January 30th.

Today's very bittersweet. I'm trying my hardest to celebrate my brother's life...all the while missing him. Seven years ago today, Johnny went to a better place. I believe with all my heart he's watching over us today. Smiling, laughing, sharing in our lives, and loving all his nieces and nephews.

Rest In Peace Sweet Brother...John Paul Peterman 12/21/79-1/30/2005

Cherish every.single.day and make sure to tell the special people in your lives how much you love them today. If you have a moment, say a special prayer for Johnny and our family today.

We just spent a beautiful weekend with my parents at Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande. I have no doubt Johnny was there with us...watching Carter sing (and Chandler dance to) his favorite Raffi songs was so special. Nothing like the innocence of children to make you laugh and cry in the same moment.

Carter Update: He LOVES his new teacher and class. He was a little unsure the first day at drop off, but didn't cry. I was so proud of him. Today was day 2 (he goes mwf) and he had a great day. YAY Carter! He seems to really like it here and hasn't asked too much about home, home.

Chandler Update: I didn't see a few things coming.... 1. She was so upset on Monday without Carter. I just thought she was teething, but as soon as we picked Carter up she was like a different person. Which made me think the real issue was that she was missing him. Today she did better without him, but was EXCITED to see him after school. Who knows. I know it's a lot of change for her right now. 2. She seems to have a fear of the water (pools or beach) and DOESN'T like sand. We've gone swimming 3 times this week and she's doing better. By that I mean, she tolerates it and doesn't cry the whole time like the first day. She loved the water this summer...I guess she's just more aware now. By the time we left the beach yesterday, she would walk in the sand, but man was she relieved when we left. Too funny. I'm going to keep working with her slowly. New textures are throwing her off. Carter's so cute. He just talks to her in a sweet voice and tells her 'it's ok channie, see I'll show you.' I took Chandler to her first My Gym class today. She was so cute. I'm looking forward to going with her weekly. She's been a MAJOR momma's girl the past few weeks...it's not getting any better. It's to the point where she seeks me out if I leave the room. If someone tries to pick her up, she shakes her head and says 'no no no.' and runs to me. Hmmmm. Not good. Any suggestions...working on more time away from her.

Me Update: It still feels like we're on vacation. I find myself trying to squeeze in so much every day. I have the midwest mentality...I have to be, do, go in order to take advantage of the nice weather. The reality is that every day we've been here so far has been nice. Needless to say, we're getting lots of exercise and enjoying lots of outdoor time. Everyone's BEAT at the end of the day. It still feels a little weird...is it really January. I feel like I'm cheating or something.

My Gym photos

Chandler was very content to play on the blanket. We've been working on keeping her hat on.

Carter loved every minute of it. He collected lots of shells and had fun dipping his toes in the water with grandma (the water was a little too chilly to swim).

Evening bike ride.

Even Milo gets to join us for short rides.

*we're heading to the bike shop this weekend to get helmets.

Little missy feel asleep in the stroller on our walk to get some ice cream...aka cone and sprinkles for Carter for having such a good day at school.

Picture overload. As you can see, we're enjoying ourselves (despite passing a cold around:-). Carter's now 100% and Chandler has it now. It's not phasing her too much. And sure as heck isn't stopping her from wanting to play with her big bro. Carter starts school tomorrow. Fingers crossed it goes well. He's excited so we'll see. Chandler's going to miss him. They have been so cute together lately.

Carter loves to ride his bike. Poor Chandler just walks/runs after him. She's trying so hard to figure out the scooter.

Where'd Carter go?

She thought she was pretty cool.

Greeting daddy at the door. Tough day at the office. Brian works at grandma and popper's house. They have a huge office and quiet house ;-) It's 4 blocks away.

Silly, Silly.

Bubbles.

Best Buds.

Love my babies.

Boat ride.

Carter and Grandpa looking for dolphins. We saw so many. Great job guys.

Girlfriend has an arm.

My walking buddies...looking a little tired.

Fun in the SUN.

MLK Parade.

Carter LOVED all the fire trucks.

Chandler slept through the whole thing...loud marching bands and all.

I could just eat her up. Isn't this the sweetest visor/headband.

These two couldn't get enough of the pier. All the pelican, fisherman, and people kept them occupied for a while.

Bathing beauty.

Getting lots of park time in too.

Carter feeling better. YAY:-)

We made it!

We arrived on Sunday at 12:30 pm. Almost exactly a 24 hour trip. We drove straight through only stopping to eat once at Cracker Barrel in Kentucky and to gas up/switch drivers. It was a pretty good trip. Poor Carter did get sick once, but it wasn't too bad. I was prepared just in case that might happen. Chandler fought going to sleep which she hardly ever does. The kids slept from 8:30 - midnight in their car seats, then I took them in the back to lay down with me (there's a queen sized bed in the back.) We all slept soundly until about 7:30 am. Wooohooo. Carter woke up feeling a little better, but started with a cough. The dogs were SO good. We walked them when we stopped and they all were in their kennels the whole time.

The weather has been amazing here. We've been busy settling in and taking it easy. Good thing I already researched a pediatrician here because Carter was just not doing good come Monday afternoon. We got an appointment right away and off we went. He's got a bad cold that has moved to his chest. He's on medicine now and seems to be doing better today (Wednesday). Poor thing has been up the past two nights coughing. Although, it wasn't nearly as bad last night. He's got his spunk back today so fingers crossed. We're kind of laying low until he's 100%.

The beast! This thing easily fit 3 adults, 2 kids, and 3 dogs. Thanks so much mom and dad for letting us drive it down.

Passing the time doing our 'letters'

Chandler really loves to do what Carter's doing. Sister catches on pretty fast.

Being silly with daddy.

Just making bubbles using the iphone app.

Obsessed with Carter's headphones.

Cat nap.

Carter makes her laugh like no one else.

Sitting in the co-pilot seat with daddy.

John (family friend) or Uncle John as Carter calls him. Thanks so much for driving with us!

Cheese.

Chandler tried to steal all the stickers.

Her favorite thing to do was take the crayons out of the box and put them in 'her' bag.

Snoozing away.

More pictures to come from this week.