A Game of Shadows

I was washing some dishes and I caught Jude creeping on his shadow. Only had the iPad handy, so the video quality isn't great, but it's another example of Jude's crazy antics.

It's so funny seeing what keeps toddlers amused. You can spend hundreds of dollars on toys and games but at the end of the day, sometimes chasing an outline of your head is more satisfying.

Easter in Minnesota

Easter weekend was our first long car ride with Jude...and he was amazing! You would think 10 hours in the car to Minneapolis with a 2 1/2 year old would be torture, but boy did he surprise us. We left at 4am, allowing us about 3 hours of sleep for the big guy and the rest was a breeze. But who wouldn't behave when you knew Neil and Sidney were waiting for you. NOBODY!

It was such a fun filled weekend. We finally saw their new place, played all day at the Mall of America, frequented their favorite spot - Pat's Tap - and had a night out at some great Minneapolis hot spots. Let's just say that I didn't realize the toll the Harlem Shake has on one's neck if you dance to the whole 3:13 minutes. It was totally worth it.

But more importantly, we must thank Marcia, Sidney's mom, for watching Jude for us. He had so much fun playing with matchbox cars and foam balls, plus devouring the Peeps she brought for him. YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!! Thank you Marcia.

Eggs on the windows. The Easter Bunny stopped early so I could have my basket for my car ride.

Pilot and Co-Pilot.

Good morning. YOOOOOGURT Bites!

Snack bin and toy bin.

Best invention ever. Wizard of Oz and Shrek are life savers. 

We got there in record time and the festivities commenced. 

Mall of America day:

First roller coaster with Daddy. This is scary.

It's like a choo-choo train. This is awesome!

Lego Land and blue cake ice cream. This is the best day ever.

Another ride. Hot air balloons. 

Walt Disney store purchase and a push from Uncle Neil. Nothing but curls. Time for a nap.

Our night on the town. Thanks for being fabulous!

The Night Before Easter:

We were told that Minnesota has the best soil for planting jelly beans.

We also had the best dinner. Neil and Sidney smoked ribs, chicken and tofu. No words!

Easter Morning:

Easter Egg Hunt!!! This is awesome. Neil and Sid outdid themselves.

Look at all these friends holding on to some colorful eggs.

They are everywhere. 

I'm going to eat all the chocolate.

And a basket! The bunny found me.

THE BEANS GREW INTO LOLLIPOPS! This is fantastic soil for planting jelly beans. 

Thank you Neil and Sidney for being the best hosts and friends. You are truly some of the coolest people we know! Jude approves of this message. 

"Where my Aztecs at?!"

Cozumel Mexico

We went to Mexico! John was on his blackberry for part of the trip answering Jude's emails, but we had a fantastic time. How does a 2 year old have more business than an adult?

The water was so blue and the sand was soft...when it wasn't on a volleyball court (more on that later). We stayed at the Park Royal Resort right where the cruise ships docked. They are massive! The best part however was that we could jump in and snorkel right off the resort beach. Some of the best snorkeling I've done was free on our beach. Loved it!

A huge THANK YOU to Mamaw and Papaw for traveling to Arkansas to watch little Jude dude while we were on vacation. Although they love seeing Jude, it is a lot to ask (an 8 hour car drive) and we appreciate it so much.

We woke up with a blizzard all around us and a lot of flights were cancelled. Then we got a text that Jude was on the weather channel. He was basically distracting Mother Nature with his face planting long enough for us to get onto our flight and out of the country. I love this kid!

We thankfully made it! Check in....get us a pina colada please.

Guest Services and courtyard to the beach

Take my picture! Look at that view of the cruise ships.

Where we spent most of our time.

Snack time! Plus our wine and chocolate in our room (I devoured it).

Lordy the sun feels good. However when someone tells you NOT to dive while playing volleyball...you should listen. John did not and about lost his foot.

Our first night in the books.

Of course we always meet the best people.

Breakfast and Cafe con Leche! We may have gotten a little too much sun our first day.

Morning view from our room.

Snorkel time!!!!

We got an amazing underwater camera that helped me capture sand dollars, sea anemone, flat fish and so much more....like John and me just goofing around. It doesn't take much to make us happy.

More pool time.

Love him.

What the what??????? Pirate ship!

Jeep day with our newlywed friends - Chris and Jen. COCONUTS!

We got us some and they were tasty. 

Luckily my husband knows how to drive a stick shift or we wouldn't have gotten anywhere.

We stopped at so many cool places, one being Coconuts. The view was amazing.

I made sure to liberally apply sunscreen. Meet Chris, our umbrella holder. It was a bit windy.

Beach stop. Gorgeous.

Marley's! Pretty cool and relaxing man.

I could get used to this!

Our last day and we made it downtown. Mostly because I needed a pharmacy. It was a great area for shopping, food, drinks and benadryl. Let's just say my face swelled up so bad I couldn't see.

What does one do when antihistamine doesn't work? Put on your sunglasses and rock out.

There is no way I'm not going to have a good time just because I can't see.

Who else could rock these hats? Didn't think so!

My face can't even handle me right now!

This restaurant was the best! And so were these two. They didn't care I looked like the swamp man. 

After dinner drinks at the Thirsty Cougar.

I wear my sunglasses at night, so you can't, so you can't......see my puffy face!

Senor Frogs asked him to a challenge. We do not say no to challenges. 

Bye bye beautiful ocean. We'll see you again...when my swelling subsides.