a p'cola wkend

It's been forever since I've updated...I've vascilated between having nothing of significance to post and so much I want to post that I walk away, feeling the task is too great. Silly, I know. This past wkend Brayden and I took off for Pensacola to see my fam. Chris' mom, Barb, came along. She'd wanted to get down there to see my mom and I was grateful for both the company in the car and her help with Brayden as we trekked almost 7 hrs to the Gulf! Of course, if we hadn't made a 45 minute stop at Chickfila, our time would have improved drastically. o well. We had a GREAT time--- we went to an arts festival in Fairhope, AL on Saturday and then to breakfast at my favorite little place, Bagelheads on the Bay, on Sunday and then spent the rest of the morning at the beach! It was a fabulous weekend. Brayden had to adjust to the sand all over again. At first, he was definately not too fond of the tiny white granules that stuck to his skin, but he did get used to it. I kept thinking "at least he's not crying and pitching a fit," which is what my younger brother David did when he was two. For a mom who LOVES the beach and could stay literally ALL day, I think that would feel like a cruel joke! The water, however, was a different story. As it crept up from the crashing waves, he would back up so not to get his feet wet. In his defense, it did feel like an ice bath.
Upon return, Daddy gave B his first golf lesson and we began the process of FINALLY transitioning him to his BIG BOY bed!!! The bed has only been sitting in his room for 2 months! While we were away, Chris took the crib down and moved the changing table out, making room for his new bedroom furniture (hand-me-down from mom and dad). I really think he loves his new room. He was eager to get up on his bed and read books (that actually started awhile ago) and when it was time to go to bed, we said "okay, time for night-night" and he laid right down, snuggled beside his two favs: Spot and Blankie! So far, he has slept very soundly. I am soooo proud of him! Additionally, he has learned the whole alphabet! I am especially proud of that! Each night in the bath, we go over each of the letters (b/c we have those foam kind that stick to the sides of the tub) and he has learned every one! He also has a cute alphabet placemat from PB Kids that helps to reinforce what he learns in the bathtub. He is becoming such a little BOY...not a baby at all anymore. It makes me sad that his babyhood is over, but at the same time, I couldn't be prouder of him as he grows and develops into a sweet little tornado of a toddler. Thank you, dear Lord, for such a wonderful blessing in our lives!