Reese Katherine

Well since its been forever and I had pretty much given up on blogging...I decided I would throw in some posts.
Sooo...

Introducing Reese Katherine Erickson.

Her first picture

7.7 pounds 20 inches

 Meeting Paige.  So sweet

 Hands down, my favorite picture.  I love Carson's face!

 Just sweet, that's all I can say

 Don't mind my ugliness here.  Holy bloated face.

Her first bath

 Reese giving the stink eye

 About to go home

 She didn't like her carseat at first

 She was such a great baby in the hospital!  When she would cry, she would squeak and everyone called her squeakers.  We are so in love with this baby girl!

#3

So I realized today that I have not even posted on here that we are expecting #3!  I announced it on facebook, but since many people do not read the blog, I neglected it.  But alas, we are having another girl and could not be more thrilled!  Paige is so excited to have a baby sister.  Carson really didn't care, but he needs to have another sister...a boy could be disasterous! ;) I had another ultrasound yesterday for all the measurements.  She is looking great and measuring right on!  She is due the 20th, but we are looking at a scheduled c-section on the 15th.  I cannot wait!

Here she is! A nice side profile.  We got a great shot of her face but didn't get it printed before she moved.  Weird, but she looked so much like Paige already...we will see.

And just to prove she is a girl

The end of 2012

Can you believe 2012 is ending?  I have been making my kids annual (well, ok it was 2 years this time because of the big move last year) DVD and it has been fun looking back on this past year.  One thing I really wanted to highlight, for myself, is the fact that I accomplished ALL of my New Year's Resolutions.  I don't think I have ever done that.  This sounds selfish, but on my resolutions, I entitled it "The year of Brittany."  No joke.  I told Chad I was being selfish in order to help my family.  Some things my list included

1). Lose at least 20 pounds- I lost 31 :)

*unfortunately/fortunately I have gained 10 back with more to go with this baby!

2) Learn to be a better cook and enjoy it

3) Eat healthier

I of course have more personal ones that I will not share, but am thrilled to look back and realize how much I have grown (or shrunk ;) ) as a person.  Thanks to pinterest I have already started making some goals for next year.

1)Have a baby :)  Haha, have to make sure I accomplish something!

2) Lose the baby weight- dang its a theme here...

3) Become more organized

4) Make more things that aren't filled with preservatives... meaning things like taco seasonings, cake mixes, spaghetti sauces and the list goes on.  I am most excited about this one!  I have gotten a jump on a few.

5) Gain more financial knowledge and learn how and where to spend/save money

So, there you go.  Its out there for everyone, but mainly just for me to look back on.

And I leave you with this picture...

Why? Well because I like it and I wish I were there right now...and it makes me realize how much better I look without the extra pounds!

Clearwater beach, FL

The last two days of our trip we headed over to Clearwater beach.  It was neat to see the Gulf...there are no waves!  The sand was incredible!

We rented surrey bikes and cruised along the beach

 Found an awesome playground for the kids

 The kids loved the sand!

The sad day...everyone had to leave.  We hung out at the airport with the Davis' until their flight and then we drove back to VA.  The cutest thing ever though, we were headed out of the airport and the Davis' were in security and all of the sudden Seth comes running through the airport with tears in his eyes to give Paige one last hug.  Melted my heart!  Those two are truly the best of friends and we miss them so much!

Last day- Magic Kingdom

We went back to Magic Kingdom for our last day.  That was a good choice because they were all decorated for Christmas this time and we got to do more rides!

Our group!

 Paige on Space Mtn.  I love her face!

 They finally got a treat!  Paige of course chose cotton candy!

 I loved the Electrical Parade.  It was fun and the kids were on cloud 9 with all the characters waiving at them!

 Finally! We met Mickey!  There was no line right before the fireworks!

 Carson did not like Mickey.  He was mad that Mickey had touched me.  Pretty funny.

 The Princesses on the other hand did not pose a threat to him!  He did however, want to prove he was still a boy with Sleeping Beauty...

 My buddy the whole trip.  We sat out from a lot of rides, but we had fun!

 This is the best picture!  Van and Katie with Rapunzel.  I love it!

 I think Carson has a crush on Rapunzel.  He was all about hugging her!

 Paige was bummed she didn't get to meet the princesses, but Mickey was good enough.  She was riding on Big Thunder Mtn. when we met them.

Epcot and Hollywood Studios

You will tell by the lack of photos that we found Epcot and Hollywood studios to be not the greatest.  There are some rides at the parks that we did like, like Soarin', nemo, the Epcot ball ride, and a boat tour.  The food at Epcot was pretty good though.  I recommend eating there.  But, for kids, it was definitely not the place to be.  

Animal Kingdom

I was shocked at how much we all loved Animal Kingdom.  Disney knows how to do a "zoo."  This was Carson's favorite park.  He is obsessed with animals.

 These two rode Everest.  That ride looked awesome but this pregnant woman had to sit it out.  Paige and Seth were super nervous...

After the ride...they both say it was their favorite ride!

 And Carson's least favorite ride.  See there he is next to Chad on the left.  Well he and Chad got SOAKED.  Head to toe.  Paige was not thrilled either with how wet she got.  I laughed the whole time!

 Front row on Everest.  Bravest little 5 year old around!  There was no way you would have gotten me on that ride at 5, let alone 10!

 On the Safari ride.  This was amazing.  The animals were so close and could roam freely and were walking right by the tram.  So cool.

 The dinosaur ride.  They liked this one a lot too