easter egg hunt

I spent Easter weekend in Redlands, CA with Nick and Julie and my 2 nieces, Eva and Sofia. It's official...they are adorable! I drove to Orange County on Saturday to hang out with Nicole, my girlfriend, who's getting married and had a bridal shower. She had no idea that I was coming and so when I pulled up to her house, and awkwardly had her brother and dad look at me like who's that girl?, she was so surpised when I walked in the door...I even got some tears! Katie was there too and so us three hung out for a couple hours a caught up on wedding chat and life stuff. (photos for that coming soon...my camera for some reason wouldn't upload it).

Nick and Sophia looking for the candy-filled eggs

 "Can I see it?" Her favorite words. She loves to see the photos after their taken!

 Eva counting her eggs

 "Peez." another favorite word (please)

 Eva and her buddy, Micah

SB 2011 on Anna Maria Island

I feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people in my life, especially my immediate family! Our trip with the De Vries' to Anna Maria Islands was so special. We were all present (including the little one inside Julie's tummy) which makes it that much more special. Extended family came to hang out for the day and enjoy the beach. It is always a joy to see our little nieces, Avery and Makenna in their element digging hole with uncle Russ and Uncle Drew, playing on the boog-e-board, picking up sea shells with Auntie Juju and mom. Also, it was a treat to see little Sam, our nephew, who is a brave, strong-willed, sweet little dude! It's so fun to see him laughing, being a little stinker, running, being mischievous because we know what's to come. It was especially good to see him because Sam is going into surgery for his third open heart in less than one month. We're praying that the doctor's hands are prepared and that little Sam's family remains strong. If you'd like to see more about Sam, visit his caring bridge site by clicking here.

our rooftop view of the sunset each night!

Jamie and Sam

Mook-a-look

Mookie and Julie

Avery and Mom

some of the the extended De Vries family

Deep sea fishing. We caught Grouper, Snapper, Blowfish, and one King Fish!!

Sam and Uncle Drew