3,2,1....Blast Off!

It has always been Geoff's dream to see a shuttle launch and I am so happy to say that we were finally able to make that dream come true! 2 weeks ago, we made the journey to Kennedy Space Center. Watching the shuttle launch was one of the most awesome and memorable things I have ever experienced. I will definitely remember it forever and I'm so glad I was able to watch it with Geoff.

On our way to Kennedy the morning of the launch

Can you see the line of cars all the way over the hill? We were in stand still traffic for much of our trip--we were lucky to travel even 10 mph. It took us almost 3 hours to drive what would usually take 1 hour! We were hoping to see the astronauts as they prepared to board the shuttle, but because of all the traffic, we didn't make it in time.

We were so lucky to be able to watch the launch from where the media was located. This is the countdown clock that you have probably seen on TV if you have ever watched a launch. If you look closely, you can see the shuttle on the launch pad behind Geoff. We were approximately 3 miles from the pad--this is as close as anyone can be during the launch!

This was our view behind us. See the all glass building behind all the media trucks? This is where all the big wigs watched from--including former astronauts and David Letterman!

3,2,1.....

BLAST OFF!

These pictures do not even begin to do it justice. It was amazing and breathtaking--an awesome experience I will never forget. Thanks Geoff, for letting met tag along with you :)

Hanging out in Cocoa Beach after the launch--waiting for all the traffic to die down.

Of course, we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this awesome experience if it weren't for my parents and sister who took great care of Arden while we were gone. Thank you so much Nonna, Tuck-Tuck, and Auntie April--we love you so much!

Silly Girls

What should you do when you are having silly time with your little one? Take pictures, of course! I realize these pictures are not flattering of me in the least bit, but I couldn't resist posting them. Arden had the best time mimicking me--we were both laughing so much!

I can't look at these pictures without smiling and tearing up a bit. Oh how I love this little girl so much! What a blessing Arden is to our lives!

what's wrong with this picture?

Arden has an obsession with infant carriers, bouncy seats, swings--really anything that she is too small for! It never fails-if you have these items in your house, she will find them and climb in before you know it! Who needs toys when you have a car seat?!

Easter Pictures

If you have a minute, check out Drake & Drake Photography to get a sneak peak of the Easter pictures we had taken of Arden and Silas. My MawMaw gave them their Easter outfits and asked if we could get their pictures made in them--who would say no to that?! I absolutely love the pictures and can't wait to see the rest!

Easter 2010

When we were growing up, we spent every Easter that I can remember with my Grandmom and Granddad Norton. We would spend all afternoon hunting for eggs and spending time with the Norton side of the family. What great memories I have from those times! This year we decided to continue that tradition with Arden and Silas. Our aunts, uncles, and cousins all joined us--we had such a fun time! Arden loved hunting for eggs! We hid marshmallows inside some of them--I think that was her favorite part :) Silas wasn't as big a fan of egg hunting as Arden was; he preferred to climb up and down the stairs on the patio!

Arden, Great-Granddaddy Norton, Silas, Shelby, and MaryBeth

Someone must have told them to put their "serious" faces on :)

"Why are you interrupting my egg hunting?"

"I know there's an egg around here somewhere!"

"I've gotta hurry before Silas gets these!"

"Better yet, I will just take his basket!"

(If you are wondering why she is high-walking, she did NOT like the grass on her bare feet at first! It took some time, but by the end of the afternoon, she didn't even notice.)

"Marybeth, please help me get the marshmallow out!"

"I'm sure Arden won't notice if I take one of her eggs"

Arden LOVED riding the bicycle! She wasn't happy when her turn was over so she and Silas got to share a turn.

I think she would have sat here all day if someone would have held the bike for her.

I was so blessed to grow up with my grandparents and great-grandparents and have such fond memories of all of them. I am thankful we are starting traditions like this one with Arden--I pray that we have many more times like this with her great-grandparents!

Let the messes begin!

I HATE messes! I'm a control freak and want to clean up every little mess as soon as it's made.

So, times like these are difficult for me...

I know they come with the territory of being a mommy...

but whether or not I'M ready for them, Arden is ready to be little Miss Independent!

This is her trying to hide from the camera. Every time I would get the camera out and ready, she would turn and laugh...I had to trick her to get a few shots!

It has been difficult for me to let go of the spoon and pass it on to Arden. At first she just wanted to shake it and throw her food EVERYWHERE! She's passed that now, but I'm usually standing close by with a wet cloth--ready to clean up every little spill :)

16 Months!

I realized that it's been quite sometime since I've done an update on Arden, so here you go!

• At her 15 month Dr. appointment, she weighed 22lb. 11oz. (50th percentile) and was 31.5 inches long (75th percentile).
• She continues to be a great sleeper! Arden sleeps at least 12 hours a night, and usually takes a 1.5-2 hour nap each day.
• She LOVES puzzles and is getting pretty good at them.
• She does have a bit of a temper, especially when she doesn't get her way. (I wonder who she got that from?!)
• Arden is definitely a Mommy's girl :)
• She can say Momma, Da-Da, Nonna, baby, Abby, up, bubbles, eyes, and yes. She tries to say Tuck-Tuck and Nae-Nae but they end up sounding just like Da-Da and Nonna :) She also tries to say Apie--we are definitely making progress with April's name!
• Arden makes animal noises for dogs, cows, pigs, monkeys, and lions/tigers.
• She can point to her nose, mouth, ears, belly button, hands/fingers, and feet/toes. If you ask her where her eyes are, she always points to her ears instead :)
• If you give Arden a paper towel or tissue, she will often start "cleaning" anything and everything around her.
• She loves to "fix" her hair, and will "fix" yours if you ask her to :)
• Arden loves giving kisses and is especially fond of "being sweet" to Murphy, too! Thankfully, he is so laid back and doesn't mind all of the attention.

We are truly blessed to have Arden in our lives! She continues to bring us so much joy each day and we treasure every moment we spend with her.

Future photographer :)

Every time I would try and take her picture she would start running towards me!

Too cute :)

We love you Arden Leigh and we thank God for you every day!