Ashebrooke Tennis Camp 2012

This week Hannah has been attending the neighborhood tennis camp. She is loving every minute of it, which makes me happy. It is 9am-12 each morning in the hot summer atlanta weather.... whew!    With some help of a part time summer nanny and neighbors, and me doing a little "working from home", we are able to get her there. She is loving meeting more friends in the neighborhood and learning to play tennis which seems to really enjoy. I have finally let myself come to terms with the fact that she has no interest in soccer, but tennis seems to be her passion along with gymnastics at the moment.  So be it... besides, tennis outfits are pretty cute right?   Above is Hannah and her little friend Kate that lives around the corner. She is one year older, and will finally be at the same school here in a few weeks.   Kate's mom and I kinda laughed this morning watching them, fast forwarding about 15 years... they looked like little adults walking onto the court, it was cute.   We are trying to get them both signed up for lessons together this fall, we'll see how it goes.

I'll post some action shots soon! I got a few this morning, just need to download.

Uncle Jeff Visits Atlanta!

Last weekend and into this week we were lucky enough to have Uncle Jeff visit us while on a work trip to Atlanta. On Sunday he came early to hang out with us. We relaxed at the pool, played with the kids and enjoyed some good bbq for dinner. The kids were so excited Uncle Jeff was here, they are still talking about it! Or as Drew refers to him "the big guy, Jeff".

While Todd was in Seattle on Tuesday evening we snuck away to meet him out for dinner at Taco Mac in Sandy Springs. Drew and Hannah of course were their rare forms at dinner, but we managed to have a nice time and catch up with each other.   It was a great visit, and we are hoping for more work trips to bring Uncle Jeff down south to hang out with us again soon!!!

Thanks Jeff for making the extra effort to see us, we loved hanging out, and the kids enjoyed it too!!

Together Again!

It has been way too long.. but a little over a year after leaving MN, we were ablet to catch up with our good friends the Cristaldi family... in Greenville, SC of all places. I can honestly say I would not had guessed we would be hanging out with Minnesota friends in Greenville, South Carolina.. but sure enough it worked perfectly. They were visiting their family in Charlotte, NC and Greenville is the half way point between Atlanta and Charlotte. So after what should had been a 2 hr drive that turned into over 3 hrs of driving due to Atlanta traffic and a bad accident, we finally got to meet up! The weather didn't cooperate but we had just as much fun meeting at Monkey Joe's and letting the kids get some energy out via bounce houses, slides, and games.   They had a great time while Bella won the jackpot and got prizes for everyone and Drew loved to try out everything in the place and learned how to play a mean game of air hockey. Hannah and Mia had their own fun playing too!

After Monkey Joes we headed downtown and ate dinner at our favorite pizza place Mellow Mushroom. It was a success minus the three spilled drinks due to Drew.The kids all had a good time after a little warming up to each other after not seeing each other for such a long time.  It was so good to see them and catch up on life.   We are hoping they are more frequent visitors to Charlotte so we can meet up again soon!  thanks so much cristaldi family for taking on the drive to see us. We really enjoyed our time together!!

Sandestin, Florida Weekend Getaway!

This weekend we went to Sandestin, FL for an extended 4th of July weekend. While we were warned on how exactly crowded 4th of July was in Destin, we forged ahead anyway seeking a little time away. We arrived on Thursday to a beach that you could hardly walk on there were so many people. Jaws hitting the ground we looked at each other like... what did we do? After the initial shock, life got better real quick. We found our friends down the beach at the Hilton who had beach chairs, a "spot" and a great swimming pool and let the kids have fun. As they had a blast we thought, this will be fine... and it was. The next most of the crowd had cleared to leave for the week and Saturday was even better.

Overall, we had a great time and really enjoyed our time away with no agenda and little to do but relax and play with the kids. Hannah and Drew absolutely loved playing with Maddie and Lily through the week, and if you ask then what their favorite part of the trip was, you get a response of "Maddie and Lily". We are so glad that it all worked out the we could spend time together.

As I loaded these pictures, they are not in the best of order, but capture the majority of our fun. Above is Maddie and Hannah having fun after dinner one night between playing volleyball and soccer on the beach.

Drew and Lily were two peas in a pod. Drew would get his little hyper self going, and Lily was right there beside him ready to mimic his every move. It was pretty cute how much they laughed and played together. The little conversations the two of them had together were priceless.

Beyond all the nigh time fun, we made the most of the beach too. Hannah and Drew played in the sand, Hannah spent a lot of time building sand castles while Drew quickly crushed them. ( no fights there).

We welcomed Maddie into the world of mermaid tales. Hannah and Maddie thought it was pretty funny. We attempted the same with Drew and Lily, but they thought it was more fun to punch their little feet through the sand before we could ever get the tail finished.

More beach time while the neighbors on the beach dug a big hole... they couldn't want to play in it.

And finally our last night there, we were at Baytown Wharf having dinner that took way too long, so we entertained Drew with walks down the dock, and was that ever a hit?!? He LOVED looking at all the big boats, and was able to feed the fish too which he got a big kick out of.

And how best to finish vacation but with some bungee jumping for a 2 yr old? Hannah asked if she could do the bungee/ trampoline and of course, Drew was asking too. He told him that we weren't sure if he was big enough. Calmly he said ok. Then I found out he was over the weight limit to jump by about 3 lbs, and when I told him... well, it was better than Santa Claus. Drew was jumping up and down, yelling, screaming, laughing and shaking with joy of being able to do "what the big kids do". Our fearless Drew was brave and went up really high too. If you look closely, he has a pretty big smile on this face. However, he did say that is made his tummy hurt a little.

We were just so excited that our generally fearful Hannah wanted to do something with a little adventure it. She was great and did not get scared at all. Maddie did it next to her and they were all giggles. We were happy to see each of them having so much fun!!

After bungee jumping, we headed off the get our last ice cream cone of vacation and little Drew and Lily staring holding hands giggling and running off. It was pretty darn cute.

And finally, out last family photo of the trip after dinner.

We had a great quick little away. I think next time we may try to avoid the week of 4th of July, but we certainly we will be back at some point for some more fun.

Hope everyone had a great 4th of July and great weekend!!!

Happy 4th of July 2012!

Happy 4th of July everyone!!! We have had a great one so far and we hope you have too! Today we went to the neighborhood 4th of July party at the pool. It started with a parade of all the kids in their red,white and blue on their bikes, trikes and wagons. We opted to not walk in the parade this year, but to set up a sprinkler at our house and throw lollipops and smarties to everyone passing by. We think it was a big hit and Hannah and Drew got a kick out of passing out parade candy to everyone! Todd has the music going, and we were able to cool everyone off with the sprinkler!

After the parade we all met up at the pool for swimming, snacks and pool games. Not surprising, Drew and Hannah entered to 10 and under splash contest off the diving board. Drew was the only kid in the contest under the age of 5, but did a great job anyway. Hannah shocked all of us by doing a big cannon ball, and Drew watched the older kids do some crazy splash techniques and attempted some of this own. It was pretty fun. Hannah joined the other kids and was diving for pennies on the bottom of the pool while Drew was a little bummed he couldn't quite do that yet .

Now, we are back... packing for our trip to Destin, FL for the weekend. We have never hit the beach in the summer, I guess we will soon see how crowded and hot this will really be. Wish us luck for some fun!!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July!!!

Sizzle.... Sweat.. Swim... Sizzle

It was a hot one this weekend, really hot. I know Atlanta, was not the only place on the map with high temperatures this weekend, but whoa... 102-108 degrees this weekend was nothing to dismiss. The weather did not completely slow us down though. On friday night, all the younger families in the neighborhood got together for a pot luck dinner at the pool with the kids. I didn't manage to take any pictures as I spent the majority of my evening making sure Drew wasn't drowning or causing trouble with the older kids. Every time I turned around he was trying to do all the things the  "older"  ( 6-8 yr olds) were doing including wild dives off the diving board and an intense game of pickle.  Once I removed Drew from pickle, everyone seemed much happier. Apparently Drew doesn't know the difference between pickle and football quite yet.

Saturday went to the North Hampton swimming pool with Holly, Zach, Bo and Carolyn. The kids as always had a great time. Their pool has a slide, which the kids absolutely loved. I think Drew started the new trend of 2 yr olds going down the slide by them selves, the kid has no fear, and had to biggest smile on this face the whole time. Hannah and Maddie also went down the slide about 80 times each. After wards, we went back to Holly and Zach's house for some pizza while the kids washed off and watched a movie. We left their house at 8:30, the live 3 miles away and both kids were asleep when we got home and didn't wake up until almost 9am this morning. I think we need to do that more often!!

Of course, pictured above.. Drew is the only one in the picture not under control, god help us. Who knows what is in store for us.

Post pool before we left, we attempted to get a picture of the kids in their jammies as we were saying good-bye. Madde and Hannah did a good job cooperating. We started to lose the little ones.

And here is the duo, Maddie and Hannah. They are so cute together, and so similar in personality.. they make cute friends!!!

Thursday we leave for the Destin, FL for a long weekend. We can't wait and are hoping for good weather! Holly, Zach, Maddie and Lily will be there too, they are staying one condo over from us. They are surprising the girls and not telling them we are going to be there, it should be a fun surprise, and I know Hannah and Drew are going to love their play mates on the beach!! We can't wait!

Happy Father's Day 2012!

Finally, it arrived. The ultimate grill/ smoker that Todd has always dreamed of "The Big Green Egg" is living right here on our deck. Within 2 hours of it's arrival yesterday, Todd was already smoking up a "boston butt" for some delicious pulled pork. And I must say, the green egg living up to it's legendary smoking skills today, the pulled pork was seriously delicious. Tender, moist, smoked pulled pork, I think Todd was in heaven. Someone else in our house was just excited.. Drew who's favorite foods consists of pulled pork, ribs and steak was yelling in to kitchen "mmmmm this is awesome,  I love pork" as he was eating handfuls of it. So Happy Father's Day to Todd today!!!  He only waited a few years for this grill, living here in Atlanta, this seemed like a staple in most of our neighbors and friends houses, we had to indulge. I can't wait for many many more meals from the green egg, and definitely can't wait for thanksgiving, everyone tells us the smoked turkey is an Atlanta thanksgiving tradition. Might be time for us to host a Turkey day!

While I wasn't able to get a picture of Todd and both kids today, I did seem to sneak on of Todd and Drew at the pool today.   We had a nice time relaxing in the sun, letting the kids swim and chat with neighbors.

And here is Hannah, wanted her picture by herself.

Thank you Todd for being an amazing father. Who always makes the kids laugh, play a good game of hide and seek, teaches them everything from riding bikes to swinging the baseball bat all with patience. I couldn't ask for better husband and father. Thank you, and I love you so much.

Mother's Day Celebration Weekend!

After a long yet enjoyable work week in San Diego, this weekend I was able to enjoy my mother's day gift that Todd, Zach and Bo pulled together for Holly, Carolyn and myself. It was most definitely worth the wait! The boys were so incredibly sweet and thoughtful and planned a night full day and night for us at the St Regis Hotel in Buckhead, which was quite fancy and a beautiful hotel. We checked in around 3pm Saturday and headed straight to the pool.   The pool area felt more like a tropical resort and you definitely did not feel like you were in Atlanta anymore. Tons of relaxing pool side and drinking wine for the afternoon was on our agenda. Half way into our afternoon, I look up at the pool to find the president of home depot.com poolside as well, always fun to run into your boss's boss in a swim suit after a few glasses of wine. We chatted, laughed, then did a good job of ignoring each other the rest of the afternoon :)

After the pool, we cleaned up and attended to the dinner reservation the boys made for us at a tapas restaurant in Buckhead, it was great food and fun atmosphere!  Afterwards we headed back to the hotel, visited the wine bar then went back to room and fell asleep to a movie. It was as relaxing as it gets and just the perfect afternoon. No kids, no responsibilities, just quiet girl time. I think we already determined this might be an annual event, not sure how they could top it for next year?

 When we arrived in the room, the had a bouquet for flowers for each of us, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and lot of sweet and salty snacks for us to indulge in, and of  course we did :)

We couldn't ask for better husbands that were so thoughtful to do this for us. The perfect vacation right here in town. We loved it!  Thank you for the quiet time, the relaxation and treating us so well!!

Drew Field - In progress

It's about time little Drew gets a decorated room of his own. Drew has yet to really have a decorated room, and even his nursery was pretty plain and simple. Since living in Atlanta he went from crib to toddler bed which lasted 2 weeks at best, to having a queen size mattress pushed against a wall with a Thomas the train blanket. So finally, Drew got his "big boy" room today. Todd spent all day assembling his bed, and a night strand, as well as putting things on the wall. We still have a few things to go, but all in all, Drew is a happy little guy. And finally, tonight was the easiest he has even gone to sleep, with a big smile on his face. 

We will get some room shots soon once all the pictures are up, but here is Drew standing on his new bed, under his score board that Todd made for him. We still need to fill in the "game score" but mostly finished. Todd worked pretty hard on this, and I think he had fun doing it. Drew thinks is is pretty cool!

As you can see, we clearly went with a baseball theme. Still need to put a picture int he frame, but we hung up a red shelf for his baseball caps and as Drew calls him " baseball bat guy" statue is on top of the shelf.   More to come, but we are excited the kids are finally getting their rooms completed, even if it is a year later. Good things come to those who wait right? :)

Other than that, it was a bit if a rainy day today which made a good day for house projects. Yesterday Todd went to Jimmy Buffet, and I unfortunately forfeited my ticket to one of his friends so I didn't have to stand on my broken toes all night. I took the kids to see Madagascar III, and went for ice cream, we had a good time.

The next two weeks are busy for this house. I am off to San Diego this week for work, then celebrating my mother's day gift next Sat night with my girlfriends in downtown Atlanta, then off to NY the next week but only for one night. Poor Todd might need a few cold beers by the time I am back in town. Wish him luck.

Atlanta Style - Match Point

I quickly learned that Tennis in Atlanta is what Hockey is to Minnesotans. It's a sport here yet, but also a social scene as well. It amazes me how the talk of the pool revolves around Tennis, the leagues, the parties, the fancy food, the wine that is brought to eat and drink after tennis. Definitely a lifestyle here in the south. I also love that the neighborhood women's league plays at 9:30am on Thursday, apparently tennis is not for working moms?! Maybe one day I'll get to join :)

At any rate, Hannah has seemed to be really interested in tennis lately and wanted to take lessons, as some of her little friends at school have taken lessons. She has been practicing every night and had her first lesson today. She loved it! We have the help of a nanny on Mondays so the kids can stay home and have some fun and go swimming and play tennis. They loved their day today, I was so happy to see them have fun!!