The Magical 18 Months

I am so excited that my kids are 18 months! I do love this age and it is getting a little easier...I said a little easier... :)

We have reached the magical age where our kids can now attend the nursery at church! This means they get to play with toys and be around more kids as well as not having to be chased and watched by mom for 2 more hours!

My kids have really grown up in the last few months. Beckham seems taller, Brooklyn is talking more, they both are showing more emotions. Brooklyn loves to hug and pat Beckham (which he doesn't like) and Beckham loves to be cuddled and climb on you.

They love being outside and it is getting easier to do that because the weather is getting much cooler. They love playing on the porch and chasing bubbles. They climb everything and I am getting a little less nervous about that stage. I can't imagine what these kids will be like in the next few months. They will be 2 in no time!  YIKES!

Beckham

Loves to play with cars and things that roll

Loves to lay on the floor

Has 13 teeth

Always climbing on things

Loves listening to classical music

Loves flipping through books

Throws tantrums and pulls his ears

Loves to be outside and eat anything on the ground...including acorns!

Still hates to try new foods ( I am getting desperate!)

Enjoys sleeping with a blanket

Brooklyn

Makes funny noises

Hair can be put in a ponytail

Has her molars coming in

Has become very opinionated and let's me know what she wants and doesn't want

Says No No No

Eyes are now a yellow gray

Loves to get her socks and shoes and wear them around the house

Says bear, mommy, daddy, Beckham, baby

Loves to sign eat, more, and all done

Can fold her arms when saying prayers

Strawberry and Spinach Poppy seed Salad

{image credit}

I am always looking to try something new for lunch and every time I open my fridge I get a little overwhelmed...wouldn't the easiest thing be to drive to McDonald's or something!

Well since I just got back from a cruise...ahem...and probably should eat salads for every meal the rest of my life, I decided to try and play chef with what I already had.

This salad was YUMMY! I even had two helpings...mmmmm

Spinach

Strawberries

Dried Mixed Berries

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Poppy seed Dressing

EAT & ENJOY

Graycation 2012: Western Caribbean Cruise

It only took 4 years but we finally went on a big family vacation! The kids unfortunately stayed home with the  grandparents for a full week while we all went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean.

Let's just say that our cruise ship rocked! It is the biggest one there is. Royal Caribbean: Oasis of the Seas. We were also fortunate to be able to stay in the Presidential Suite! This allowed each couple to have their own room!

(Yes, that is a bar and a Jacuzzi on our balcony!)

The boat had pools, mini golf, zip line, water theater with moving platform, ice skating rink, and even a carousel!

Our first port of the trip was the Bahamas! We choose to visit Atlantis and do a deep swim with the dolphins! We were able to touch and swim with them as well as be lifted up in the air by them!

My brother in law Kirk and I went on the famous slide and let me tell you it was a HUGE drop. So glad I did it though!

The second port we visited was St. Thomas. We choose to snorkel with the turtles and relax on the beach. We saw just about 3 turtles and that was it. The reef was pretty much the same as every other reef I have seen. We docked at Honeymoon beach to sun bathe and even spotted the Real World St. Thomas house!

On the second to last day we were at sea and had the privilege to be invited to the captains deck!!! So cool! 

Here we are just chillin in the captain's chair.

We also had a formal night one evening. Yay for dressing up!

The last port was St. Martin where we shopped and chilled on the beach. Some of us also dived into the local McDonald's...yum yum!

Some of the family rode the banana boat. It was fun minus getting tipped over as we pulled into shore!

We had so much fun on this trip and it was MUCH needed. Who knows when we will all get to go on a family trip again! Maybe a Disney cruise will be the next one...oh boy.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Okay so I had to at least try a pumpkin recipe before Halloween crept up on me!

I stole this recipe off my friends blog (thanks Jen!) and I am glad I did because these cookies were delicious! So moist and fluffy! 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 box spice cake mix

1 package milk chocolate chips (11.5 oz package)

1 15 oz. can pumpkin

1 egg (optional - but I always add the egg)

Mix spice cake mix, pumpkin, and egg until all white powder balls are gone. Mix in chocolate chips. Drop onto greased cookie sheet and bake 15-20 minutes at 350.

October Food Fest

Can you believe it is already October? I am stunned that we are almost to the end of the year. But I LOVE October because it really starts the beginning of FOOD MANIA! Get ready to get fat ;)

Just think about it, Fall food, Halloween treats, Thanksgiving goodness, Christmas goodies!!! YUM!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes I have saved on Pinterest! I am going to try my hardest to really make them this year and not let them just sit on Pinterest! 

Cold Apple Cider Punch

Mini Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecakes

Sticky Buns Breakfast

Oh, and if you feel like being nice, you can follow me over on Pinterest too! :) Click my button on the right side bar and waa laa!