Turks and Caicos

We couldn't take it anymore, just couldn't take it!  The cold and snow and ice and boots and gloves and coats and salt for snow removal coating everything and the lack of Vitamin D and on and on.  We knew Lance's mom was coming to spend some time with us so after she graciously agreed to stay back in the cold we booked a trip to Turks and Caicos.  

We left JFK at 7 am and looked like this by 130 pm -- a direct 3.5 hour flight cannot be beat

I've never seen more beautiful water than here, it even beat Bora Bora.  It was shockingly clear.

The view from the lobby

Hanging with my BFF

There were beautiful flower like this EVERYWHERE

We scooted one day to see more of the island.  I only drove around a parking  lot because I was too nervous to actually drive on the road.  The cars drive on the opposite side of the road as the US because it is a British owned island.

My vice -- I drank WAY TOO MUCH, but I did manage to work out twice -- a record for me on vacay!

We had the best time on this boat, there was a diving board at the top and we jumped off into the beautiful water, it was rather high but so fun!  There was also fresh conch and the captain made a delicious ceviche, I wanted to eat pounds of it, but was only offered a small bowl.

Lance did a little snorkeling, I opted out this time.  Turks has the 3rd largest corral reef after Australia  and Belize.

Our last night there -- we were sad but missing the girls terribly and ready to come home and see them

7 Things I love

Bella, for your 7th birthday 7 things I love about you:

1) your creativity

2) your sensitivity

3) the way you tell me every single detail about your school days the minute you step off the bus

4) the wonderful friend you are to Lyla

5) you are a peacemaker

6) the way your face lights up anytime you receive a gift -- large or small

7) the way you write I love Mama on EVERYTHING 

Bella, you continue to be a wonderful blessing to our family.  I am, as always, extremely grateful God chose me to be your mother!

One thing I wanted to remember about this birthday that wasn't so exciting is one of your friends brought a bug to the party and the following week nearly every little girl (and many of the parents) that came had an awful stomach bug (including your daddy and me).  Somehow, though, you avoided it.  Not the best favor to send home, but it was still a magical day for you and that was what really mattered.

Happy 7th my sweet Bella

Theme: Obviously My Little Pony

The star of the party

Daddy made this beautiful fruit platter -- other food was fries, chicken nuggets and cones from Chicken Joes YUM!

Mommy made the rainbow, it didn't turn out exactly as I had pictured, but I was please nonetheless

The room ready for the little monkeys to arrive

Lilly, Brooke, Vanessa and the birthday girl

Noelle, Skylar, Daisy, Shayne and Isla

SURPRISE -- all the children were delighted with the rainbow cake

Merry Christmas from the Perdues

I was quite pleased with the 2013 Perdue Christmas card.  Each year we try to be creative and come up with a fun theme and this year was a hit, I love it when so many people, even friends of those who have received our card tell me ours was the favorite.  Now on to thinking up something for 2015.  Cheers!

Just a quick thought of Lyla

Some mornings when I drop Lyla off at school my heart just aches, this morning was one of those mornings.  She's thriving and learning so much, and is very happy, however I can't help but miss her little face.  I am super excited because at the beginning of the year I am going to start picking her up on more of a 1/2 day schedule and I can't wait to get some time back with her.

13 Years

13 years ago today was the absolute worst day of my entire life.  I hope and pray I will never experience such a day again.  I try to not be fearful about it, but at times fear grips me when I think about ever losing someone close to me again.  I miss my sister and my cousin so very much.  Most of the time I can push it out of my mind and not give it much thought.  If it lingers too long in my mind I can barely stand the ache in my heart sometimes.  I know I've said before that this time of year is always a hard one for me and this was no exception.  I always tend to get way out of whack about a month from the anniversary and can't quite put a finger on why until I realize Dec 2nd is about to rear it's ugly head.  On December 2nd I can't push it out of my mind quite as easily because every time I look at the calendar it SCREAMS at me loudly -- this is the day Jill and Melodee died.  No chance to say goodbye, no last laughs, no last hugs, kisses, cuddles.  It wasn't fair, I'll never understand why, but am thankful it's not permanent and the pain I feel today will one day eternally be replaced with the joy of spending eternity together with Jesus.

Busy Time of Life

We've had quite a busy end of the year and as a result I haven't been blogging nearly as often I was would like to.  I think with both girls now in school its so different as well and since I'm not as home as much I don't consider the blog as often.  Also, with Instagram I just pop a picture up of what we're doing and wa-la it's done, like a little mini blog post.  However, it isn't as good of a record keeper, I realize.  I am hoping to soon have all the last year published into a book so I can keep it forever.  Such wonderful memories this blog contains.  I don't really know what direction it is taking, but I'm certainly not quitting it, just taking more breaks at this time in my life.

Birthday Party Pics

We had Lyla's birthday at a local playground and boy was it ever a HIT.  Aside from the few we've had at home with just family I will say its one of the simplest parties I've ever thrown.  I chose this playground because it is fenced, has a lot of different play options including a giant wooden playhouse, has a picnic area and indoor bathrooms.  Very little planning or preparation was put into the entire process, I wanted to seriously simplify and was more than pleased with the outcome.  I opted to use the piñata contents and a balloon for every child as favors (the children were just as thrilled with this as with the time I labored over favor bags, etc).   It was so nice to not worry and fret over games, crafts, tons of food, on and on and on.  The only "station" I had was letting each child choose a tattoo and having Lance put it on.  The theme was "Lalaloopsy" per Lyla's request for the entire last year, she loved all the decor and her uber talented Nana made her a darling birthday shirt she adores.  We are great friends with most of the parents of her friends so all the adults hung out and talked while the kids ran wild with free entertainment.  It was a simply perfect day!

side note: the only thing that was a bit over the top was the amazing cake, I'm a bit obsessed with fabulous birthday cakes for the girls now that I've found this lady who makes them beautifully, deliciously and affordably-ish :).

My 2 little ladies

The darling and delicious cake.  I was crazy over the LalaLyla part.

A small glimpse of the playground

When did she turn 5.

My precious little baby girl is now FIVE.YEARS.OLD.  How did that happen so quickly?  I often "fuss" at her for growing up and kindly request that she STOP IT.  Her response is generally "mommy, I can't God makes me".  She continues to be a pure delight, the perfect measure of sass and sweetness our family needs.  This is her first full day year at school, she is thriving.  I love to see her developing and becoming more independent.  She is a wonderful friend and continues to have the best disposition, assets God gave her that will be used to draw others to Him.  She also is my feisty one, that little thing has a temper and although I must correct her when she gives her to impulsivity, most of the time it is just so stinkin' cute I want to laugh.  

Lyla Gracie -- mommy loves you to the end of of the coutin', just like Grandma Dodd used to say.  I love you so much it literally makes me ache.  Words fail me when I try to capture how absolutely blessed and grateful I am to God for giving me you -- precious, sweet, darling, scrumptious YOU!

Hearing test

5 year old check up

Last night of being 4.  She never uses covers --- just like her daddy.

Those pigtails are delicious

A glimpse into her sense of humor

First Day of School Skirt

One of the back to school traditions I've implemented with Bella is seeing how many years she can wear the little polka dot skirt below for her first day.  I have to give a shout out here to Mini Boden clothing, it is durable and quality and even after 3 years still looks brand new.

4 years old -- Nursery School

5 years old - Greenwich Spanish School

6 years old -- Cos Cob Elementary