The Dudley Four

Monday, May 20, 2013

Beach Trip

Last week we drove down to the gulf for a week of fun in the sun! We found a great deal on a condo and decided it would be a good chance for us to get away as a family. The kids had a great time playing in the sand and splashing in the ocean. Papa and Grams were also down for a few days and we were able to spend a day with them at the beach (the ratio of 4 adults to 2 kids is much preferred to the 2 to 2 ratio we experienced the rest of the week!). In addition to playing in the sand and the waves, we rented bikes and explored the coast a bit; Big Sister and Little Bud enjoyed their time cruising in the comfort of the bike trailer. Overall it was a nice get away, but we did realize that at this stage in our life, a long weekend is probably better than a whole week at the beach (It's a lot of work keeping up with 2 littles at the beach, making sure no one gets sunburned and trying to fit in naps). After a few days, the work load is wearing and the relaxation aspect goes completely out the window. I'm not complaining though, just sharing a lesson learned. It was a fun week, watching our littles play and explore and have an all around fun time :)

playing in the sand

taking a rest in the stroller

the kids playing next to us found a crab while they were digging in the sand

Taking a ride in the bike carriage!

This girl is always making silly faces when I try to take her picture :)

sand angel!

crawling to check out the water...

crawling away from the water

helping Daddy

these two do not cooperate very well when it comes to having their picture taken!

checking out the ocean

playing on the porch

chasing a bird!

mother's day breakfast

Daddy buried her in the sand and then made her a sand car :)

Miracle Strip at Pier Park

bouncing is one of her favorite activities!

she loved the ferris wheel

Little Bud had lots of fun on the merry go round

boating through the butterfly house

more fun in the sun!

trying out the boogie board (or surf board as Big Sister called it!)

SHARK!! Thankfully it seemed sickly and wasn't interested in eating anybody!

Daddy magically turned our broken float into "Horsey Twinkle Toes"
(that will only make sense to the Peppa Pig fans out there!)

relaxing on the beach
(trying to warm up after a cold swim in the ocean)

playing kick ball

trying out Mommy's hat

enjoying our last bit of time at the beach

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Bogan Mountain

This past weekend we drove up to Bogan Mountain in north east Alabama for an informal Smith family reunion. Big Sister and Little Bud had a blast getting to know extended family members and exploring the mountain (we had a nice time as well!). Big Sister is already busy planning our return trip :) Thanks family for a great weekend!

view from the Peach Orchard

exploring

going for a ride with Grams (and Papa and Aunt Meg)

checking out the "sleeping" turkey

pine cone collection

karaoke!!

Jamie with her new friends

more karaoke and dancing fun!!

Saturday lunch

Grandpa attempting to keep warm

music

group picture

sleeping on the ride home - she was one tired girl!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Happy Birthday Big Sister!!

Big Sister celebrated her 4th birthday last week. It's so hard to believe it's been 4 whole YEARS since I was first able to kiss her sweet little baby face. And, for some reason, 4 sounds so much older than 3! She has grown and changed so much in the past year; she's lost her little baby face, and has turned into a little lady. She's friendly, fun and very helpful. She loves to socialize; the highlights of her week are story time, playgroup and music class (she tends to get a bit grumpy if we hang around the house too many days in a row). She is the BEST big sister in the world (Little Bud even got her a shirt that proudly proclaims that statement for her birthday); she loves to take care of Little Bud (she can be a little overzealous at times, but her heart is usually in the right place). Reading books is one of her favorite activities; she wants us to read them to her by the dozen! A few months ago, she stopped napping in the afternoon, so instead she has "rest time" now, where she spends an hour or so in her bed, looking at books with her book light. The park is one of her favorite places to visit; we've even started visiting random parks when we're out and about running errands, since she's always up for discovering new, fun places to play!

We love you so much sweet girl! You are the most wonderful girl in the world!! It brings unspeakable joy to our hearts to watch you grown and learn (although it would be nice if time would pass by a bit more slowly!). Happy 4th Birthday!