Sam turns 3!!!

Sam started his birthday morning with breakfast of his choice - homemade chocolate chip waffles and strawberries.

A blurry picture, but his birthday excitement is just so cute!



At lunch time uncles, aunts, and cousins came over for a cake celebration :)  Sam picked a Toy Story theme this year.

Hannah helping Sam get his hat in place...

"I'm free years old!" (three years old)

Murphy, Hannah, and Sam waiting for cake...

Happy Birthday, Sam!

Sam said the "prosting" or frosting was the best part :)

Cousins :)

Oma enjoying some cake!

Auntie Sandra and Murphy

Present time!  Mommy and Daddy gave Sam Buzz & Woody from Toy Story...he was thrilled!

Baking cupcakes with Oma for his school birthday party :)

He could not get enough cake batter!

Oma's little cupcake helper!

The Birthday King at preschool :)

Playing with friends at recess...

Tea Party with Kate

One last swing before it's time go home!  Sam had a great birthday - at home AND at school :)

The Manco/Cochran Family Cruise

Last weekend our family returned from a 7 day Caribbean cruise on board the Ruby Princess.  It was truly an amazing vacation!  We met my parents and brothers in Ft. Lauderdale to begin our first Manco/Cochran family vacation :)  We stopped in Bermuda for a beach day on a private island, took a catamaran ride and snorkeled in St. Maarten, shopped in St. Thomas, and had another gorgeous beach day in Turks and Cacaos (my favorite port!)  Sam had so much fun swimming, exploring the boat, eating delicious food, and  most of all spending time with his uncles and grandparents :)  It didn't take him long to get into vacation mode...he slept 11-12 hours every night which was definitely a highlight for his two very sleep deprived parents :)  We came back feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for spring!

Below are just a few pictures from our fun family vacation in the Caribbean...

Princess Cays, Bermuda...1st stop!

 Taking a dip in the ocean with Daddy :)

 The beautiful, Ruby Princess!

Swimming with Grandpa!

Checking out Daddy's snorkeling gear...

Relaxing on the boat...

Soaking up some sun - cool shades!

Uncle Chris and Uncle David at dinner on formal night...they clean up nice!

St. Thomas

Swimming on the boat...Daddy is trying to pull him in!

Bathing beauties!

Taking a break in the shade...Carribean sun is intense!

Formal night in the dining room - Sam is checking out the water!

Me and my Mommy :)

Beach day in Turks and Cacos!

Shadow chasing on the beach!

Me and my brothers :)

 My Family :)

Hanging out with Grandpa while he hydrates himself!

 mmm...El Presidente, very refreshing!

Craig, Dad, and Chris at our last dinner on board - we are all missing the food terribly!



Mommy turns 30

My boys made my 30th birthday extra special for me :) 

Flowers, jewelry, romantic dinner with my husband, and cupcakes and cannoli's before bed!

DEElish!  Hello 30 :)

The Flock Reunites!

In honor of our 30th birthdays our flock met up in NYC for a big birthday celebration! It was the first time we had ALL been together in over 5 years!! Kat was our "hostess with the mostest" and showed us the best time :) I can't think of a better way to start a new decade...catching up with best friends over lunch, getting pampered with mani's, pedi's, & massages, dinner & drinks, a slumber party, and Sunday brunch!

Lexi, Bethie, & Katty

Lexi & Lo...grrrrr ;)

Me & Kat...my friend since 9th grade :)

B & Lex

Kat & Lo

Lex, Lo, and Me

Sam & Murphy

A few weeks ago Sam and I went to visit my Oma (grandmother) who lives just a few towns away from us.  The whole family was there which meant that Sam & and his cousin Murphy got to have a play date :)  He even shared his animal crackers with her (a big deal!).

A game of tag around the coffee table...



Being silly :)  We are so happy to live close to family again!