I think it’s pretty safe to say that in my 8+ years of blogging, I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever taken this long of a break?? I mean, that actually sounds way more dramatic than it really is — it was like, just over a week. But still…sometimes I wonder how in the world I ever used to blog 3x a DAY?!
But hey, here I am! I’m back. And I’d love to say that I’m back for regularly scheduled blogging, but these days, I just don’t know when I’ll get the chance to to come back and “visit” in any given week. In a perfect world, I’d love to have the time, energy, and creative juices to check in every darn day, but that’s just not where I’m at in this stage of life, unfortunately. So for now, I’m not making any declarations on taking more breaks or promising to check in more, because this is my “fun” space and I’ll just keep coming back how ever often I can.
Whew. Now that we’ve got that out of the way…let’s catch up! And first things first, can I just tell you how hard it is for me to believe that Alex is now TWO??
This big guy had his big birthday on Sunday, and what a fabulous day it was.
Our morning was pretty chill at home, with some presents and birthday lunch out on the deck (which really isn’t all that special, but we’ll pretend), but the boys played together on and off while Jay and I continued to work to get ready for his little party later in the afternoon.
The weather, honestly, could not have been better, and everyone was able to enjoy plenty of time outside.
Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have seen my story recently about the new gazebo we purchased for the back deck (for those curious, I ordered THIS ONE after seeing it as the Deal of the Day on Amazon for 1/2 off!). I must say, I’m in love with it (actually, I’m currently sitting under it and typing out this post on Monday evening with the lights on) and it works perfect for what we needed (a little shade for those hot, sunny afternoons and evenings.
As someone who’s always worried about not having enough food, as opposed to too much, we had a delicious spread for dinner, including BBQ pulled chicken, slider sandwiches, meatballs, ziti (thanks mom!), mac salad (thanks mom-in-law!), fruit salad, apps, dips, and more.
And no pics of any of it, except for this plate of food that basically went untouched from our newly, incredibly picky eater.
But of course, it was a birthday, so that meant cake!
Judging by his faces, you’d think this kid wanted nothing to do with it…
But we all know that’s quite far from the truth…
Kiddo was living his best life right there. Almost as good as last year.
Before we knew it, it was basically all the kiddos’ bedtimes, so our guests headed back home, and we opened a few quick birthday presents to close out the evening.
Call me all sorts of cliche, but I still cannot believe my baby is two. <3 <3
So what ELSE have we been up to? Well, it’s been busy and FUN!
We’ve been having all sorts of awesome get-togethers with our neighborhood crew, and rarely is there a day (except when it’s raining) when the kids aren’t outside playing, and if we’re lucky, the parents get a few minutes to catch up, too.
The scheduled parties where the kids can play are always fun, but I think my favorite would be a recent, impromptu street party after all the kids were in bed one Saturday evening. Everyone gathered with their baby monitors, and we made sure that everyone was able to enjoy the fun…even if it meant going to extreme lengths to make sure the monitor was working.
Seriously…we hit the jackpot with these guys!
Lucas is also almost officially done with his first season of t-ball, and he has done SO well.
T-ball has to be one of the most comical things to watch, and we have definitely enjoyed ourselves. Hopefully Lucas will still be into it next year!
And speaking of Lucas, he and I also had a great time at his preschool picnic yesterday at Huck Finn’s playland.
Although, really, let’s be honest…he probably wouldn’t have even realized if I wasn’t there, because he was having so much fun with his buddies.
Except for the roller coaster…someone wanted off of that one QUICK. Ha!
I can’t believe this guy only has one more week of preschool before he graduates and is off to kindergarten. Someone, please hold me…
Well, my goodness, that was one lonnnnng winded post. Although I guess that’s what happens when you take time away and still have stuff to share! So hey, if you’re still with me? You rock. Thanks for stopping by, as always, and I’ll see ya when I see ya!
Jen says
Happy belated Birthday Alex!!!!! Um, seriously wasn’t he just a newborn…lol Glad you have been enjoying some well deserved time with family and friends. Go and enjoy life!!! (Oh and not to sound creepy….but I did miss you!!!) Take care.
Shashaqueefa says
I can not believe he is two!
Man how time flies! I have leftovers in the fridge older than him! Your spread sounds delish..wish you got a pic of the great but I’m sure you was a busy to i get it! Glad life fam and friends are treating you well Courntey! Looks like everyone is having a blast! I’ve got a gradulation in a few hours. I hope i cheer for the right kid this time! Xoxo
Susan says
Hi! I appreciate you being honest about where you are in life because it really comes across in your blogs now. They are meh, at best, and you always seem to be complaining (or fommenting) on your need to justify less blogging, your family being sick or how busy you are. If you are too busy, as it seems you are, maybe a true hiatus is what you need/deserve. Anywho, just my two cents as it doesn’t appear your enjoy blogging at this stage in your life, for whatever reasons.
Courtney says
Yikes! I’m not really sure how to take this comment, Susan. While I always appreciate any constructive feedback, I’m not going to try to paint a pretty picture when it’s not, or apologize for sharing the stuff we’ve been struggling with (such as having sick kids, because I’m sorry, but that really does suck, and I’d love to not have that be something to deal with). At this point, I absolutely still love the blog, so as I said, I’ll continue to blog when I can! That said, it sounds like maybe this blog isn’t for you anymore, and that’s totally cool. Thanks for reading, I appreciate it!
Shashaqueefa says
It’s called life, Susan. She can blog about any which way she please, whether it be sick kids or hanging out with neighbors and friends. If you’re not impressed with the content, the vamoos and skedaddle!
Kayla says
I can’t believe Alex is two!! These boys are growing up way too fast, including my nephews who are pretty much the same age as your boys! Happy belated to that cutie! I pretty much cry every time I think that my nephew Gio is also going to be graduating preschool and will be heading to kindergarten…really, how the heck did that happen?!?
I will always love your blog, and I love reading about your life, but I am so glad you are just taking time to enjoy!! Your posts are always great and even if you don’t post regularly, who really cares? It is your life! I will always follow along if not on here, then on your Instagram! Take care! Xoxo
Marie says
The baby monitor extension cord situation is hilarious!! we do something very similar in our neighborhood too…gotta get in that adult time too!
Brigid says
Happy Birthday to Alex! I must say you guys take the most beautiful pictures. You’re all very photogenic.
Mal says
Holy arm goals! You look very slim and fit. And gorgeous.
Courtney says
Oh my goodness, thank you!!
Dena says
Contrary to Susan, I appreciate your blog, because you are REAL and you will complain when complaining is warranted. You don’t try to paint a picture of perfection. You buy a gazebo for your deck but cut back on your collagen due to the cost. THIS IS REAL LIFE PEOPLE. (Not, “Oh, I’m so wealthy, I can afford a covered gazebo for my beautiful furniture on my deck”). No, it’s “I’m a real person and I have to carefully decide where we spend our dollars and what is really important to us”. Please don’t spend 1 second thinking about when Sour Susan has to say. You are awesome, Courtney and thanks for bringing us all along on your beautiful journey <3