The Durbin's

Thursday, January 20, 2011

KATE'S BIRTHDAY BASH

Kate finally hit the big 35 so we had to do a little celebrating! (meaning a few hours of course) Typical me, I left my camera on the table so there are a ton of pictures of people I don't know. I think it was actually you, Kate, who took those:) We had a great time on your birthday and hope you did too! It's so wonderful having you in our lives! I think next year we'll be too old for that "kind" of party so maybe a nice daytime tea party:) LOL

The Birthday Girl

Kate, Christy, Myself & Sarah

Andrea & I....she happens to be my tenant &

I didn't even recognize her:) haha

2011 New Year's Eve at Bellerive

On New Year's Eve Durbin, Evy and I went to Bellerive to celebrate with my parents and Jack. We had a blast! There is nothing better than spending New Years with your baby...where else would you want to be??!! Although we were home by 9:30 Evy stayed up til 1am in her jumparoo watching all the celebrations on TV. She had a blast! Once midnight struck I shed a little tear as I picked her up and thanked GOD for the best gift of 2010.....my precious little Evy! What a year 2010 had been! It seemed to come and go so quickly with so many wonderful things happening. It's crazy that it's already 2011, but Durbin and I are so excited to start this new year with our new little one! We don't plan on EVER spending a New Year's Eve without her....until she decides we're not cool enough for her:)

Here's some pictures from the evening....they speak for themselves!!

carriage ride at Bellerive

Grandpa Jack wanting to get Evy's face painted

Where's Jack???

Jack and Grandma Cathy

Some confetti for Evy:)

Monday, January 17, 2011

The Durbin's Night Out!

Durbin and I decided to go OUT (for just 3-4 hours) to see some of our great friends! Amazingly, the picture taking was at a minimum since we were chit-chatting the whole night:) However, here are a few pictures from out "night out!" It was great to see you all and missed those of you who couldn't make it. It was a Tuesday though so we understand:) haha

Grandpa Inkley's Birthday!

For my Dad's 60-something birthday we all went to Bellerive to celebrate! He had a wonderful time with the grandkids there. It was a little hard to get them to both sit on his lap at the same time, but we got it done....and it lasted for about 7 seconds:) It sure was great to see my Dad with his little girl and now his other "little" girl:) Happy Birthday Dad! We love you!

Catching up!

So, today I am going to try and "catch up" with what's been going on in our lives! It truly is amazing how having a baby adds 100 to-do things on your daily list:) I'm hoping to have things posted later today so keep your fingers crossed! Hope everyone is well!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Name Game!

One of my best friends, Darryl, & I were talking about the naming of our children the other day & ironically I received a "babycenter" email about the top 100 names of 2010! It caused me to think....the naming of your children seems to been such a difficult decision. I'll never forget when the topic came up between me & Durbin. It was before I was even pregnant, maybe before we were even married. We mentioned the name Evelyn & it was set. There weren't name books, disagreements, etc. We agreed immediately & without reservation. Easy as pie...that is if we ever had a girl, right?:) We're SOOO happy we didn't pick a name within the top 50 or some popular/trendy name that will phase out! I never wanted my child to have a common name, moreorless be the 10th child in class with the same name! I wanted a classic, traditional, elegant name & apparently from what I hear & read...we got it! Yippy! (Now don't steal it Darryl...hahaha) And the best part is the name Evelyn means "LIFE!" I couldn't have asked for a better meaning!

I never would have thought I would've picked Evelyn, but I'm sure happy we did!!! I just love the name! Who would've thought it would be that easy.... surely not me:)

So, now a couple of my friends are going through the name game & I'm starting to realize just how hard it truly is to name a child. A name....something they will have for the rest of their life! It's such a special, yet difficult decision! If we have more kids.....I hope the second one will be as easy as the first. To all my friends out there going through this process.....I'd suggest drawing a name from a hat:) LOL

check out www.babycenter.com/top-baby-names-2010 to see all the names, their meanings & the trend of their popularity! It's pretty interesting.

Good luck ladies and gents:)

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Evy's Breakfast with Santa at Bellerive!

For Evy's first Christmas, we went to Bellerive to have a late breakfast with Santa. It was such a great time seeing all the kids, who were so excited to see Santa & tell him what they wanted for Christmas! I just love how Bellerive always makes these events so meaningful to the kids. (It sure beats going to the mall) They get each and every kid a gift specifically for them. I can't imagine who did all that shopping, but it had to be one of best shopping excursions ever:)

Here are a few pictures of Evy and her special day....better late than never, right?!

Our Family

Daddy & Evy

Grandpa Jack & Grandma Cathy

Hmmmm....I'm exhausted:)

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Evy's 1st Amazing Christmas!

It's hard to even put into words just how special this Christmas has been. Being surrounded by loved ones, family and friends, has been a true blessing. The first Christmas with your little one is one that truly takes your breath away. We are so happy that Evy seemed enjoyed every minute of the past two days. It's nice that she's old enough to be inqusitive and cognisant of her surroundings so she can laugh and giggle and enjoy all of the gifts Santa brought her:) That's makes it even more fun! She sure was spoiled this year:) Shocker, right?

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve day with Grandma and Grandpa Inkley followed by Grandma and Grandpa Durbin. Today we celebrated again with Grandma and Grandpa Inkley along with John, Melissa and little Jack....the future guitar hero:)...Thanks for coming over guys! Daddy had to go into work so Mommy and Evy surprised him later in the day! He was so excited to see us:) We just love daddy!

It was wonderful to see Jack and Evy together. Jack seemed to think Evy was his little student and Evy sure thought it was nice to have another little one around here....at least someone around her size:)

I'm sure I'm the typical first time parent, taking millions of pictures, but I couldn't stand to miss a beat! There's just something about watching a little girl open up, with assistance of course, her first Christmas gifts from Santa. Those little girls sure find a way to take your breath away...I guess that's why there's so many songs about "little girls!" :)

Celebrating as a family has been wonderful. It's so nice to have all of our parents still be together...married for years.... and to be such great role models for our children. Celebrating all these memorable holidays together is what life is about. They all seem to have a blast with Evy and Jack! We are all so lucky to have such wonderful, blessed, and joy filled lives. I thank GOD every day for all of my blessings....especially my whole family! I can't believe I lucked out with such an amazing husband and beautiful daughter....Santa must love me:) LOL

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Evy's tree and all of her gifts