Beach and Birthdays for the Brothers

Alright, I know - I have slipped into my old ways of letting weeks go by without a post. However, trusty Marget will definitely let me know when I need to get back on the saddle and update the blog. Sorry guys, with vacation last month and birthdays galore - I am slowly recuperating and adjusting to the hustle and bustle of football season and yes, getting ready for the holidays!

The end of August we took the kids on the Annual Kappa Alpha Order beach trip and fun times were definitely had by all. Fortunately / unfortunately we missed last year due to the arrival of Tom and Elizabeth and a prolonged stay in NICU. Regardless, we were back this year...not quite in our rare form at the Florabama as usual, i.e. shutting down the fine establishment and then heading over to the Waffle House before the cab ride home, but we were back. Let's just say going to the beach with two kids, barely one that are not walking definitely makes for a work-out. We could not have survived without the extra hands and free babysitters - thanks Connell, Brandance, Ashleigh!!

Backs at the BeachMost of the KAs from the '97 Pledge Class, that made the trip Brothers and Sisters - Can You Tell?

Tom, Ann Auxford, Dixon and Elizabeth

The guys and their babies and believe it or

not I am not talking about their wivesElizabeth and Ann Auxford had so much fun chatting While Tom really enjoyed tasting the sand Ed and Ashleigh made sure everyone had fresh drinks,

topped with fresh nutmeg....only Ed

Tom and the cutest twins ever

Tom lovin' the sand!!!

Tom and Elizabeth not really enjoying the wind from Hurricane Ike

Happy Birthday Uncle Robs!!!

In between the beach, we managed to throw in a couple birthday gathers for the brothers - Robert and VJ. Since VJ hit the big 3-0, we had to party in style at one of the "urban lounges" in Birmingham. The party was great and I think everyone had an awesome time. Yes, the twins did make it to the party, but don't worry - Steel is smoke free and they left before things starting getting out of hand!

VJ and the photo birthday cake -

a picture of him 4 years old "drinking" a Busch beer

The entire family made it to the resturantTom and Elizabeth both loved the bar pretzels, after mom licked the salt offSo that's what we have been up to - I promise I am back on the saddle and we make another entry soon! Thanks for always checking in on us!

Roadtrip Birthday Party

After the party in Birmingham, we headed to Birmingham to continue the celebration. The kids were showered with so much love and attention. It was great seeing everyone and here are a few pictures from the party and a trip to the local park - the Tot Lot. I swear, the last time I was at this park, I think it was for my birthday 25 years ago! Gosh, I feel old! Enjoy the pictures.

Also, many thanks to April Reed for "pimping" my blog - I don't know where she finds the time, between pregnany, work and updated her super cute websites - she has two! Thanks April!!!

Before we left Atlanta, we took the Radio Flyer for a test drive.

I loved the swing!!!

Push me higher!!!

I am not feeling so good, this is right before

I showed everyone my breakfast, again.....

After I got off the swing, I just wanted someone to cuddle with me.

What a cute cake - thank you Aunt Virginia!!! The birthday girls and Granddaddy!

I will share my cake with you

Nana sharing her 85th birthday cake with Tom

THE Barnyard Birthday Party

Welcome to the Powell barnyard bash, you cannot see it, but we

are sitting on our hay bay horse

I know you really do not want to hear about the fun new things the twins are eating, or how much they splash in the tub, I imagine you are anxious to see pictures from their first birthday party. Without further hesitation, here are a few highlights...

Here's the barnyard cake from Rhodes Bakery - yummy!!!

Elizabeth eyeing her brothers cupcake, not realizing hers is so close Now she sees the sugary tasty treat ....and it is all over Gosh, this is so much fun

Who needs hands, when the cake can go

straight to my mouth?

Unlike twin sis, Tom did not like getting cupcake on himself.

We all love Ms. Chiquita and Mr. Charles

- they are so much fun!

Grab your cowboy hats and smile, we are going

for a ride on the two headed horse

We love our new chairs from Uncle Robs,

Aunt Lara and soon to be Uncle Kyle

Has anyone seen Broke back Mountain?

Topy is getting Tom all geared up for his first tricycle ride

What is this thing on my head?

I really like my new set of wheels

Tom could not quite figure out what was on top

of his head, but he knew he did not like it

We are going to cruise the neighborhood in style,

thanks to Uncle VJ

Thanks Grandfather Graffeo, we have an awesome new kids table

and cute little school chairs - did I mention that he made this for us?

Crazy Grandmother Graffeo bending down to kiss Elizabeth,

not knowing that I have my camera - what a nut!

What a day, I am sooo tired!!!

Many thanks to those who drove near and far to help make our birthday so special! The kids had a blast and Tom and I really enjoyed ourselves as well!

Happy Birthday!!!

Mom woke me up and dressed me early so

she could take my birthday picture before work

Yes, we are wearing matching outfits

Seriously, where did the time go? Can you believe the twins are one? I am so incredibly thankful to have survived the past year - what a roller coaster of a ride!! Thank your for all of your prayers, words of encouragement, phone calls, dinners - there is no way I would have made it the past 365 days without your support. So, in the past 30 days.....since my last post:

• Elizabeth and Tom were split up for the first time since Tom was in NICU. They did really well and loved the one-on-one attention all weekend long. Tom and Tom stayed in Atlanta and Elizabeth went to Birmingham with the Graffeo Grandparents - next time Tom will go to Birmingham.
• I actually went on a beach trip with my college sorority sisters and stayed the entire weekend (contrary to what many thought - Mr. Nelson included!). Let's just say it is just like the good 'ole college days when we get together and we can still shut down the FloraBama.
• Made it to all 11 doctor appointments for the twins, please don't ask me how I do it. Sometimes when I reflect on things like this, I feel as if God really does provide me with a few extra hours a week. I will give a shout out to our Doctor's and nurses - I have learned make friends with the nurses and call enroute to their office. Just let them know you are on the way and are really hoping for a short wait time! Of course, free pens and Sharpies as bribes always work nicely too! Currently the stats include:

Elizabeth: 29 3/4 inches tall, weighs 19.8 pounds and her head circumference is 46 cm - did I mention that her head is in the 90th%? What a melon!

Tom: 28 1/4 inches tall, weights 16.6 pounds and his head circumference is 43 cm. He is steadily hanging onto the chart and we are very pleased with development - everything is developing at the same pace and proportional! Celebrate the 3rd% and he is even in the 25th% in height, maybe he will be long and lean?

• The twins are sleeping through the night on a regular basis and use their pacifiers only while in their crib. Tom is not terribly reliant on the little orange piece of plastic, which is not the case for Elizabeth.
• We have lowered Elizabeth's crib, because she is starting to pull up on everything and even cruise around the coffee table.
• Tom has a mouth full of teeth and is doing an amazing job of keeping his glasses on his face and not sharing them with his sister.
• Both children are beginning to eat "real" food as I call it - ie. anything not baby food out of a jar. It is going well, but if you have any suggestions on what to feed little ones, let me know. I assume they are too young for Ramen noodles and Mexican, both my favorite meals.

Who said my melon is large?

Tom flexes his muscles for Dr. B and shows his teeth to all of the nurses!

Unfortunately, going out to dinner made us stay

up a little later than usually and we were not very excited

about our birthday cupcakes....