James' 3rd Birthday Video

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY JAMES!!!

What a Difference a Year Makes

It's summer and you know what that means - VACATION!!!  We recently went on our annual pilgrimage to Bethany Beach and this time, we brought reinforcements: Grandma and Grandpa Q.  Our vacations to Bethany have become a staple in this family that date back to 2006.  We have created many memories in this beautiful beach town and this year was no exception.  If you recall, last year was fun, but a bit tough with our 1-year old toddler.  I think I said something along the lines of "Vacationing with a toddler is not really relaxing.  It really is just a change of scenery." So, so true.

Well, this year was (thankfully) a lot different.  Not only was James a year old and wiser, but we had two extra sets of hands which made all the difference.  Here's a peek into our week at the shore:

Day 1:  We're Here!
We arrived the night before and woke up to a beautiful, sunshiny day.  This day was not only our first day on vacation, but also (and more importantly) Lucy's 5th Birthday!!!!  Our little girl turned 5 and was showered with gifts including a new Floyd doll (red loofa) and lots of treats.

After the birthday celebration, we grabbed some breakfast at The Cottage Cafe and then headed to the grocery store to stock up on food for the week.  The Grandparents arrived a little later in the day and after a quick unloading of the car, we headed to the pool.  Our little guppy had a blast in the pool making for a perfect day 1 of vacation.

Day 2: Beach Bound

We woke up to another gorgeous day in Bethany and decided to head to the beach.  Last year's beach experience was not a great one.  We lasted a total of 90 minutes and they were filled with sand in the mouth and eyes, fly-away umbrellas and insulin pump malfunctions.  Not cute.  This year was much better.  We didn't pack light (do we ever?), but we wanted to be prepared for any and all situations.  

Upon arrival, all James could say was "Water! Water! Water!"  Ed immediately took him to the ocean's edge and they stood there for 30+ minutes.  James LOVED how the water felt on his toes - especially when the water pulled back and his feet sunk into the sand. 

After the fascination waned, he spent some serious time making sand castles with Grandpa who is the utmost expert in all things sand.  Especially sand bridges!  Remarkably, we lasted 3 whine-free hours - a miracle in my book.  Before heading back to the house for a nap, we grabbed some ice cream from Kohr's which I think that was Jame's favorite part.  

That night, we headed back into town for a delicious seafood dinner at The Blue Crab Restaurant followed by some time on the playground.  It was truly the quintessential beach day!

Day 3: Beach Bound Part 2

Since our first day on the beach was such a success, we decided to try to replicate it.  

Same strategy.  

Different results.  

The awe of the beach that captured James on the previous day seemed to have worn off.  It wasn't all bad, but after 2 hours it was time to go home and grab a nap.  The afternoon/night was low key and included a bike ride to a new, local playground.  Nothing makes James happier than the sight of a slide.  

Day 4: Dogfish and Date Night

I'm not going to lie.  This may have been my most favorite day and it's not because we got a much needed break from our rambunctious 2-year old.  :)  This was the day that we got to sample beer.  Dogfish Head beer to be exact.  

Ed and I visited the Dogfish Head Brewery a few years back and had such a great time that we had to go back again - and bring Grandpa along with us.  Grandma and James spent the morning home (watching endless hours of Elmo!) while we headed to Milton, DE to check out the Dogfish digs. Since our last visit, the company invested something like $20 million in the facility and it showed.  The tasting room was updated as was the warehouse and bottling plant.  Our tour guide was great as were the 4 free samples.  My new favorite - Saison du Buff. 

Part two of Day 4 was date night for Ed and I.  We kissed James goodnight and made our way to Rehoboth for dinner at the Cultured Pearl Restaurant and Sushi Bar and a walk around town.  It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!

Day 5: Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

We had another birthday to celebrate while in Bethany - Grandpa's!  It was present time as soon as breakfast was over and James was ready to help out.  Grandpa got some great stuff and James got to play with wrapping paper and tissue.  A win-win!  After presents, Grandma and Grandpa escaped headed to Ocean Downs and we went for a bike ride in Rehoboth.  The day ended with bubbles, a big Italian dinner (Grandpa's favorite!) and birthday cake. Happy Birthday Grandpa!!

Day 6: Last Day

Our last day in Bethany was actually spent in Rehoboth trolling walking the boardwalk. Our main goal was to bring James to Funland so that he could go on the rides.  It would have been good if we checked the website to see when they opened because we were there several hours prior.  In James' words, "Awww, Nuts!" We did manage to play some carnival games and scored James two teddy bears so it was a win in our book.  After making our way through town, we found a park with a playground and tables for our picnic lunch.  Score!  The day ended with a failed attempt at some pool time hence the screaming photo below.  It was on that note that we packed up the car and headed out of dodge.  

It really was a great trip and we were so, so happy that Grandma and Grandpa were there with us.  I love that we continue to create new memories at the beach and I hope that the tradition continues in the future.  Happy Summer!!

Happy 2nd Birthday James!

Two year have gone by since our sweet little boy joined our family and changed our lives forever.  Never before did Ed and I know what love was until we saw that little face at 11:09 am on March 1, 2012.  Now we sit here, 2 years later with a bustling toddler who loves to smile, dance and play.  He is truly the love of our lives and we want to wish him the happiest 2nd Birthday ever!

Last year, we made a video to highlight his first year and decided to make it a tradition so here you have our little buddy James - year 2.

Enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!!

The Scary Age

I hit my own milestone over the weekend when I turned 35 - my official scary age.  It brings on memories of this (Warning: Expletive in the scene so lower the volume if at work!):

Age 25 seems like forever ago.  A decade to be exact.  I took a quick peek at my 2003 photo album to see what the heck I was doing 10 years ago.  Here's what I found:

Lots of hanging out with friends and my sister at concert tailgates and bars.  Definitely fun.

Fast forward 10 years and this is where I am at now:

Not so scary. :)

The birthday weekend was fan-tab-ulous!  It all started on my Birthday Eve with dinner and cake at the Q house.  Between the ice cream cake and the awesome gifts, I felt like a very lucky girl.

The morning of my 35th birthday began with hugs and giggles from my little man who then showered me with tons of awesome gifts.  Not a bad bounty - thank you Bubs!!

After a morning nap, we packed ourselves up and headed to Old Town Alexandria to enjoy the gorgeous day and grab some lunch.  This has become a little tradition for us as we hit Old Town last year on my birthday.  The big difference is our little man.  Last year James snoozed the day away in his car seat:

This year, he was a bundle of energy as we dined at Pizzeria Paradiso.  This kid LOVES to sit in a high chair at a restaurant and eat.  He truly puts on a show!

After lunch, we strolled up and down King Street, browsing in the many adorable shops that line the street.  James managed the brick sidewalk like a champ!

 

 

The day ended in Founders Park where we checked out the duckies and boats. James even made a new special friend (don't tell Lucy!) and had a ball walking on the green grass.

 

 

 

 

All in all, it was a great birthday.  I'm not sure why I chose 35 to be my scary age, but with my boys and my Lucy at my side, things don't seem so scary afterall.