"

"I can play too... where's my jersey?"

It won't be long before they will be wearing real big boy jerseys... and I will be sad!
They are just so stinkin' sweet this tiny!

Jacob and Eric... 10 mos and 9 mos!

Evan... 2 1/2 years

"... don't worry Evan... they'll be old enough to play soon enough!"

Jacob is good sport with all the picture stuff!

Jake has been an awesome addition to the family... it has been a GREAT year!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-13T07:41:00.001-07:00

I'm so grateful for my family.
I love being a mother.

We took family photos at church Sunday morning.
Snookie was so cute in her dress. (passed down from livy)

(Gammie and Snook)

Megan and Jacob on the bench under Pop's tree.

(... a good stage of life!)

(... So happy to have Grandma with us too!)

Nana had both of her boys to celebrate Mom's day with.

I enjoyed special time with both of my kiddos.

Megan went to the Publix bakery and surprised me with a beautiful cake!
She did it all by herself!

Every inch of it was covered in sprinkles... streamers... and plastic pics. She was so excited about it... and it was yummy too!

Bringin' the bathing suits back out!

2010-05-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for cold water... it has been stinkin' hot this week!

The hose water is really cold!

Kate (from across the street) came over for playtime in the sprinkler!

Check out the new bounce house!
Nana and B-Pa got Megan this for her birthday.

It's only 6 X 6 ft... so the weight limit was being pushed!

Megan LOVES her cousin Livy!

Man... good thing we live in the country!
We are really becoming a little tikes back yard!

Megan and Samuel loved running around in circles!

Oops... Megan plays a bit rough!
Thank goodness Samuel has a good sense of humor.

Dr.'s appointments!

2010-05-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Megan's 3 year check-up went great!
"Hey guys... this is my first time getting my blood pressure this way!
I'm a BIG GIRL NOW!"
82/48
"My heart beats berry good!"

I grew 4 inches this year!
I weigh 34 lbs and I'm 38 inches tall!

"I did a berry good job listening to my Dr. ... and got 2 stickers!
I am in the 75% for my height and weight!"

Jake's turn...
9 month check-up!

My charming little boy started his visit off by peeing on the scale.
"I weigh 17.4 lbs. and I'm 27 inches long"
"I may be a little guy... but I'm growing. I'm in the 10% for both height and weight!"

"She says my heart is the sweetest one she's ever heard"
"Well... maybe that was just Mommy... but I won my Dr. over too!"

"I have one sharp little tooth... and getting more!"
"Oh... and I'm finally getting better at crawling. I don't see what the big deal is guys... I mean... I can get wherever I want to by rolling--- I'm really FAST. But lately... if you put some train tracks in front of me... I'll crawl right over it. I love train tracks!

3 Fingers!

2010-04-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

We can't believe our little one is already 3!

About a month ago Megan got really into Beauty and the Beast.
She LOVES to watch it!
I decided a Princess party would probably be fun for her.
So... I started making her Belle dress.
One day she woke up from her nap and saw I had the sewing machine out with all of the material buttons for her dress...
and she said without skipping a beat (with a lot of concern)...
"But we don't have any mice?!!?"
You see... she LOVES Cinderella... especially where the mice make her pretty dress for her.
She then said with a smile...
"That's okay... Mommy can do it!"
so... I did!

She was a good girl and let me do her hair too! It really only took about 15 minutes. She played with her Belle doll... did her makeup... and ate a snack.

I wanted to put this picture in of her getting dolled up... but knew Kevin would freak out cause she was in her "birthday suit!"
So... I improvised and made her an outfit on paint.

Kevin put up a Castle wall with all the Princesses on it!

"Princess Belle"

Our Family... on Megan's Birthday! April 25, 2010... 3 Years old!

All of a sudden... Megan was really into smooching a little Prince or two! I guess 3 is too young to realize you don't kiss your cousins... or brother like that! Notice Olivia in the background... she's thinking "Yuck"

She loves smoochin' on her baby brother!

Megan with Aunt Steph and Freas cousins

"It's party time"

Megan loved all of her presents! She got tons of great gifts...
including movies, babies, clothes, princess stuff, crafts, stickers, watering can, bounce house, train tracks, leap frog, outdoor swing, a big girl bike and more.
But... I think the most practical were the box of Cheddar Cheese Chex Mix... and her very own dust buster. My sister calls her "Messy Marvin"... and rightfully so.

I stole a kiss from my little princess too. (Hmmm... maybe she gets the kissing from her Mama?)

Kate (neighbor) and Olivia (cousin) showed up as Cinderella!

"Ahh... just what I wanted!"

The kiddos were excited to pitch in and open presents too!

Princess Belle was checking out the prickly thorns on the rose.

The kids were so excited when Nana and B-pa brought in the bouquet of balloons.

(aside from getting stuck in the fan "3" different times... they were a big hit)

Megan's Princess Cake...
Made by Mommy!

Megan- "Hmm... I think I'll just take a big scoop of icing right out of the side."

I decorated the cake with a Beauty and the Beast theme...

"... Happy Birthday to you!" ... time to blow out the candles!

Megan only wanted to pull Mrs. Potts off the cake so she could lick the icing.

(We were missing one Prince (cousin Samuel had already headed home)
... but here are the others)
We were trying to keep it a "Princess party"
... and weren't sure how a few baby boys were gonna fit in...
the crown craft was an attempt to dress them up without their knowing)

Eric- "Hey Jake give me my crown back!
Eric- "I'm not kidding... give it back!

Eric- "Mom... Jake won't give me my crown back!"
"This princess party stuff STINKS!"

It was a real rain storm outside... so we had to keep the "outdoor party" INDOORS.

Nae, Chris, Kev and I

The kids had fun playing "Pin Cinderella in her room" instead of Pin the tail on the donkey.
They were re-usable stickers of Cinderella in her tower.
Megan LOVES stickers. I didn't blind fold her... but made the older ones close em'.

After the crowd left... Kevin and I brought out our present for Megan.
"A new bike!"
She hopped on and rode it all over the house.

"Our Busy April!"

2010-04-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

"Take me out to the ball game... "
Well... if that ain't cute... I don't know what is.
I made Chris and Kevin baseball jerseys for a father's day present last year before the boys were born.
Last week... we remembered we had forgotten about the uniforms... and hurried to get pictures while they were small enough to wear em.

Kevin loves baseball... and hopes Megan and Jake learn to love it too.

"Here Jake... I'll show you how to do it!"

Jacob- "Ok... so how do we play catch again?"
Megan- "For starters you have to learn how to stand up...
then it would help if you could run... my aim isn't that good"

Jacob- "I know she's talking... but I don't understand a word she's sayin'"
"I think I'll just chew on this glove a while"

Eric- "Come on... we can figure this game out on our own"

Jacob- "Rrrr... "
Eric- "What in the world are you doing man? You don't eat the ball! Rookie"

Jacob- "Ha ha... Of coarse you don't eat it... I was just messin' with you!"

Eric- "I got your back dude!"
Jake- "I'll play short stop... but I need a pinch runner... not so good on the feet yet!"

Eric- " Where did all those ball players come from?"
Jacob- "you gotta stop quoting baseball movies man"
Eric- "Oh- I could do this all day... I'm just getting started"

Megan- "Those two kill me! They don't even know what they're talking about"

Flagler Beach
Last weekend we headed out of town for a quick trip to the beach. It has been so nice out... and Megan wanted to play in the sand. Kev had to work later on Friday... so I decided to go over early with the kiddos.
My friend Jenna from work, and her son Ethan, came over with us in the morning to keep us company until Kevin got there.

Jenna and Ethan... 1 1/2 years old... first trip to the beach!

Megan sat right down and started digging! She loves the sand!

"So you dig first... then put it in the bucket"

This is Jake's 3rd trip to the ocean. He seems to love it too! I love my little man!

Time to get wet!

Megan- "Why don't you go in first... and let me know how it goes!"
Ethan- "No thanks... I'll just hold your hand if you don't mind"

Jenna had a good time sharing another "FIRST" with her baby boy!

I let Jake bury his feet in the wet sand... he had know idea what was going on.
He didn't seem to mind.

Megan and I braved the cold pool water! It was very refreshing. She made friends with all the geriatrics at the pool... including a 91 yr. old man who looked like the old man in the sea... an old lady doing aquatic exercise... and then pushed another old lady's walker around the pool. (Poor lady just stood there by the edge of the pool waiting for Megan to bring it back)

"My Guys"

"It's mini me"

Hey... keep your hands off Jake... he's mine too!

"A ride out on the boat"

Gammie was over for the weekend to see the Gross's. She stayed over in their condo... while we got away as a family. It was fun getting out on the boat together. It was Jake's first time on a boat and maybe even Megan's?

He zoned out for the ride!... and eventually passed out completely!

Megan got to captain the boat for a bit!

Megan and I got to spend some time alone together on Saturday evening. Kevin stayed back while Jake napped... and she and I headed down to the ocean to fly a kite!

We ended up getting a bit wet too!

"Oops! I broke the tail off"

"Cook out!"

Megan helped her Daddy grill steaks!

Cute shirt! "Daddy's little wingman!"
We had a great time getting away for the weekend.
Thanks for taking us to the beach Dad!

Remembering Daddy... 5 years later!

2010-04-09T17:48:00.000-07:00

Missing Daddy... Remembering him... 5 years later!
One of the hardest things this week is realizing... that while our lives are in many ways the same... it is very different without Dad. I am so sad that Megan and Jacob didn't get to meet him... sit on his lap... hold his hand... see his smile. But--- grateful that I have such a wonderful person... their grandfather... to share with them in memory. He was a great example to live by.
For those of you who knew him... here are some pictures of him... showing the face you all remember him by... and for those of you who never met him... a very small bit of who he was.

Kenneth Gordon Freas
with his father Karl Gordon Freas

When I looked back at this photo... I saw so much of Jacob in him. I wish so badly that Daddy could have met all of his grandchildren! Little Jakie would have loved getting to know him. It is amazing seeing all of the mannerisms that Jake has that remind me of his Pop.

This is Dad... between my Grandparents... Mary Elizabeth and Karl Gordon. Once again... a bit of Jake in those little eyes... cheeks... hairline.
I tried to snap a picture of Jake this morning... to capture Pop. Well... I didn't succeed as well as expected. I don't see the same similarities as I do in real life watching Jacob... but in all... they are still darn cute.

Jacob Gordon Birkett

Kenneth Gordon Freas

Jacob 8.5 months
Dad was actually a lot older in the picture and had teeth. Oh well... I thought it was cute

Jake looks a lot like his Daddy... but has some of his Pop in him too!

Jake gets his dimples from his Pop... I love those dimples!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here are some pictures of My Daddy throughout the years. Some of them great... and some of them just because it captures the way I will always remember him.

Mom and Dad... at a Delt fraternity party... "The beginning"... Mom was a baby!
A high school-er... with a collage guy! hmm... Have times changed?

It is still so weird thinking of Dad being gone. He was a part of every important moment in my life... Big or small!
I love him... I respect him... I miss him...

Trying to give his tough guy face.

Dad graduated from the University of Florida...
served in the Navy... and then had a full career in the FBI!

I don't know the story behind this picture... but I'm pretty sure he was dressing up for a party of some sort.
He was a bit of a ham sometimes.

Here is our family
"The FREAS family"
I was sitting in Dad's lap!

I will always remember how it felt to hold Daddy's hands.
He had awesome hands. I've always been so proud to be part of this family... and honored to be the baby.

Daddy and Me
@ an amusement park
(holding hands again)

Dad always kept this picture sitting on his desk in the old office off the garage. He made himself a makeshift study... his own little getaway space. It made me feel good that he liked having it in there.

This was a picture from our family reunion with Dad's family. He is the oldest grandchild to my great-grandparents... who had 11 children of their own. My grandmother was the oldest of bunch. 7 girls and 4 boys.

I love being part of such a great big family... and love that we still attend "our family" reunion!

I am so thankful to have experienced a life growing up with two great parents.
My Mom and Dad were great role models.

(Dancing at my wedding December 9, 2000)

My wedding day...

(Daddy's hands)

This was us Dancing at Gregg and Michelle's wedding reception
April 7, 2001

Daddy was handsome his whole life. He had a great smile...and a great spirit. Who would have guessed that this Day... April 7th... would be the day that he would pass away... and leave us... exactly 4 years later.

Hopefully one day... Gregg and Michelle will be able to celebrate their anniversary without such a sad memory of Dad's death. He would want them to celebrate their commitment to each other... and remember Happy Times!
WE Have LOTS of them!

This is one of those photos... that may not be the greatest... but reminds me so much of Daddy! He loved hound dog (as he would call it) aka-snuggling!
Napping together in the afternoon... morning... whenever.
Steph... Emma (oldest grand-daughter)... and Pop passed out after a full Thanksgiving supper.

I see Emma sleeping there with him... and can picture Megan. This picture reminds me of her too. If he would have met her... they would be having some serious hound dog!
I enjoyed watching Dad with the first 4 grandchildren! He loved being POP!

(Pop with Zoe-#2... just relaxing in the swing together at the mountains)

This is him giving his BIG fake surprise look...
opening a Christmas present (@ Grandma's mountain home).
He hadn't even seen what was inside yet.
We converted all of his old projector tapes into a DVD of his life.
I love this old flannel shirt...

A GATOR FOR LIFE!

(Stephanie-Dad-and me at a football game)
... he inspired us all to be Gators! He really loved and supported them his entire life!

(Our Orange and Blue family... in our "Family home"-yard in Gainesville)

(The Boys)

The four of them loved playing any kind of golf together... especially REAL golf. This is a snap shot of them playing disc golf in our yard... before we completed the house we live in. They are standing in our future driveway.

(This was another Family photo of us at Dad's last Reunion. The theme brought us back to Scottish roots. My great-grandmother and great-grandfather's last name was GREGG... descendants of the McGregor's.
It was a fun theme for the reunion. The kids played jousting games... log throwing... etc. and the boys all wore kilts. It was a trip watching Dad and Kevin trying to put on skirts!
... and yes... they wore boxers underneath.
(Doug-Kristin-Gregg-and Michelle didn't make it this year...
because they just gave birth to Olivia and Lyric!)

"Our FREAS Family of 6"

Nags Head Reunion- 2000

(Michelle's first reunion)

We loved family trips up in the North Carolina mountains... still do.
This is us on a tubing trip down Deep Creek.
I grew up taking trips down the creek... and this was Kevin's first go at it.
He didn't like the COLD mountain water!
IT IS COLD!!!!
REALLY COLD!

This was a hike at "Hounds Ear"
(a great hiking spot near my great-grandparents home in NC.)

(So great to have cousin Christy with us that year!)

"MR. REPUBLICAN"

(We went out to the airport to see George Bush give a speech during his campaign. I'm glad Dad got to see him... and show us how much he really bleeds RED-WHITE and BLUE! Seeing Air Force One was a sight to see! Dad has always been so patriotic... and loved serving for our Country.
(In the Navy... and then as a Federal Agent!)
Funny---- cause he does in fact bleed orange and blue too!

"Some of Pop's happiest moments!"

Becoming a grandfather for the first time... a proud moment!
This is him with Emma #1...
notice... he always wants to grab on with his hands!

Fishing with Zoe #2!
I'll always remember he loved this picture...
He would say over and over when he saw it...
"She's holding my hand"
Lucky girl... she had an awesome POP.

Meeting Olivia... #3.
He didn't get to see her that much... but lucky her... (and him)
that he got to hold her... and play the harmonica for her.

Here he is with little Lyric... #4!
She got to see him the least time of all.
I will never forget when this was taken. He said... "Are we bonding here?"
A quote from Father of the Bride... one of his favorites!

He didn't get to meet Megan #5, Samuel #6, or Jacob #7...
but you can see a bit of him in all of them.
His only 2 grandsons... Samuel and Jacob... took his middle name- GORDON!
We will try to give them a glimpse of who their Pop was... and what he stood for.
He was a great Christian man... a husband, father, Pop, friend, and citizen!

Well... this was one of the last photos I took of Dad.
If I would have know... I would have taken a million more. It was the first week of April...
We were about to move into our new home...
and had to plant all of our landscape.
If you knew my Dad... you would remember he loved to work in the yard. Especially his.
He was impressed and excited to lay our new sod--- very green.

I enjoyed working outside with him... and transplanting outer landscape into our inner yard. One of the most important to me now... is "Pop's" Dogwood.
We planted it right outside our backyard on Sunday...
He died that Thursday.

Dad left us April 7, 2005
(1 day before his 62nd birthday... April 8th)
He will always be in our hearts... and memories.
We are grateful to be part of the legacy he left behind.
He now resides... where we hope to follow in his footsteps...
Heaven!

We will all go there together... to our family reunion in the sky!

Happy Easter 2010!

2010-04-05T09:58:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday! 2010

(Kevin bought Megan this dress in Ireland when she was just 3 months old... he's been saving it for her until it fit.)

Megan was so excited to open her basket. (NOTE to self... she was mainly interested in what the Easter Bunny put in the eggs... and not all the other gifts. So next year... stuff the eggs!)

This was our 3 second attempt for a family photo.
We didn't get too far... when the sprinklers turned on... and ran us off the porch!

(Better luck next time!)

Daddy and Jacob... all spiffed up for Church!

Megan was sniffing the azaleas outside the church. She is tough to get still long enough for a photo these days... so you have to get her in action.

Mom and I tried to grab a quick one... it was a mess. We kept trying over and over... and kept laughing. We were trying to not be so posed... oops... failed that one. I kept telling her "shake it loose..." and then of course... we couldn't be serious... so had to stop trying.
The best part was catching her rubbing at her neck during the sermon... because she threw it out / tweaked it... shaking it loose too much. SCOOCH!

(Enjoying the Newly Renovated Hall/Fellowship area... for Easter Sunday!)

We widened the hallway... by cutting back the old nursery wall... and using it as additional greeting area/ traffic space! It has really opened the space up... and allowed for more conversation time. It was the best we could do without a major construction change!

The newly tiled floor (compliments of the hard working men of the congregation...) have really made it look sharp! It looks clean and neat! Having freshly painted taupe walls... framed photos... and new base boards really set the whole thing off. Saturday was a major work-day! We did a lot of behind the scenes... finishing touches. Cleaning... organizing... painting... hanging new blinds on the new windows...
and best of all...
Building 2 VERY much needed playgrounds!!!!!!

I gotta say... I never thought they would be finished.
The construction process looked a bit sketchy on Saturday.
There were extras of some parts... and not enough or completely missing of other parts...
not to mention... the instructions made absolutely no sense!

I think I can speak for the Dads when I say...
"It was all worth it watching the kids play on Sunday morning!"

"Say Easter Eggs!"
"Say Cheese"
"Say Happy"
"Say anything you want... just smile and look at the camera!"

They built one side for the smaller kids... and one side for the school age kids.
Big and Small... they all loved it!

(We caught the older boys all hanging out in the playhouse.)

This is the pre-school / toddler group

Both kiddos took a nap after church... and woke up HAPPY!
They didn't have time to open their baskets before church.

Hooray... this is Jake's first Easter basket!
(I think he liked the plastic grass the best!)

Every once in a while... Mom's get pictures like these.
This one really says it all...
He is my buddy!!!!
I love him so much!!!!

We had our Family and friends over for a nice Easter afternoon.

Grandma was here too! She is Grandma to everyone!
(Do you see a resemblance here?)

The boys FIRST Easter!
(They were so cute!)

Jake- "Hey... If you just look at her the first time... she'll take less pictures"
Eric- "Which one do I look at? There are 3 cameras!"

Jake- "Why are they so excited about empty plastic eggs?
Eric- "If they wanted to hide them... they painted them the wrong color... these stick out like a sore thumb!"

Eric- "Hey... that's my Grandma!... Hi Grandma... down here!"
Jake- "Hey... I'm smiling... did you catch it?... I'm throwing her my irresistible eye brow tilt!"

Jake- "Dude... this ones empty too!"
Eric- "Yeah... they're all duds man"

It's so much fun watching him discover new things!
And yes... they did actually seem to enjoy playing with the empty eggs... and grass!

I love my little man!

Nae and I with our boys!
Next year... they will be all over the place!

Megan was so sweet with Jake. She tried to hand him all the eggs.
Megan- "here Jake... you have this one... and this one... and this one"

... then the cousins came!
Megan loves running around with Samuel and Livy!

We snapped a picture out under Pop's tree. He planted it 5 years ago... the week he passed away. It will always be special... because it was one of the last things we did together.
We always think of Daddy more at Easter... because it falls around his birthday.
He passed away April 7th... and his birthday is April 8th!
Pop would be 67 years old this week.

Pop would be so proud of all his grand-kids!
He got to meet 4 of the 7.
(The last two... boys... took his name... Gordon)

The Freas Girls!

Hey... are we gonna look for eggs soon?

Ready... Set... Go--- and they were off!

Megan- "Don't they know... I'm only 3 ft. tall!"

Livy got the orange one!

Baby Eric got to do his first hunt too!
Once again... it was beautiful outside!

92 eggs...
"Who found the most?"
8 still unaccounted for... armadillos must have em!

Forever Friends!

3 generations... One Big Hug!

...showing Megan the dogwood flowers on Pop's tree!
"smell it Mommy"

... Time really does fly by! She'll climbing it one day!

... then came water! Lots of it!

Our Easter Day was FUN!

"Robyn's Vist"

2010-04-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

Hooray!
Robyn and the boys came for a visit!
We haven't seen them since Cohen was just born. Man does time fly!

Nice to see you got all dressed up for your friends Jake.
(Drool, milk, snot, and green beans)
But... still darn cute. So cute to see these boys sitting up together.

Here are the boys wrestling!

"Pinned ya gin"

They had a ball together!
This is them... just chillin' in the big chair together!

Megan and Isaac played soooo well together!
They hardly made a peep from the bedroom.
They were "workin' on the railroad" together!

Poor Isaac was so sad to leave. He didn't want to go.
"Thanks for coming Isaac... You can come back whenever you want"

Spring is in the air + "Church Egg Hunt Picnic"

2010-03-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

It has been really beautiful outside lately! Megan and I headed over to Home Depot last week... and picked out some plants. It was great getting out alone with my kiddo. We had a potato chip snack while taking a break on the lawn department furniture. (Healthy 9:00 snack-Ha).

We loaded them all up in the jeep... and Megan drove them around back.

"Hey... lets put one right here!"

Now it's feeling a bit more like SPRING!

EXCEPT...
for all of the leaves!!!!!!

Kevin HATES this part. We have 5 acres of leaves... and too many oak trees to count. For the last few years... he has used a leave sweeper behind the mower. It really works great... but creates about 50 piles of leaves that have to get burned. So... this year... he got a new plan.
LEAF BLOWING! I have to admit... it sounds crazy... but worked.

"Who needs a rake?"
It's pretty sad... but after 5 years of living here... we don't even own a regular rake.

It works really fast! (Pretty good too!)

"Church Easter Egg Hunt / Picnic"

We had a great turn out! Lots of kiddos to play games and hunt eggs!

Gammie came too!

"Hey this is fun"
Jake and Gammie hung out on a blanket in the grass...!

"Look at me... I'm getting bigger everyday!"

Bubbles! Bubbles! Bubbles!

The kids all loved dipping in to the soap!
"What is it with kids and soap?"

"Hey mom... this is fun!"

I looked over... and caught Megan and Evan hanging out on the swing together. Cute!

"Hey... I want some too!"

It was neat seeing so many kids out for the day.
More and more babies keep popping up everywhere! What a blessing!

Megan and her buddy Ben had fun checking out the cows! Megan got a like on the hand!

The BIG HUNT is on!

The big kids had to wait for the little guys to get a head start.
Ready... Set... Go!

"Here's one!... I found it!"
She got a pretty good stash of eggs!

"I love CANDY!"

They finished off the day with a huge pinata! Hooray- Candy for everyone!!!!!!

Jake's first mashed potatoes!

2010-03-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

"Mmmm.... Yummy my first real mashed potatoes!"

"Holy Crap... this is some thick stuff!"

"Kinda gaggin' me here mom!"

"I don't know about this?"

"Hey... it's pretty good... once you get the hang of it!"

First attempt with the Dentist!

2010-03-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

Big girls get new Belle toothbrushes!

The kids had to come to my staff meeting with me on Friday... and on the way... Megan kept asking about going to the Dentist. I said "no... we're just going to play"... and she kept asking about it. I intended on taking Daddy with us for her first trip (for behavior)... but she continued to ask... so I thought hey... timing is everything. Well... You'll see it started off well... and then she shut down. All in all... I feel it was a successful first start... but not a "real cleaning".

She got to sit in the Big Girl chair...and try on Mommy's purple exam gloves!

I was surprised to see her lay back for me... and we counted all of her teeth!
10 on top... 10 on bottom! Great job Megan!

Then came Mr. Slurpy... and the Squirt gun! ... and this is where our cleaning started coming to a close. I already had it in my head not to push it... we'll just get it next time.
She did laugh when she closed on the suction... and giggled with the air spraying her.

I started in with Mr. Tickles (the polisher)... and she pretty much sat right up. At least she got to see what it felt like... and heard the sounds and taste.

"No... I do Mommy's teeth"... "let me try Megan's first"... "No... Just Mommy's"
so... I got a bit of a cleaning myself.
I just chaulked it up to a try... and then moved on so she could try an exam.

... Waiting on Dr. McDonald.

... needless to say... she was a bit tight lipped... and didn't see many teeth... but better luck next time. We left on a happy note... and she promised to try again later.

Megan got her treasure chest surprise for sitting in the chair... but no "No Cavity Club Picture" until she sits for a full cleaning and Exam.

She said many times later that day...
"I'm a good brusher"
"Next time... I won't be too shy"
I hope she's right!

Fun Highlights in a rough week!

2010-03-10T12:30:00.000-08:00

SPA Day!
Well... about a week and a half ago...
Mom-Steph-and I were treated to a day at the spa! We've never done anything that long before! It was nice being treated to such a relaxing day... without the cost! I unfortunately don't have fond memories of the afternoon... cause OUT of the BLUE... I got the stomach flu... about 45 minutes after we left!

It was such a nasty bug! Kevin lucked out and left town for the entire week... and I was sick!
Megan got it a few days after me. Pitiful girl!
Thankfully Jacob stayed healthy!

(This was cookie baking... a few days prior to getting sick!)

This is Megan... NOT touching anything!
I said "Megan- don't touch the cookie dough!"... and while I was at the sink... she said
"I'm not Mommy"
"What do you think?"
I'm pretty sure she's busted!
I can't blame her though! It was yummy!

My 2nd day sick... I needed to get out of the house! I took Jacob outside on a blanket in the grass. Aside from feeling wimpy... it was a beautiful day!

We've been working on sitting up better.
This little guy is such a cool kid!
He is so sweet!

He liked chillin' in his PJ's outside in the sun.

Several days later... when we were on the mend... Megan and I really needed to get out!!!!! We did a little yard work... and cleaning too.
I thought Megan's rain boots and footy PJ's were a nice touch!
She wanted to sweep the floor BY HERSELF!
Well honey... don't let Mommy get in your way!

Time to get the Jeep out!

The girl has some crazy driving skills!

Well... Daddy finally got home!!!!!
We took the afternoon on Saturday... and spent some family time outside.
We got a lot done!
Poor Kevin had to do most of the work... but it ended up fun for them... cause it involved
THE TRACTOR!

I pointed out what limbs needed to be cut... and poor Kev did all the trimming!
It was the perfect day for it.

Megan loves a good tractor ride with Daddy!

Jake got to try his first time out on it too.
"Don't worry son... Daddy won't make you mow the lawn for a few more years!... We'll wait till your feet can touch the peddles"

Hang on to your seat!

2010-02-22T11:00:00.000-08:00

I hope that velcro holds Evan in!
Megan turns the corners pretty tight!

These two are like brother and sister... love/hate!
Evan seems to really love riding around with her.

It's fun to watch them grow up together...
hard to believe we just signed them up for pre-school!

"Hey where are you two going?"

"not really listening"

2010-02-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Kevin brought Megan into bed this morning to snuggle for a few minutes in the dark...
(This is what happens when you aren't really listening)

Megan- "Daddy... I ate my burger"

Kevin- "You ate what?"

Megan- "BURGER"

Kevin- "Good Job Honey" (not really listening... just trying to sleep)

Me- (sleeping on the other side of her) "Kevin she's telling you she ate her BOOGER"

Kevin- "Oh- Megan don't do that... you don't eat your boogers"

Megan- "Just snacks?"
"Ruger eats snacks!"
"People eat food"
"Megan eats tacos tomorrow"

I just love what comes out of her mouth sometimes. That girl is silly... and loves her some tacos!

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-14T10:04:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Here are "OUR" little HEARTBREAKERS!
Those DIMPLES are the best!

... Love our baby GIRL!

Jacob is the HAPPIEST baby boy ever!
He really is... just a sweetheart!

We ARE SOOOOO BLESSED!
Lots to smile about!

Giving our valentine... her valentine!

Time for a day of snuggling!!!!!
Here's wishing you some snuggle time too!

Megan's First Trip to Disney!

2010-02-07T14:52:00.001-08:00

"Look... the PRINCESS HOUSE"

... we teased the whole trip that Megan was EATING HER WAY THROUGH DISNEY!
Hmm... "What else can I eat in here?"

There really is something awesome about seeing the castle for the first time!
I wonder if she'll remember.
I know we will!

OK... we're off! "where should we go first?"

Our first ride... PETER PAN!

(Kevin's favorite ride is the People Mover)

We love the 3-D... Megan got a bit weirded out though.
She kept grabbing at all the stuff... and asking to go back to the room!
Not what we were expecting... but she warmed up fast.

BUZZ light year was one of Megan's favorites!

She drove... and kept spinning us in circles... missing the point of hitting the targets.

...this is more like her!

Bell's Story Time
Megan was zoning out at this point... but loved watching her. Too bad they had to cut the show short due to rain. This was as close as Megan got to a princess the entire trip. It was too wet for them to come out. Darn... We wanted to see princesses.

(The actress from Fireproof)

She was pretty overwhelmed with it all... but took it all in!

After walking through Mickey's house...
we headed into the tent to meet him and Minnie for the first time!
She LOVED them!

It was about then... that the rain really started to come down. We bought more ponchos... (cause I forgot the ones I just bought) ... and toughed it out in the rain. We covered a few more rides... including It's a small world... and headed over to the Frontier land. At this point we looked down and realized Megan was toast. She was passed out in the stroller in the---now pouring down rain. We decided to pull of under cover... in the stroller parking... but she was too far gone. She slept in the stroller for over an hour... sound as could be... while all the other wet strollers came and went. It was priceless.

I decided what the heck... I'll go get some Ice Cream! So... I trekked all the way back to the Ice Cream shop by Dumbo... and enjoyed my swirl soft serve alone in the rain!

After the rain settled a bit... and Megan was still passed out... We checked out the line at
Big Thunder Mountain... My FAVORITE ride in the park!
I was able to walk right on .... and then Kevin did too. She didn't wake up the entire time.

(While she was still sleeping... Kevin ran over to Space Mountain... and road it twice too)
We headed up to the front of the park to catch the CHOO CHOO Train!
Megan's favorite!

This warmed her back up... and she was wound for another few hours!

She decided she was finally ready for the race track!
What a goof... the best part of the ride was Kevin trying to drive in front of us and take pictures turned around in his seat. Needless to say... driving while photographing is probably worse than drinking while intoxicated. He was all over the place.

We rode Buzz 2 more times... and then got to meet him. It was the REAL Buzz Lightyear!
She thought he was pretty cool.

We topped the night off with the FIREWORKS!
It was so beautiful!
We got a spot right in front of the castle.
Too Bad Megan was so TIRED!
She was literally turning in her stroller to go to sleep.
She kept peeking her eyes open to catch a peak.

I think my favorite part was seeing the lights turn the castle different colors.
She sat starring at it... it's purple... now blue... now orange etc.
She was amazed!

The music made it very Magical!

... Great way to end the day!

I thought the castle was going to literally BURN down! It was a great show!

Day #2
Breakfast with the characters!
7:05 am...

Chef Mickey's was in our hotel... so it was easy to pop down for breakfast... the only down side... 7:05am. It was rough getting ready after a long day at the park the day before... but worth it!
She loved it!
FOOD and Characters... tough to beat!

Did you get enough food Megan? The girl loves to eat!
Who wouldn't love waffles in the shape of Mickey Mouse?

She ran up to every one of them! The breakfast with the characters is a lot better way to meet them all.
(None of them were out in the park yesterday due to the rain)

(Trick question)
"Which of these 3 are the real goofy?"

...Meeting Daisy!!!!!!!

She kissed every one of them on the nose!
I didn't think about the 4 million other children who did the same thing... (at the time)
"I'm sure it was completely germ free!"

We did a quick change and headed over to the Animal Kingdom!
It was so windy... much chillier than we planned!
It was actually very refreshing!

2 days alone with our girly... was AWESOME!

Hooray... there were tons of characters to meet at the Animal Kingdom!
It really turned out to be the perfect morning. She loved the Safari too. she's never been to a big zoo... so this was exciting!

(Megan kept shutting her eyes... so when I would say... "open your eyes" she took it literally!)

EXPEDITION EVEREST

FYI
... the single rider line was the way to go!
The regular wait was 40-50 min... and Kev got on twice in less than 10 min!

Kevin took on the roller-coaster... while we finally took on the public restrooms!
"I went PEE PEE Daddy... and it didn't FLUSH"
I lucked out and found a handicap one that was broken... so it didn't flush while she was sitting on it. Thank Goodness for faulty potty's!
Short version... the automatic flush was loud and SCARY!
We tried several times the day before... crying... and screaming...
she held it ALL day... wouldn't PEE... but not one accident the whole weekend!

The Animal Kingdom was so Awesome!

The gorillas were so BIG... I think they are one of my favorites.
... Next to the looks on Megan's face!
Kev and I really had a good time getting away with her!

We headed back to the hotel mid-day... and caught a nap.
It was a trade off---- PRINCESS PARADE / NAP---- Nap won out!
It would have been nice for her to get to see the princesses... but after no nap the day before... we figured the evening would be better if we got one today!
I must say... It rocked!
Kev and I ate chic-fil-a on the bathroom floor while she fell asleep... and then headed in to join her---- next thing we knew... it was 10min. till 5pm.
(3 hour nap... and more Magic Kingdom to come!!!)

"Mickey's Dance Party Parade"

Kev tackled this one with Megan... spinning round and round and up and down isn't my favorite!
Kev said it took forever to get them all on... and then he litterally felt like they went 1/2 way around before they kicked them off. Short ride!
He told the person running the it...
"YOU KNOW THEY BOO YOU for that on the PRICE IS RIGHT"

Mean while... I stood in line for DUMBO.
We got a sleepy baby on our hands!
BUT...
She rallied for her first flight on the elephant!

"It's our turn"

We got a few more rides in... and ran back to the hotel to catch the fireworks from our room this time. We got comfy... pulled the comforter off the bed... and piled up in the chairs on the balcony for the big show. It was COZY and the view was perfect!

The Contemporary was a treat!
Nana and B-Pa gave us this trip for Christmas... and picked this hotel so that Megan could watch the "train" go through.

We spent the morning playing in and around the room... and then "played a minute" before packing up for home.

Megan picked out some souvenirs... and tucked them in for a nap.

"Time to go back home"

C-You next time Mickey!

Crazy Kids!

2010-02-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

We've been getting a kick out of Megan and her 'comments' for a while now... Chris and Renae refer to them as 'Meganisms'.

Like: "R-You?" and "no... I-A do it myself"

Kevin came in our bedroom last night... laughing... and said "Megan isn't going to sleep for a long time"...

Kelly- "Why?"

Kevin- She's in there singing "Are you sleeping... Are you sleeping brother-veggies... brother veggies?" She went through everybody... brother ruger... brother gators... brother mommy... brother Megan... and eventually she was asleep.

Her usual bedtime ritual is... singing Go GATORS from her dark bedroom. "Come on Gator's... Get up and GO!"

I thought it was time I take the time to share some.

She Loves singing nursery rhymes... and lately... she combines a few together in one song... goof ball! Now I'm catching myself saying mixed up songs too.

She has been going nuts for 'Ring around the Rosie' for a long time... but the whole Are you sleeping thing has taken over.

We babysat Evan for the night... and all day today... (While Jen was out of town).
They were all over the place! (Especially in the jeep- but after Evan drove it into several trees... I made him an official passenger... and her the driver!)

"Why is it that girls are always safer drivers?"

Evan and Megan have had a pretty good day together. She and him really do have more of a brother / sister relationship... now that they are getting older. It's is funny and sad at the same time. I'm really noticing now... that she is a little GIRL... and he is VERY BOY!

Here are some of todays examples:

Playing with the train set
Megan- "hey... I need a man... we need a man in the train tunnel"

Evan- "NO... the wire is SHARP... IT's DANGEROUS... there's a DRAGON in there!"

Going to the bathroom
Evan- "Kelly... I need to go Pee Pee... I need to go Pee Pee with my ice cream cone"

Me- "OK... (holding him over the toilet)... "go ahead... go Pee Pee"

Evan- (holding his ice cream cone while in mid-air) "I need a tool"

Me- "no we don't need a tool to go to the bathroom..."

Evan- (without skipping a beat) "YES... sometimes we DO"

Afternoon with my "Fairy Girl"

2010-01-29T06:35:00.000-08:00

Megan and I played dress up after her nap today!
... out for a drive in her jeep!

... blowing Mommy a KISS!
(wishes do come true)

... "twirling" is fun!

... OK- so it's time to get matching bows... but it went with my t-shirt under the fairy dress look.
We just go with the flow around here.

Tinker Bell's in Newberry drive Big Wheels!
All the cool fairies are doing it!

Happy New Year 2010 + Christmas with Nana and B-Pa

2010-01-27T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
2010 is gonna be a sweet one!

Chocolate fondue is our yummy tradition...
the cheese and apples are still my FAVORITE part!

Steph recommended the fried rice addition last year... and it stuck! YUM-O

Kevin, Chris, Renae, and myself... cut out early after dinner to surprise Jen for her 30th birthday! Her family was all down for the holidays... and Joel planned a fancy surprise for his OLD wife. (BTW... she hates surprises... but liked it)
We got all gussied up in black dresses and left the babies with the fondue crowd. Too bad I forgot the camera. It was nice to get out...

When we got back... the babies were sleeping... and the crew was drooling for desert!

The fruit was really the biggest hit... but mine were the sweets on sweets! A bit rich... but... you can never go wrong with 3 musketeers, brownies, marshmallows dipped in nuts (although I personally hate nuts), homemade pound cake, and YORK peppermint patties! It was crazy... but worth it!

10 - 9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!
... and then we all went night night!!!!!!!

Christmas with Nana and B-Pa

(B-Pa playing with "happy" Jacob)

(Special gifts)
... Nana and B-Pa getting a digital scrapbook of Jacob and Big sis Megan!

Megan loved having round 2 on the Christmas presents. We had such a big house full of people all week... so after the New Year... we went over and had a quiet afternoon alone with Nana and B-Pa. We got really great gifts...
Especially...

M - I - C - K - E - Y M - O - U - S - E !!!!!

We got a 3 day trip to Disney! Kevin and I are taking Megan alone for her first trip to the "Princess HOUSE!"

Thanks Nana and B-Pa for a wonderful Christmas!

Look who's going to COLLEGE!

2009 Christmas season with friends and family!

2010-01-02T04:09:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago... we started off the Christmas season with our friends! We got together with Joel, Jen, Evan... Chris, Renae, and Eric. We kicked off the evening with our gift exchange... followed by Leonardos pizza... and games at the Nicolich's!

BTW... the game of things is hilarious!
Did you know... Joel's "AS-tro-naut hurts"

Baby boy's first Christmas!

"Old and Older"
... with REALLY old in the middle!
We ended the night with a Birthday cake for Chris and Joel S.
Joel turned 29 and Chris hit the big 30!

Surprise...
I got a bounce house for my 32nd Birthday!FUN FUN FUN!

I loved having my whole family together for the day! The cousins had a great time together... and thanks to all our friends for coming too.
(Steph likes to do things up BIG... Bounce house, popcorn machine, Bar-B-Q, and cupcakes too)

The slide was awesome!
Livy and the girls were flying down head first!

The little ones has no fear with it either!
Samuel and Megan took their fair share of turns too!

Shell says you have to go down on your side. It really is the best... especially if you roll down on your side. By the end of the night... the boys were catapulting us over the top head first... it got pretty silly and rough! (no bad injuries)

Zoe... demonstrating the roll!

Gregg... Doug... and Koda!

Us... not taking turns!

Together... at 32... (until Kev's b-day 33 in 1.5 weeks)

(Brothers and sisters)

The Freas Family... together for the holidays!

Jacob at Mommy's birthday party... 5 months!

"Gammie's SPA surprise"

Mom decided to send the big kids to the spa on Christmas Eve... what a treat! She thought it would be a nice way to sit back and relax together. I knew the plan ahead of time... so I turned the surprise around on her and arranged for the Birkett's to babysit the grandkids so she could come too.
She was going to babysit... and instead got to join us for a relaxing facial. It was such a treat.
Thank You Mommy... and a VERY special thank-you to Nana and B-pa for watching 7 kids for us. (you guys are lifesavers)

(Enjoying the party suite in our robes and flip flops)

"Gammie"
Mrs. Clause was done in... too tired to relax... so much yet to do!

This was Gregg's first spa experience! (In for a treat)...
"now exactly what is the correct procedure here?"

Thanks Gammie!

(post treatment... Ahh!)

"A visit to see POP!"

We headed over for a special trip to remember Daddy on this Christmas Eve. This is our 5th Christmas without POP... so hard to believe.
We miss you so much!!!!!

Pop's 7 grandkids... all here to sing him a Christmas Carrol!

Following Christmas Eve candlelight service at church... Nana and B-pa sent us home with a special gift for Megan and Jake to open. It was the Night Before Christmas story... narrated by Nana and B-pa themselves. They loved it!

Merry Christmas 2009
Jake's first Christmas morning!

Opening his very own stocking...

Made with love by Mommy!

"hmmm... what else is inside here?"

Big kids opening our Christmas sacks...

Surprise... Gammie made Stephanie a new homemade stocking too!

I made Doug's girls homemade scarves too!

Ready to pile into the presents... little Jake was fast asleep... so we started without him.

"Cousins!"

Something special for Daddy...

"Daddy's little wingman!"

Megan's BIG SURPRISE...

Power wheels... for our big girl!

She drove her cousins all around the yard... for days. What a big girl!

"Jakie" with Uncle Doug!

Gammie scored with Megan's Doll house... she loved it!
(She has already spent hours playing with it)

Yummy... the food is almost ready!

Every time B-pa cut some turkey... the slice was eaten. It took forever to get a plate full with all of us taste testers.

...testing out Steph's gravy!

Emma Brooke is getting to be such a big girl!

(Nana and B-pa came over for the evening... to help celebrate this great Christmas day!)

Steph and her 5 nieces... "Super Aunt"

(Uncle Kyle... and Jake! Kyle had a big year... another graduation... New Police Officer... and brand new house. Lots to be thankful for)

Christmas Cookies!

The girls had a great time decorating Christmas cookies! Yummy!

It was tough to find Megan's cookie through all of the sprinkles.

Time for a hay ride!

We sang lots of Christmas songs as Kevin pulled us around the neighborhood.

It started getting a bit chilly for us Floridians.

Thanks for the John Deere hay ride...

The girls were reaching for the stars and moon.
It was a great Christmas... a bit hectic... but very memorable.

Beach and New Years pictures coming up soon!

Party at the "go gators house"

2009-11-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

2009 Tailgate!

Megan was so excited to go to the "GO GATORS house!"
(that's what she calls the swamp)
She was all over the place.

Jake slept through the whole thing...
not quite sure he knew he even came.

Cousin Ron came up from Miami with Kelly and the family (Ramona and Sam)

Miss Olivia

Sometimes Megan doesn't give Evan enough space... and he retaliates!
Hey Evan... here's a tip:
when a cute girl wants to play catch with you... don't hit her with a stick!

Hey Kevin... are you shocked?... or are you just yawning while your daughter gets hit in the head?

... another take down!
Don't be mistaken... this isn't your happy kind of hug!
Down deep... they really do have fun with each other!

"Go Gators"
Megan really gets excited... runs in her blood I guess. She ran over to the fence to watch the gator walk with Livy. She was yelling for the players... but especially for Albert and Alberta! She kept yelling...
"ALLLLBEEERT"
"ALLLLBEEERT"

Samuel was alllll over the place! Poor Michelle was whooped! He kept running off through the cars... he did have a blast though!

... he is the smiliest kid!
Can't wait for he and Jake to play!!!!

Jen and Joel came up to the tailgate for the afternoon... and Joel ended up staying for the game! (It was an adventure getting back to the cars with all the kids)

Dad's best friend Larry and his wife Jane never miss a game! Glad to see then stop in at the tailgate!

The kids loved Gator corn hole! Aunt Steph gets all the fun games!

Night night... all the mommy's were headed home with the kids... while the boys got to stay for the game. Gotta admit... I was excited to go to bed... REAL PARTY ANIMAL.

Where's Waldo?
I was trying to hide lil' Jake... he ends up in all my pics these days...
the K'tan is always strapped on!

Go Gators!!!!
Steph put on a great tailgate... as always. Kevin and Gregg were a huge help setting it all up! Gregg is a fan of the SNACKS!

(B-pa and Daddy getting one last hug night night)

"Super - Aunt"