Happy New Year 2012!

2012, Really? What happened to 2011? I have no idea where this year went, no idea.  This year has been most definitely the fastest, busiest, and most adventurous year of my life. It was this time last year we were trying to decide if we were going to move to Atlanta, and a year later, here to are, getting ready to bring in the New Year tomorrow evening with new friends that we didn't know a year ago, in a new city, new house, new jobs, new everything. It has been an adventure from the start, one of those decisions you make as a family, hold hands, hold your breathe, and jump.. and hope it all works out for the best.

A year later, I don't think either of us have regrets in our decision. We miss our friends, we miss the familiarity of life, traditions and the simplicity of knowing exactly where to go and what to do in Minneapolis, but have also thoroughly enjoyed exploring the south, meeting new friends, and doing this all together, as a family.   Right before I left, a dear friend from Target who I worked with for years, Lisa, gave me a picture frame as a going away gift that said "Family, it's not where you are, or what you do, it is who is beside you that counts". I remember reading it and of course, with a few tears in my eyes, thinking, she is right... this is a perfect way of thinking about it. I have that frame in our family room, and I look at it everyday. It couldn't be more true. Minneapolis, Atlanta, Ohio, Florida.. it doesn't matter, I have an amazing family, and as long as we are together, I don't care where we are. We are so blessed, and so lucky to have each other, out health, and a wonderful life together, I couldn't ask for anything more.  

Over this year last watching out little Hannah and Drew grow up has been an adventure in itself. Hannah is turning 5 in a week. 5!!!  I keep asking her to stop growing but she won't do it. Last night I told her if she promised to at least stay 5 and not turn 6 I would never make her eat broccoli, she agreed :) Hannah is my sweet heart, and has the biggest most sensitive heart for her age I have ever seen. The things that come out of her mouth make me as a parent feel inferior each day. She puts me in my place on a daily basis on what it means to be nice to people you love, share, and play nicely. I couldn't ask for a more amazing little girl. I love her laugh, her one, just one dimple, her innocence and her ability to make Drew laugh and at moment's notice. I love my little Hannah.

And Drew, what can I say about my Drew. He is an adorable, energetic, hilarious little terrible two year old that doesn't listen to anyone. He amazes me each day at his ability to climb, jump, throw the football, tackle, push, bite, pinch and hit just about anything.. with a smile to go with it. He is all boy, and really, just a hilarious little guy. I was at a birthday party with Hannah and few weeks ago and there was a group on moms talking about Drew and didn't know I was him mom. They described him as a "cute, but aggressive little guy". I finally joined the conversation at that point and started out by saying "I am just going to apologize now, I am guessing my Drew has bitten your kids". I tried to make the uncomfortable comfortable. He will out grow this right? I have never seen anyone on America's Most Wanted accused of biting, I am hoping we will be ok :)

Todd and I, we are hanging in there. We work hard, play hard, and try to find for sleep when we can.   We love that we have been able to see friends and family so much more in the last year than we have seen in the last 6 years combined. We love the more frequent weekend getaways, beach trips, and mountains that surround us that we can take advantage of.   We love the BBQ, Whoopies pies, caramel cakes, and ribs they serve here in the south ( Diet starts Jan 2.)  We are finally starting to pull the house together and decorate. We updated a bathroom, refinished wood floors, updated hardware, painted... and the list goes on. Now we just need to hang things on the wall. Anyone that knows us knows that our walls tend to stay bare for longer than they should... we'll get there!

Here's to an amazing 2011, and looking forward to 2012!  Thanks to all our friends and family that were our support team getting us through the decision, the move and the adjustment in Atlanta.   And thanks to our new friends for welcoming us with open arms.

Happy 2012 everyone!!  We wish everyone health, happiness, laughter and love in the new year!!

Merry Christmas 2011

Christmas morning this year was so much fun. The kids were so excited to finally be able to touch "elfie" since he wouldn't lose is his magic this morning. I am not sure what was most exciting, elfie, or the presents. Hannah and Drew both got everything they asked Santa for, and even a few extras.

Finally, the super hero cape made it's debut.

Elfie went on a hot date with Barbie in the new dream house. Candlelight turkey dinner, and table set with flowers.

I have never seen Drew so excited about a toy in all of his little two years of life. When we came downstairs, he saw his new Home Depot work bench and you just hear him go "whoa, whoa... whoooaaaaa". Then you hear "home depot hammer, drill, screwdriver... oh my gosh" I honestly did not know he knew what all the tools were, but her has apparently been watching Daddy more than I thought when he fixes things around the house. Drew didn't miss a beat. He knew exactly what to do with everything and spent the rest of his morning screwing nails, hammering and drilling.

Not only did Drew play with his work bench, he was a big help to Daddy this morning with all the other toys that needed a screw driver to open. I thought this was pretty cute.

And after presents, we had a nice turkey lunch, and while we waited for it to be ready, Grandpa and Drew had some fun in the kitchen.  They were pretty cute together.

Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful presents for Hannah and Drew, they absolutely love everything and are appreciative of your thoughtfulness.  We hope everyone had as Merry of a Christmas as we did.

Twas the Night Before Christmas... and all through the House

We have had a busy few days, getting ready for Santa's arrival.   It's finally Christmas Eve and we have had a wonderful days with Todd's Dad, and spending time with friends new and old.   This morning we started off the day with a children's Christmas mass at a church in Buckhead with our new friends Holly & Zach and their girls, and Carolyn and Bo, and their kids as well. It was a beautiful church, and they did a great job explaining christmas to the kids with a lived nativity scene, and even a camel and donkey in the church. The kids loved it.

On the way home, we passed by a house in in Brookhaven neighborhood section of Buckhead with the multi-million dollar homes, and of course, there was that one house you just had to stop at. They had about 200 inflatables in their front yard. Cars were going up and down this beautiful neighborhood and people like us were getting out to take pictures. I am sure the neighbors love these people.

Hannah and Grandpa John after church pose for a picture.

After lunch we let Hannah and Drew open gifts from The Renick family and the Kourkoules family. As you can see, they both loved their gifts. Hannah has already watched her new favorite movie Beethoven 2x now.

And Drew, he loved his new shark bike helmet from the Kourkoules family. Clearly, he wouldn't take it off as he opened his other gifts.

In the evening we had the Jarrett family over for christmas even dinner. The kids all had a great time, and Drew didn't bite Blake or Luke, so we consider that a success.

The elves worked hard this year, they delivered the gifts, and are all excited for Hannah and Drew to enjoy their Christmas morning. This is a little sneak preview of Drew & Hannah's morning to come.

Drew is totally obsessed with Home Depot. And since he hears us talk about it all the time, and watches his dad fix things around the house, he is always pretend playing he has a hammer or screw driver, we know he will love this new little home depot work bench.

No doubt Hannah will be excited about her Barbie Dream house, it was number 1 on her list for Santa, oh and her super hero cape.. can't forget that.

Merry Christmas everyone!! Hoping your home is blessed with laughter, love, smiles this Christmas.

Macy's Pink Pig, Atlanta 2011

Priscilla the Pink Pig

Our Pig Train Riders.

Before our visit to Santa, we hit the real attraction in town. We visited Buckhead's Lennox mall and went for a ride on the Pink Pig. Apparently this is quite the Atlanta Christmas tradition as every parent has told us that we need to go, and I heard about it before we even moved here, that makes it famous right? So, after an hour in line, we finally made it into the very very pink tent, with pink walls, pink lights, pink pig train rides, and well, just a lot of pink. Hannah was in heaven, Drew was making snorting sounds for about an hour. It was super cute and the kids loved it. Of course, we could not leave empty handed without the stuffed Animal Priscilla the Pig and Tree Ornament.   One week before Christmas, we still have Atlanta's Botanical Garden Christmas Light display on our list.    Trying to fit in all this fun is tiring! :) 

Santa Claus 2011

We found Santa today at Lennox Mall in Buckhead today. Hannah was SOOOOO excited. The look on her face was pure joy, and the same face she has when she is laughing at Drew. I think she thought it was funny that Drew was not too happy about meeting Santa. Perhaps it is because he knows he is on the naughty list lately?   When we were walking up to see him, Drew was waving saying "hi Santa, hi". Then it was time to sit on his lap, it was all over from there. Hannah, the brave sole brought her letter to Santa with her and proceeded to read it to Santa while on her lap. She let him know she wanted a Barbie Dream house and a super hero cape.  I think Santa can handle those requests, after all, she has been a good girl this year :)   There were a lot of good laughs watching families getting there pictures taken, over 90% of the families had at least one screaming kid in Santa's lap. Not sure why we do this to them, but makes for some funny photos :)

Drew's toddler room.

Drew finally figured out how to get himself out of his crib, so we bought him a little toddler bed to tide him over until he gets a real big boy room, well.. maybe it tides us over. I wasn't in the mood to buy new mattress, bed etc.. so this will due for now. Needless to say, Drew was really excited about this today!! Tonight will be his test run. Todd is at Target right now buying a gate for his room to keep him in there, anyone that knows Drew knows he doesn't stay still for long... wish us luck tonight. I remember being so nervous the first night Hannah was in a big bed, and heard a few thumps through the night where I had to go in there and put her back in her bed after falling out. This little bed is close to the ground, he won't have far to fall :)   I can't believe we are not crib free in the house, sniff sniff.  Let the night time games begin! I have a feeling I am going to be one tired mama tomorrow.

A Christmas filled weekend of fun!

This weekend was a busy but fun one. Todd's niece Ashley graduated from college this weekend ( yeah, congrats) so Todd and his dad headed to Tampa, FL for the weekend to celebrate. The kids and I had a great time, and they were really good for me. Saturday Hannah went to a birthday party at the Atlanta puppetry for the Arts and saw the show Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, which was adorable.
And then Sunday, Hannah and her little buddy Maddie, and Maddies Mom Holly and I took the girls out to lunch then to see Madeline's Christmas as the Atlanta Children's Theatre. The play was adorable, and we had such a wonderful time catching up with Holly and Maddie. The girls are so sweet together, they hugged and held hands most of the day with giggles.

And least but not last, the Christmas fun didn't end when we get home from the play. We spent the rest of the afternoon and into evening making cookies and goodies to hand out to the neighbors. Clearly, we had a reindeer theme going. Peanut butter Rudoplh cookies it was. Hannah loved going to all the neighbors houses, visiting our new friends and handing out the cookies. And of course, while we were at our neighbors door, Drew just took off running in their house, up their stairs and gave himself a self guided tour. It is a good thing our neighbor Bill knows how crazy Drew is and seems to love him anyway :)

We have another batch of cookies to get through this weekend, and I think the holiday baking will be over until next year.   And this coming weekend, we told Hannah we would finally go and visit Santa so she can tell him what she wants for Christmas. She just told me this morning that she wants a Barbie and Ken Dream house that looks like the one from Toy Story :) Oh, and a super hero cape. Can't forget that one. I don't think her christmas would be complete without that cape, she has been talking about it for months now.   And, not to be forgotten, this weekend we are going to celebrate Christmas atlanta style and take the kids to ride the pink pig train at Macy's at Lennox mall. We are told it is the thing to do... guess you have to try everything once!

We hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season as much as we are!!

A stop at Potty Junction.

Tonight Drew got onboard with his favorite book "Chugga Chugga Poo Poo" and went pee and poo on the big potty! Yes, I actually wrote  that down.   I can't believe how excited I am because I am sooooo over diapers! Drew has been sitting on the potty for over a month now with no action. Tonight were were in the kitchen and Hannah went potty and all the sudden Drew said "I gotta go mommy" the next thing I know he was pulling his pants off, taking his diaper off, ran to the potty, sat down and there he went all on his own. Then, he looked up at me and said "mommy, I did it, I got on the potty train".  So proud of my little guy, he is growing up!   Dad came home and brought him a new toy for his first time on the potty, here is Drew with his new Kung Fu Panda wrestling toy... just what Drew needed :)

It's staring to look a lot like Christmas

There isn't snow on the ground, we went Christmas Tree shopping in flip flops, and Drew is wearing shorts, but... it is still feeling like Christmas. We finally got the tree up tonight after a really busy weekend and a lot of hard work trying to decorate our new home.   The kids are excited, we are excited.... we are a final countdown with the advent calendar, and mostly important, the elf is on the shelf.  The kids did a great job decorating the tree, and Dad did a great job of working on the lights on the outside. 

It was too hard to get a picture of everything, we indeed.. this year we went all out and bought an animated light up deer for our yard, never thought I would be a proud owner of animated yard decor, but we do live in the south now... so totally appropriate.

We are excited for our first Christmas in Atlanta  in our new home. We are finally starting to put some personal touches on the house and it is feeling more and more like home each day. I was driving to work on Friday morning and realized it was one year ago this very weekend I came to Altanta for interviews, then realized it was 13 years ago this very same weekend I was in Mpls for interviews at Target.  As I sat in Atlanta traffic, I looked around and saw the sun shining, tall pine trees and realized it is all going to be ok. The night before I had drinks with a new girl friend that I adore, over the weekend I ran into people we knew at Home Depot and Target, which felt comforting that I am now "running into people" out and about not feeling I like don't know anyone here. Saturday night we were able to have dinner with my best friend from high school and her family that were in town passing through and today.. we spent the day getting ready for Christmas and met  up with the Jarrett family at church for sleigh rides, reindeer visits, smores and a petting zoo. We are busier than we have ever been, in a good way, and enjoying life.  Sometimes, taking chances in life are worth it. There is a lot of fun in meeting new friends, catching up with old friends, and experiencing a little bit of the south each day.   What a difference a year makes...

The Future of Home Depot

What's a Saturday morning these days with out a trip to The Home Depot. this weekend we went to the Kids Workshop the Home Depot puts on the first weekend of every month for the kids to build something. Hannah and Drew both love going, and more than anything love wearing their aprons and earning pins for all their projects.   They built snow man  napkin holders and both did a great job.

Even Drew was able to get in on the action with a little help from Dad. He worked hard putting the stickers on the snowman to decorate it. 

Little Hannah our craft expert didn't need any help, she was a pro.  We are already looking forward to going back next month for their next project!

Thanksmas 2011

Over the last few years it has become the Dice family tradition to celebrate Thanksmas. With us not wanting to travel for both holidays, and be able to spend some time with the kids at home too, this has become a great solution, and celebration.   It's perfect, 5-7pm Thanksgiving time, 7-9pm Christmas time. All is said and done in day's time, with football on tv to top it off.   Grandma made a delicious thanksgiving dinner, with all the tastes of home, and Granpda did his best being silly for the kids.  Above is a picture of the cousins, Hannah, Drew, Jacob and Lucas.   Hannah and Lucas became little buddies playing together and having so much fun. Drew did his best to not bite anyone, he came close.. we left the trip with only a few assaults to his cousins.

Drew loved opening his presents, and is starting to figure out what all this Christmas stuff is about. One of his favorites was his "home depot" leaf blower with goggles. He wouldn't put it down all night, it was a huge hit.

Hannah loved playing with her new ride on toy from Jeff and Nikki, she has loved scooting all around the drive way. We are excited to be able to play all year round now.. even though it is calling for flurries in Atlanta this week... brr. 

And finally, Hannah and Drew with Grandma and Grandpa.   They had such a great time and always end up being so sad when we leave. Hannah and Drew are already asking when we will see them again.

Thanks so much to everyone for a great Thanksgiving weekend, We enjoyed seeing everyone and we loved spending time together. Happy Thanksmas!

Sandestin Weekend Getaway - Day 3

Our last day on the beach was in the mid 70's, sunny and really really windy. The perfect temperature, just needed that wind to slow down a bit. The kids played on the beach in the morning, then finally went inside for a little movie time and craft time with the girls while Drew napped, and once again the boys watched some football.

And Drew, always smiling, having fun. In the evening, we all went out to the village and had some seafood and let the kids play on the playground. They had fun and loved every minute of it.

We had a wonderful getaway, and wonderful time with the Renick family.  We are so lucky to have friends close by, and friends that enjoy the beach as much as we do!   Until next time guys!!  Thanks for a great weekend!  

Sandestin Weekend Getaway - Day 2

Day 2 was more and more fun in the sun, Hannah, Drew, Lauren and Gracie played on the beach all day. Some other kids did the hard work of digging a big hole in the sand and the kids enjoyed filling it up, and digging it out throughout the day.  Todd and Scott stayed inside to watch the Gator game while Drew napped later in the day, and in turn Amanda and I spent a little time at the outlet mall near by and picked up pizza for everyone.

I think they spent all day in this hole :)

Amanda and I put Todd and Scott in charge of sunset pictures before we left. They got some great shots of all 4 kids. They were all smiles. They must had been pretty silly to get them all smiling at the same time!

Out little miss Hannah

And not surprising, out little Drew. Still in the hole in the pm :)

Sandestin Weekend Getaway! Day 1

This weekend we went to Sandestin, Florida for our rescheduled Labor Day weekend vacation with the Renicks. As it turns it out, this was the perfect weekend after all. No one was sick, weather was good, and the perfect ending the summer and time to get away as the weather is getting cooler.   Hannah and Drew loved their trip. They were so giddy and excited the whole car ride there, yet very good passengers to our relief.  The beach was beautiful, white sands, and crystal blue/ green water, hence the name the Emerald Coast.

Drew and Hannah wasted no time at all playing in the sand. Loving every minute of building sand castles, mermaid tales, and burying feet in the sand. 

Later in the day, finally the Renick's arrived. Hannah was once again, back with her buddies Gracie and Lauren.  She was so excited to see them, and it is so fun having them so close by  ( 6 hrs close vs 20 hrs away :)   We have been lucky enough to see them more in the last 6 months than we have in the last 10 years!

Everyone who checks the blog here and there probably knows how much I love sunsets on the gulf.  It is my favorite time of the day to spend time on the beach and watch the kids run around and play.  I love to capture the colors,  and to listen to the kids say "nigh night sun" :) 

Drew watching sunset,  saying "night night, see you tomorrow"

I love the colors here... even more beautiful in person :)

Happy Halloween 2011

Happy Halloween everyone! We hope everyone had as safe and as fun Halloween as we did. Minnie Mouse and Kung Fu Panda had a great evening, and collected a lot of candy.  Our evening started with picking the kids up early as we wanted to beat the Atlanta traffic. The kids were home, fed and dressed by 5pm. They couldn't wait to get outside.   We headed outside and the kids played on the drive way with the neighbors. Around 5:30 we headed to some other neighbors who had a cook out and fire pit going with some beverages for adults too. All the kids and adults ate and chatted for awhile, until the kids got excited and were ready to take off house to house. 

Mr Kung Fu Panda definitely made sure everyone knew that he had moves and showed everyone a "hiii-yeah" everyone once in awhile. One of the neighbors went all out and decorate the whole back of their house, set up witches brew cocktails, and were dressed up all scary. Drew got all scared and I gave them a hard time about giving my kids nightmares :) It was pretty funny. Every house we went to after that Drew pointed to that house and said "scary guy over there".

I was able to get a picture with Hannah, but Drew wouldn't stand still...

I captured my three favorite people on a way to a house.

It was great to go trick or treating in the  day light, and not wearing gloves, hats and winter coats over the costumes. Last year Hannah only lasted about 35 minutes because she was so cold. This year it didn't get dark until 7:15ish, and a sweat shirt was all that was needed for the parents in the mid 60's.  And even better, we actually know most our neighbors here, we know more people here than we ever knew in Plymouth. It is nice going house to house knowing everyone and their kids. Hannah is starting to make some friends, and we are still searching for little boys for Drew :)

Happy Halloween Everyone!  

Happy Fa'll Ya'll

It's finally starting to feel like fall around here. Leaves are turning colors, and there are so many bright hues of reds, yellows and oranges in the trees, I am finally feeling the fall spirit. And today, since the first time since I have moved here, was thinking flip flops were not the best option as my toes were a bit chilly. It was a crisp 56 degrees today, sunny and windy.. it felt like 30 degrees as I have gotten used to the heat. I'll take it though, as I love fall and finally feel like I am ready for the holidays ahead.

This weekend Todd went to his annual FL/ GA football game trip with the Renicks, and I stayed back with the kids. I have to say, so far so good, they have been angels. We had a lot of fun today doing art projects, playing outside and watching old home videos of the kids, which they love to watch. They crack themselves up watching themselves as babies, it is really cute.

As you can see, we have not quite carved our pumpkins yet this year, we opted for some decorative instruments instead until closer to Halloween. I don't think we can get much closer, so tomorrow night we will be carving. We have some coyotes around our house, so I wasn't sure carved pumpkins would last too long.    We are looking forward to Halloween, Hannah will be going as Minnie Mouse, and Drew chose Kung Fu Panda. Should be fun!!