Tampa

Yesterday, Tampa Kellogg lost his battle with polymyositis and congestive heart failure. Our family is devastated and missing him desperately. He was a kind, gentle and loving man who always had an ear for a loved one and solid advice for anyone who needed it. Teddy thought it would be nice to write a little tribute to him since he loved our little blog so much, so here's it goes:

Dear Michael--

A few words of appreciation for all that you were to us. Thank you for inviting me, with open arms, into your family. Thank you for being a wonderful listener and advice-giver. Thank you for always answering my silly emails and settling random debates between Nathan and I. Thank you for almost making me understand football. Thank you for the amazing meals that you prepared for us--the love that you put into your cooking was always evident in the results. I will miss those chicken wings! Thank you for being such a loving Tampa to our Autumn. I know how it frustrated you that you couldn't always keep up with her energy, I hope you know how much it means to us that you tried anyway. I promise that we will teach her about her heritage, thank you for teaching us. Thank you for making me feel confident about my writing. Honestly, I think this blog would be mostly photographs if it weren't for you. Thank you for teaching Nathan how to be a good partner. He is loving and kind and I know that he learned these things from you and Debbie. Most of all, thank you for being the intelligent, kind, spiritual and loving person that you were and thank you for the legacy that you have left us. Rest in peace.

Love you.

m.

ola!

The Squish and I just had the pleasure of journeying to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico to be a part of a very close pal's wedding. Autumn was the flower girl and enjoyed lots of attention and love from everyone there. We stayed at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa which was luxurious as all get out. (I totally recommend this place to anyone traveling to the Cancun area with or without babes.) The food was delicious with lots of healthy options, the beds were clean and comfy, the pools were warm, the staff were friendly and super helpful and the beach was gorgeous. There are on-sight daycare and nannies and lots of things for people with small children to get up to. We used the baby-sitting service and I was very pleased. It was the first time that Autumn has been left with a stranger so I was obviously worried and checked on her a few times but she slept soundly while I enjoyed the wedding reception and to my dismay, woke me up nice and early the following morning with lots of energy...hehe! Squish also picked up a bit of Spanish on our trip, greeting hotel staff with "Ola!" and yelling "Adios!!" before leaving company. She's such a little sponge, it's so amazing!

Anyhoo, here are some photos:

Squish testing out her new UV suit 

Having some lunch with the bride and groom

The gorgeous view from Christine's balcony (yes, that is a bathtub)

...Not so sure about this sand...

"Big Big Ocean"

Hydrating before bed

Dancers by the pool

Taking a break from swimming to colour

Cute new swim suit from Auntie Em

Sand castle session with Cami

More sand castles with  Becca and Leo

Out for sushi in Mexico

Flower girl dress

Christine's hand made wedding sash

The bride and her mama

Ordering room service

Guacamole face

Beauty bride

The groom and his best man

Bridesmaids

Flower girl at the rehearsal dinner

Mariachi madness!

Cricket salad.

"BUG!"

Autumn rolling around on the bed while wedding photos happen

Cuddles with Cami

Rolling around on the floor...Clearly she was ready to go long before the rest of us :)

Practicing her flower scattering skills

"Autumn pretty!"

gangnam style. oh dear lord.

a little fro-yo before we go!