Hilton Head, South Carolina

We had such a great trip in Hilton. Lots of driving, time at the beach, amazing sunrises and sunsets, and listening to Brady annoy the kids. HUGE thanks to my parents for footing the bill for the condo - which was great. Located only a block from the beach, it had a game room, 2 pools, and wildlife right outside our deck. All these pictures were literally taken 5 feet from our deck. I still can't get over the wild alligators just roaming around.

The first night we got there we had a "party" watching the Badgers in the Final Four. Although they lost, it was fun to have Tom & Sue there and really made it an event.

 

I can't get enough of my camera - seriously though, I worry about my kids hating me one day for taking so many pictures. Oh well, it'll be worth it.

He is getting so BIG. Such a young man.

 

Gracie has can be really moody and often need things done her way. And her attitude will just pop up when you least expect it. We were driving in the car the other day, and she was totally happy. Eric asked her, “Gracie, did you have a good day with Mama?” And she replied, “ Yes. Don’t talk to me.” Eric and I looked at each other, trying to not burst out laughing. A few minutes later he asked her something else, and got the same reply. I do not understand her :)

A cute conversation with Evan:

Me (after we returned from our vacation): Evan, was everyone excited to see you at school?

Evan: Yes. Emily ran up to me and hugged me. Then she yelled for all the other girls and then things got out of control. 

Gracie had her first dental appointment (she did GREAT, although she will need braces at some point and the dentist recommended she have her tonsils removed - we will see about that). She also had her 3 year check-up and they did an eye exam. She passed with flying colors. And as you can see, she is still a goofball!

The high school had a game day a few weeks back and the kids enjoyed games, activities and meeting various community members (policemen, fireman, and a certain princess).

 

I had to drive the Triple M van in the St. Patrick's Day parade so I brought Evan along with me. He got a kick out of being in the parade, although he did say his arm got tired of waving to people he had enough smiling for the day.

Mini golfing with Evan's friend Christopher...and Gracie won the jackpot on an arcade game!

Gracie can be incredibly stubborn sometimes. Lately she won't walk to get Evan from the bus stop after school...she insists we drive, and the reason is my fault. I don't make her buckle her car seat (since we only drive about 2 miles per hour and it's about 75 yards from our house). She thinks its the best thing in the world to have the freedom. So, she asks me to roll down the window - and then she "taunts" Evan and Lily as they walk home. Oh my :)

Our Badgers are in the FINAL FOUR! It was almost too much excitement for me. We had a few small watching parties, and then the kids and I attended (with my Aunt Mary) a pep rally at the Kohl Center to welcome the team back to Madison. It was so much fun, and I may or may not have cried a few times. Love me some Bucky!

I'm a bit behind on updates, so they may be a little out of order. We've been busy with school events, family gatherings, and trying to keep up with Gracie's mood changes :)

Evan's school had a family fun night, and it really was fun. Evan could not contain his excitement. He was so happy to introduce all his friends to us and try all the events. We love his school and are very fortunate that he loves it too.

A few sweet (mostly) things Evan said yesterday...

Me: I love you to the moon and back.

Evan: I love you to Target and back.

Evan (completely out of the blue): Mama, at the end of the day I can't wait to get home and see you.

Me: Oh, that's so nice!

Evan: I can't wait to see Daddy even more.

Very sad to say that my Uncle Jim recently passed away after a long battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was a great man and will be missed, especially by Evan. Jim was always so patient and willing to play board games or listen to Evan talk about anything that interested him. He was always excited to see Jim. Here is Gracie with him on Valentine's Day where together they made cards and you can see even as she slept, she had to hold onto it.

Hanging out in mom and dad's room, watching the Olympics.

A few weeks back we attended the UW Women's Hockey game...tickets were just $1 as they were trying to break the attendance record for a women's hockey game. Not sure if they did, but we had fun. My parents and Aunt Mary went with us. Both kids were really into the game - spent most of the time cheering and dancing to the music. And of course, trying to spot Bucky. Evan now wants to play hockey but we are like NOT A CHANCE.