Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Wedding Bells

MP's cousin, Jessica, and her new husband, Aaron, (whom we last visited in January) celebrated their wedding weekend last month in Ft Myers, FL.  It was so nice to have a nice long weekend, and also share in such a special time for them.  The Pulles in attendance (Ama, Grandpa, Teesa, Isla, and us) stayed in a house on Ft Myers Beach so that we could enjoy taking the kids to the ocean and playing in the pool.  Furthermore, now that MP2 and Isla are in the picture, it's particularly difficult to stay in a hotel.  Whenever possible, it's nice to have the space to spread out, plenty of room for naps and early bedtimes, and avoiding restaurants for a good portion of our meals.  (MP2 isn't always the best dining companion!)

Jessica looked stunning...though unfortunately, I got not a single photo of the bride.  I think it had something to do with my uber-rambunctious toddler always on the go.  Regardless, we thank the Pierces for such a delightful time and for including us in their special day!

Isla's favorite passtime?  Stair climbing!
Pure joy at being in the ocean!
MP2 and I enjoying a dip.
Teesa & Isla getting their feet wet.


MPs enjoying the ocean and digging tunnels in the sand (which MP2 could do all day long).


I know I say this every time we get MP2 and Isla together, but it really does get just more and more and more fun to see them interact more and play more.  This trip was lots of hugging and hand holding.  It was too cute.  Isla saves some pretty big smiles for her favorite cousin.
Next time we get together, Ashley will have joined us in the outside world and Isla will be an old pro at big-sisterhood!
MPs on a float


Fun at the park, sliding and climbing being the activities of choice.
Ama and MP2 at the beach!
Chasing seagulls.
More digging tunnels in the sand
An AIRPLANE!!!
Ama was the best mountain/tunnel engineer of the bunch.
Heading to the wedding.
Cutest cousins ever.
Family picture op.

Ama & Grandpa with their grandkids.

Family shot


The courtyard where Teesa and I spent the wedding along with the kids.  They had a great time running around.  MP2 lasted about 90 seconds into the ceremony.  I knew it was already time to leave the room when he interrupted the bridesmaids processional with a request for me to sing You Are My Sunshine .  We were able to see Jessica walk down the aisle (if only because we had to cross the aisle to exit the room!) and then it was time for us to head outside.  We were so happy to greet the bride and groom in the courtyard in advance of the other guests :)
The next day, Auntie Margaret (of Auntie Ms fame!) hosted a delightful brunch followed by a dessert get together at her home.  MP2 enjoyed having some cookies with Aunt Fran and visiting in a more casual atmosphere.
We stayed one more day after the wedding weekend and enjoyed a couple more trips to the beach.  All in all we had a wonderful visit and great vacation!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Part Deux

Part 2 of my update includes some biggies.  The least of which is MP2s first real haircut.  I say real because he visited MPs stylist several times during our time in CoMO...but really, she only trimmed up his bangs.  Bless.  So, as you can see below (and likely in all the other pictures on the blog, ahem), the hair was getting long.  But, really, come on!  He's my baby, and it was really, really pretty.  Anyway, MP gave me the ultimatum as the days led up to our FL trip for Jessica's wedding.  It was time.  (I can even admit it now...it was time.  That is in NO WAY an admission that his hair didn't look adorable before...just saying!)



Here we are arriving at the salon.

Not sure I am ready for this....

Snip snip!




 All done and looking so BIG and grown up!

Found a package from Ama waiting for us when we arrived home.

More pumpkin patch - this time celebrating the first birthday of a buddy!  There was (unpictured) corn at this one too!

 Definitely lots of photo ops - may see this one on the holiday card :)

Another park trip with buds.

Halloween 2012!  They call him the fireman.  Trick or treating at Nana and Papa's house.



 Having a post trick or treat snack.

In the last, and most important section of my catching up the Pulles' last 3 months of activities, MP found out at the beginning of October that he passed the bar exam.  Personally, I knew it all along.  We were so excited to celebrate last week at his swearing in ceremony!

Nana, MP2 and I spent a lot of time in the foyer of the War Memorial Auditorium as we waited for MP's turn to be introduced to the TN Supreme Court and a motion made on his behalf for admittance to the bar.  MP2 snacked on bananas,

 ...walked around outside
...and various other - even more boring - time killing activities while about a million people were introduced.  Then, well worth the wait!, the moment we'd been anticipating.  MP's dear friend and mentor, Bob, introduced him and motioned the court on his behalf.  

 Then later, the oath.

 The court.
 A few photos to commemorate the day!


MP2 and I are so so proud of MP for completing this journey!  MP2 definitely has a dad to look up to.  Good work, MP. :)