3 Year Anniversary and Caribbean Cruise

This year on August 24th it was our 3 year Anniversary. We both had to work... Bummer!! So we planned that after work we would go out to dinner. Lara was such a sweetheart and said that she would watch Blake for us the WHOLE day!! Thank you again Lara. So after work we headed out to Market Street Grill. It was delicious. I have only been there once before so it was fun to go there again. As much as I love Blakelee it was nice to have a kid free date with just my husband.

Since we were unable to go somewhere fun over our actual Anniversary we planned a cruise in September. We booked a cruise that went to Grand Cayman and Cozumel through Carnival, September 21-26. 

Our families were all helping us out watching Blake while we were gone. My mom and dad had her Friday through Sunday, Lindsay and Zach had her Sunday through Tuesday, and Scott and Debbie had her Tuesday through Thursday. 

On Friday we headed to my parents house to drop her off. We had a red eye flight at 1am through Delta, so we were at my parents house in enough time to put Blake down for bed around 8pm. We hung out with my parents, then my dad took us to the airport!!!

Surprisingly I did OK leaving Blake that night. It was so routine for me. It didn't really hit me that I wasn't going to see her till we were on the plane, but by that point I was so excited I wasn't sad. I knew that she was in good hands and would be taken care of.

We made it to Florida around 9am and sat in a waiting room for about an hour for the bus to take us to the ship.

We made it on the ship around noon!! We started to explore to see what all was on board. It was so much fun walking around and finding all the fun things.

..Casino..

..Night Club..

..Swimming pool..

..Mini Golf..

We then headed to have some lunch. Every day they changed what they served. It was so nice to have something new every day.

Of course we got on our suits and hit the pool to watch us take off. It was such a nice day!! We sat out for a few hours to soak up the warm sun.

Our dinner time was at 6pm so we headed back to our room to get showered and ready. We shared our table with 2 other couples. They were so nice, so it was easy to sit with them every night. The food was amazing!!! Oh and the dessert.... Delicious!! Every single night they had their regular menu and then a menu that changed daily. That way you had the choice of something new! It was so good. Our waiter was so sweet and way nice we grew to love him.

After dinner was over we hit the casino and had good luck!! :)

..Towel Animal..

Yes we did order room service, most nights!! They didn't have much to choose from for room service but they always had sandwiches. So we would order one and watch a show in our room. 

The night really cooled off as we sat outside for a bit.

On Sunday the 22nd it was a sea day. We were beyond tired from traveling all day and taking only a little nap the day before, so we ended up sleeping in until about noon. In the rooms there is no clock and you have your phones turned off so you don't get calls or texts that will cost you. So we had no idea what time it was, plus we didn't have a window!! So by the time we woke up they were serving lunch hahah!! So we got on our swim suits and hit the buffet.  We sat outside so we could enjoy the ocean.

Next we laid out enjoying the sun.... but it was cloudy this day. Yet it was still so hot!!! I could have laid out for hours on end and loved every minute but poor Griff got fried.... So we called it good and went to hang out inside the rest of the day.

This night was formal night. It was so fun to get all dolled up to have a fancy dinner and take pictures. As we were waiting in a line to get our picture taken our captain was walking around meeting everyone. The formal nights are considered Captains Night so it was so fun to meet him!

Our bunny towel!!

After dinner we got into some more comfortable clothes and went to the casino, walked around looking at pictures, and of course hit the pizza buffet!!! They had pizza 24 hours. No we did not just have dinner then pizza right after, it was a few hours later! But I loved their pizza!!

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In the morning September 23rd (Monday) it was Grand Cayman day!!! Yay I was so excited to be there. I had never been there, Griff and my family had been so I was thrilled to see what it was all about. We woke up pretty early with a wake up call so that we could get ready and have breakfast before we had to be on shore for our excursion. We had to ride a little boat to shore because the ocean wasn't deep enough for the ship to dock. Once we were on land we had about an hour before we had to meet everyone for our shore tour. So we walked around in hopes to shop but they didn't have many shops that weren't Americanized. They had all these shops in a gate right when you got off the boat so of course most people buy all their souvenirs in those shops... but they are so over priced we were hoping to find the shops where you could bargain but they didn't have any close by us. So we just hung out until we had to meet. We were swimming with the stingrays and snorkeling today!!

We rode on a bus that took us to our boat!

Our boat took us out pretty far into the ocean while riding out we had our tour guide that explained what to do when we are with the stingrays. He was from England (I think) and was so funny. Once we were far enough out you think the water would be so deep but randomly there was a sand bar that made the water only come to your chest!! Oh and the water was warmer so it wasn't bad to just hop in.

We had to shuffle our feet in the sand just so you weren't stepping and accidentally step on a stingray, because to defend themselves they lift their stingers and you could get hurt. It was the craziest thing to feel one of them swim past you and their wings slide on your leg!!! We got the chance to hold them and pet them!!

After about an hour of being with the stingrays we got back on the boat and they took us over to some reef so that we could snorkel! It was so much fun being in the water and seeing all fun fish and plants! It was so colorful. I hope that the under water camera that we used worked and got some good pictures of snorkeling!!

We then got back on the boat and headed back to Grand Cayman. We hit some shops and got some fun pictures!! I loved Grand Cayman it was beautiful I was sad to leave but I am so glad we went there!!

We hopped on the boat and went straight up to the pool. Griff fell asleep in the hot weather and I just caught some rays. 

We headed back to our room and got all ready for dinner.

After dinner we went and walked around the ship and maybe hit the casino as well :)!! I was taught to play craps this trip and you know what... It is fun!! We hit the pizza buffet and got hot chocolate. We decided that we hadn't sat in the hot tub yet so we got on our bathing suits and went to relax.

On Tuesday the 24th it was Cozumel day!! I was stoked to say the least!! We woke up very early this day and hit the breakfast buffet. We had to meet in the comedy room with the group that was doing the same excursion as us, that way the ship could make sure we made it to the right boat. It was crazy leaving the ship this day, I felt like we were a herd of cows haha! Another Carnival cruise ship was there at the same time so we had double the people on this little dock.

We had to take a ferry ride to Playa Del Carmen, it was about a 45 minute ride, that took us just straight across the Island. We sat on the top of the boat so we could see out and feel the sun. Once we made it we took a bus ride through the Jungle to Rio Secreto Caves.

We had to gear up and shower off before we could go into the caves since the water in them was natural springs and their drinking water. We went through them with a tour guide named Alfredo!! He was awesome. As we walked through the jungle to start the caves Griff and I saw a Tarantula on the path.... Chills....!!! Griff hurried past it thinking I was right behind him, but I couldn't move I was so terrified! I stood there with tears staring to well up. There were 2 guys from our group behind me that stood and blocked the spider so I could run past it. I was so scared that the tears started to fall down my face and was feeling like a spider was one me.... So our tour guide told me they will not hurt me (in his broken English). As we were in the caves he would ask me if I wanted to see a spider, I would tell him NO!! So he led me past the spider and would show the rest of the group. But luckily it was only a grass hopper type of spider so no tarantulas were in the caves!!

 Moving on haha!!!

The caves were amazing. I was a little worried at first going down into them because I am Claustrophobic and nervous of what was in the cave but it ended up being amazing!!! We would be walking then all the sudden there would be tons of water and we would be swimming. The water was supposedly 72 degrees but lets just say I was so happy to be wearing a wet suite.

We were in the caves for a good 2-3 hours exploring. When we were done we were able to get dressed and they gave us lunch. It was amazing Mexican Food!!! 

Then we relaxed in the hammocks in the Jungle.

The bus then took us back to dock where our ferry was but we had an hour before it took off. So we walked the beach in the rain because it started to rain, it rained pretty good for a while. It did clear up and was such a beautiful day. As we were walking the beach a man came up to us to offer us a massage, we were in a hurry since by this time we had 15 mins before our ferry left. So they gave us a free 10 minute massage right on the beach. It was so relaxing hearing the ocean!!! I wish we could have gotten the hour massage.

We made it back to Cozumel and got back on the ship.

What a beautiful day!!!! I loved Cozumel it was so pretty and  had some awesome shops. I want to go back!!

We made it back on the ship around 6:30 which means we missed dinner. So we went to the buffet to eat instead. Then hit the hot tub.

We got ready for the night. We made it to one of there shows called Love and Marriage!! It was so funny, they brought married couples on the stage and would ask them questions and see if their answerer's matched. Loved it!! They were having a late night Mexican buffet and line dancing. It was so fun to join in!!!

On Wednesday the 25th it was a sea day so we decided that we would head to breakfast at the diner. It was delicious. I love breakfast and to have it cooked right for you... My favorite!!

..My virgin smoothie..

We decided to go play some games at the casino then I headed to the pool to catch a few last rays of sun before our trip came to an end. It was so hot this day. They said it was only 84 degrees but with the humidity it was much hotter. I could only lay there for 10 minutes and had to go jump into the pool. I did get some great sun though! :) So it was totally worth it.

..Ice sculpture..

More games before dinner!! We loved the quarter machine. 

Our waiter and co waiter!!

Our main waiter next to me is Flaviu and the co waiter next to Griff is St. Juste!!

They were the best. When ever all the waiters had to dance, which they did every night, our waiters would get right into it. Such great guys.

We had mentioned that we were on the cruise to celebrate our 3 year Anniversary, so they brought us a cake with candles and sang us Happy Anniversary. So cute.

..Our Table..

This was our room keeper. He was the one who would make all the towel animals and make our bed everyday. He did an amazing job!!! His name is Claudius.

Since it was our last night it was only appropriate to spend it out on the deck drinking Hot Chocolate and enjoying the night!! We were so sad to be spending our last night on the ship knowing we had to leave in the morning and go home... yet we were thrilled knowing that we would be able to see our baby the next day!!!!

The morning of the 26th we woke up early and got ready for the day. We headed up to have our last breakfast and noticed that we were back in Florida. We hung out for about an hour waiting for them to call our number before we could exist the ship. Once off, we found our bags and headed to the bus!

The bus took us to the airport. Our flight was a few hours away so we had some time to kill. We grabbed some lunch and did some shopping then we flew home. It seemed like the longest flight ever knowing I just wanted to be home holding Blakelee.

We made it home around 7pm and I ran to the car to get Blakelee out. As I opened the door I heard her say "Hi HI HIII!!!" I started to cry and was so happy to hug and kiss her.

This was one of the funnest vacations that I have been on. Griff and I had not been on a trip just the 2 of us since our Honeymoon so we were thrilled be spend some time together. We had so much fun and saw some amazing things that we had never seen before. We will never forget this trip and I am so blessed to have family so close and family so willing to watch little Blake's so we could have some fun. 

Happy 3 years babe I love you!!

I am one of the luckiest girls ever having Griff as my husband. He is so kind and generous he lets me do what I want as do I. We spend as much time together, with the time we get. We also have our girl and boy time which is so great that we can do that. He gives me the best hugs that lets me know he will always be there. He helps me through so much and Always has my back. He is always there for me!! He is one of a kind and will make me laugh even if I am so sad or mad, just to break the ice. He has learned to help clean and cook as well as take care of Blakelee. He knows that it makes me happy when he helps out. I married the best and I am so thrilled to have him for time and all eternity.

1 Year Photo Shoot

Do I really have a 1 year old?? I still feel like she should be only maybe 7 months old at the oldest. This year went by far to quickly. I can still remember everything about last year. I was in labor for so long!!! I started contracting on Sept 29th early in the morning at about 3 or 4am. My contractions continued to get closer as the day went on. My mom, sister and I were at the Scrapbook Expo and I would all the sudden get the worst pain in my stomach. After the expo I called Griff to tell him we needed to head to the hospital, I was crying while telling him because I was so scared!!! We made it to the hospital around 9ish and were sent home around 12am because I was not dilated enough. We went back out around 2 or 3am because I was in so much pain. They admitted me!!! Blakelee wasn't born until 2:35pm.... I pushed for 2 1/2 hours! It was a very long and painful few days but our little princess finally made it. She has been the light of our lives. We have loved having her in our family and watching her learn and grow every single day!!

Blakelee is growing right before our eyes. She is  29 inches long...75%, 20 pounds 55%, and her head is the 35%! She is perfect. We love watching her learn and grow. She says "whatsthat" and will point at everything. So we answer and will tell her what it is she is pointing at. She will also point and say "oooooh!" I love when she drops something or something falls and she say "oh!!!" I have tried to teach her Uh Oh but she only caught onto the Oh part. Hahah silly girl. She loves saying Hi. She says hi all the time, when we go to the store and a kid walks past her she will quickly say "HI" while staring and waiting for them to reply. Momma and Dadda use to be top of her vocab but we never hear her say them anymore. But it is fun to hear her say other things.

We can play with her and she will giggle and laugh so much now. Some of her favorite play times are being tossed on our bed into the comforter, being chased, tickled, tossed into the air, playing with her toys, and watching cartoons.

She is so speedy when it comes to the stairs she will cruise up them, but has not figured out how to climb down them. When I show her how to she gets so mad at me! She can free stand and will stand right up and for quite awhile. She has taken a few steps but nothing that has been consistent. I know she can walk but she is scared and doesn't know what she is doing. She has a walk toy and she will push it and walk with no problems... any day hopefully she will walk. I know everyone says it is so hard when they walk, but in my eyes I think it will be one of the greatest milestones. And will be so nice to just put her down and she can walk with me instead of us holding her.

She is able to eat everything now!!! So we tried giving her a peanut butter sandwich and she had a hard time with how thick it was. She loved it but decided it was hard work. We will have to keep giving it to her. We found out she might be allergic to milk... well vitamin D milk. She split some on her foot a few weeks back and it went immediately red. So I ask her Dr. and he said to put her on Soy milk. Then in 6 months try the Vitamin D milk again. She is fine with other dairy products so she is not lactose. But we just started her on Soy last night and when I went to get her out of her crib this morning there was throw up on her blankets... I don't know if she had an upset tummy or if it was the Soy!! We are trying out the soy today and if the same thing happens we will give Vitamin D another try. Or we might just have to pay a bit more and do Toddler Formula. Poor baby!!!

She has mastered how to drink those baby food pouches... finally!!!! She always knew how to but would refuse to do it herself and always wanted me to spoon feed them to her. So I now refuse to and she will feed herself. She wants to feed herself with everything now... it is nice but somethings she can't and she gets so mad at me.

She will only drink her milk out of a sippy... I have tried water and juice and very rarely will she drink it. So I just keep trying to introduce them to her hoping she will one day just drink it.

Bath time is her favorite. If she is ornery a bath will always fix it. She can spend almost an hour in the tub entertain herself. She has so many bath toys and will play with all of them. But when bath time is over and it is time to lotion up and put jammies on she screams and squirms!! She hates it. 

For bed time she still loves her crochet blankets and will giggle when she has them on her. She will grab it and place it right by her face!!

She is such a busy body it is so hard to get good pictures of her. I try to take them on my phone and I always miss the best ones. But if I take them with our Cannon I can capture all the good one. It is so fun to have such a busy body but at the same time it is tiring. She wants to play all the time and wants attention all the time. But if she gets one of the 2 then she is the happiest baby around. She does have a bubble and when to many people are invading her bubble she gets so mad and will scream until people move away from her. She is a mommy's girl but that doesn't mean that when daddy's around she won't go to him. Because she will!!!! She loves her parents and will be so happy when we are holding her. She also loves her grandparents and aunts and uncles!!! She never pulls away or cries when any of them hold her or play with her. It makes me so happy to know she is comfortable with all of them.

Little Blake is a sassy little one. She will give crusty looks at everyone who she thinks deserve the look!! It is so funny because I was the exact same way. Her personality is sassy but yet still so fun and cute. We love how spunky she is.

Baby Blakes is one of a kind and we can not get enough of her!! We love her more then words can describe!!!!! Happy 1st year princess.

Our Random Updates

Here are just a few updates of our life!!

What will Blakelee be for Halloween?? You will all just have to wait. But lets just say she will be so dang cute!!!

 We got her into a front facer car seat. She has loved and hated it at the same time. She loves the fact that she can see us and out the windows, but she hates that we don't pay attention to her while we are driving.

 Laryssa started Pre-School at a new school this year. Her last pre-school doesn't have animal time like her new one!! She loves it.

Yellow matching day at uncle Russ' 50th Surprise Birthday!!

Blakelee has been free standing for so long and I know that she can walk if she just would, but she gets nervous!! She has taken 2 or more steps but they are little and she will sit right back down. She gets scared.

The Sportclips Car came to our store a few weeks ago. This Mustang has been nation wide for all the other stores to see and sign. We finally got the opportunity to sign our names on the car.

Aww I love her and her big eyes!! Bath time is her most favorite time of the day.

My tired baby!

We hang out!!!

 Eating her bread and making a mess!! Haha she loves food.

Kisses for the best daughter ever!

Girls night.

Fall nights are the best. She never sleeps with her blankets covering her, but now that it is cold outside I have found her snuggled in her blankets.

Helping mommy put up Halloween. She loves the holidays just like I do. I can not wait for all the holidays this year since she will be older and will be able to do more.

Going shopping with her cousin. Jae loved helping Blake eat her puffs haha!! What a great helper.

My cute nieces playing outside on such a nice fall day.

Blakelee loves her birthday golf set. Daddy would be proud but is at work and isn't here to enjoy how much she loves them.

I love my family so much and love spending as much time with them as possible. It is crazy to realize how fast this year is going by and fast Blakelee is growing up. It is officially fall weather here and we are in love with the cooler crisp air. We have a fall check list that we are going to try and do.

Here it is!!!

xoxo