After taking a peek at these photos, it amazes me what two months does to our weather and to one little boy. Ty is growing like a weed! My incredibly cute Godson, Tyler lives in Spring Lake, Michigan and is the son of one of my best friends Emma Kate. Emma and I have known each other since 6th grade and she was one of my Maids of Honor at my wedding. I love her to pieces!

Every time I’m home in Michigan, I try to snap a few pictures of my wild, adorable, sweet little Godson. He’s crazy fast and my camera can barely keep up with him anymore. I was home for a quick minute at the end of September we ventured down to Spring Lake for a fast dip. Yes…we have long, late, warm summers in Michigan where little boys and their mamas aren’t afraid to get wet. I stayed on dry land.

Then a dramatic change in weather and a short two months later…Emma and Ty visit me in Columbus! We traded in our swimming shorts for winter hats and bomber jackets. And had a blast together!

That has to be the cutest little jacket ever. (And here I thought it was more fun to shop for girls.) I miss you guys and hope to see you again soon!!

Oh and you may have noticed that I’ve made some changes around here!! I’ve finally updated my 2012 logo and blog header! I changed my photos in my moving headliner and freshened up the look of the blog. It’s all a part of a HUGE announcement that I have coming soon!! I really can’t wait to let the cat out of the bag! Stay tuned! xoxo

The fact that my little brother is turning 26 today is not only a shock to my system, but also a sign (as he so kindly pointed out) that if he’s getting older it only means I’m 4.5 years ahead of him. Cute isn’t he?

Troy Boy, Bubby, Bub, was my play mate growing up even though we had a pretty big age difference. Our family moved around quite a bit (which I give credit to my ability to always introduce myself as I was constantly the new girl) so Troy and I found ourselves making forts, attacking my Barbies with green army men, riding bikes, and in the middle of the occasional knock down, drag out, brother-sister fight. I can remember many birthday parties for him, but the one that sticks out the most is his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle birthday party that we had living in Raleigh, NC 20 years ago where my mother (bless her) decorated the house to the nines in green and phrases like “Cowabunga Dude!” and “Radical! Radical! Radical!”. I’m not sure who was more excited…me or Troy Boy. He was and still is my buddy and friend.

I’m incredibly proud of the birthday boy because he is currently living in Morgantown, WV on Cheat Lake (jealous) and is working as a police officer in Bridgeport. My baby brother arrests criminals! Crazy! He’s already received a letter of accommodation for his outstanding work there. Bad people beware.

Again, I’m thankful for Facebook so that I could use the awesome photo of the newly 26 year old, youngest Rutherford lad and my mother from our wedding to honor him in this post. I also want to share another photo that I have. It’s of my new favorite game that Troy not only taught me how to play, but also how to strategize and eventually start beating him. Which always makes a big sister happy. Shuffle board at the Elks has a new appeal to me now.

Happy happy birthday Troy! I love you and I’m sorry we can’t all be together today. Enjoy your day! You deserve it and we’ll celebrate soon. Xoxo