Cruising on the Bay

Last week our friends Laura and Mike invited everyone for a sunset cruise on the Amara. It was such a beautiful night and only reminds us of how lucky we are to live in Traverse City right on the water.

Some of the ladies enjoying the evening.
Ben and the boys

The group picture...Thanks Laura and Mike and Mr. and Mrs. Nichols for a wonderful evening.

A weekend of Family, Fun, and Celebrating

This past weekend we were blessed to have so many of our friends and family come to Traverse City to enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate the impending arrival of Baby Belyea! We were very busy spending time on the boat, the beach, and having fun at the baby shower. Luckily the weather held out so that everyone could enjoy the bay.

The shower was absolutely beautiful. We received so many wonderful gifts and can't thank you enough for everyone's thoughtfulness. I forgot to take a picture of everything but here is some of the stuff we received: bouncy seat, swing, toys, cloths, Steeler outfits, blankets, books, bath time set, diapers, and more!

Thanks to everyone who traveled near and far to visit. We feel so fortunate to have so many people who love us and Baby Belyea. The countdown has officially begun....just 6 more weeks away until we get to meet our daughter!

Here I am at 34 weeks pregnant...Baby Belyea just had her appointment and the doctor said she is probably about 4-5 pounds. Her heart beat is 153 and she is so active, keeping me up at night...not sure if that is a good sign or not ;).
Ben, Nick and Jeremy relaxing before dinner.

The boat near the beach....such a wonderful day spent sun bathing and in the 70 degree water. The weather man had called for rain on Saturday but God heard our prays and gave us a wonderful day on the beach. It was so calm and beautiful!

Brad, Nick and Ben taking a dip in the warm water.

Meg, Tara, and I after a yummy dinner at Scott's.

My family...this is the first time in 2 years we have all been in the same room! I miss you all already!

At the shower, Sophie with all of her Aunties. I feel so fortunate to have such wonderful friends in TC!

The Philips Famiy-thank you everyone for coming to celebrate!

The drink table was a hit with Mimosa's and Bloody Mary's.

The prize table.

All set up for the shower at my mother-in-law's house. Meg-Thank you so much for opening your home and making it so beautiful. It means the world to me!

My favorite part-the desert table with cupcakes, cookies, and cream puffs.

My sister's and future Aunts. I LOVE YOU!

Me with the Grandma's. Baby Belyea can't wait to meet you!

All my wonderful girlfriends! She can't wait to meet all her Aunties!

Cedarville 2010

Even at 32 weeks pregnant, this last weekend we made our annual trip to the Upper Peninsula to Cedarville. It was a wonderful weekend away spent boating, time at the beach, hanging at our favorite bar The Islander, at the bonfire, and grilling out. I say this every year, but we are so fortunate to have such a great group of friends and we look forward to next year!

Cedarville as the most amazing sunsets every year.
All the girls at the Islander.

The Islander again for drinks and dinner. It was a great dance party to watch!

The boys hamming it up for the cameras.

Our annual girls picture at the dock...so blessed to have wonderful friends!

Summer Updates!

Summer has been quite busy so far...and quite HOT! My mom and dad visited us during Cherry Festival, we've welcomed 2 babies into the world-Griffin and Quinn, enjoyed spending time outside and on the boats, attending more baby classes, and finishing some house projects.

I am officially 32 weeks now....only 8 weeks to go which should go by fast. Baby Belyea is very active and keeps me up at night and we are starting to prepare more for her arrival.

This weekend we are making our 6th yearly trip up to Cedarville with our friends and then the next weekend, we are looking forward to having tons of our of friends and family coming to town. Look for pictures soon!

Me holding Baby Belyea's future best friend, Quinn....she was born to proud parents (and our good friends) Macare and Dusty in July.
Us girls at one of our favorite summer destinations, Knot Just a Bar.

Ben and the boys on the boat during the last night of Cherry Festival.

Ben with a group of friends/racers. He ran the Cherry Fest 5k in less than 22 minutes. Nice job Ben!

Updates Galore!

I've been very bad lately updating our blog but we've been very busy so here are some new things going on with us. We went out to Pennsylvania for a long weekend to visit family, been finishing our dining table project, making progress on Baby Belyea's room, and spending time with friends. July is here and that means Cherry Festival and Im in my third trimester! I've been feeling great besides the hot, HOT weather. Baby Belyea is moving around so much more and Ben can feel it now. She especially likes when Ben plays music for her and when we read/talk to her. We've attended some baby classes and I started doing pre-natal yoga which is amazing! I promise to get better updating, especially as the next few months we have lots going on. Hopefully, that will make my last trimester go fast. :)

A view to her room with the crib. We changed the furniture placement and added some things but I love how everything is coming together. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Paranick for the crib! We love it and know she will too!


28 week baby bump.

Ben and I at my cousin's wedding in Pennsylvania holding my baby bump at 26 weeks.

Love this picture of Rachel and I! Thanks again to you and Jeremy for openning your home to us while we visited. We can't wait to see you soon!

And finally....the almost finished dining table. All it needs is a few more finishing details and some stain but I aboslutely love how it changed the look of our room. Ben, as always, did an absolutely amazing job.

5 Years of Wedded Bliss

5 years ago today we celebrated our marriage! Time has really flown, but I am constantly reminded of how special that day was and how special each day continues to be, especially now that our little girl is on her way! So I wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from our wedding day. Looking at them makes me want to do it all over again!

Our first dance together...I wish I could remember what we were talking about but I know I was never happier than at this moment!
At the church.....the new (but now "older") Mr. and Mrs.
Not only were we married but we shared our day with Tara and Nick. 2 ceremonies and one reception was so much fun. This picture is my VERY favorite, the memory of walking down the isle to our family and friends still brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

The picture our photographer made us....so pretty!

Fountain Pointe, the backdrop to our reception.

A quiet moment at the Sutton's Bay docks.

House Projects!

So being in a nesting mood, I've decided to start re-decorating our house. Ben has been kind enough to do most of the projects and help out and everything so far has turned out amazing. Check out the new dining room furniture and baby's room below.

Thank God for craigslist.com. I found 6 antique oak chairs for super cheap that just needed a little love. Above is the "before" picture.

The finished project...just a little re-finishing and fabric go along way.

Ben is making the dining room table and here is the base. I still can't believe his vision turned into reality but even better. I still think Ben should be on HGTV.

The first coat of paint going on in the baby's room...we went with a lighter blue color and I must say it turned out so pretty.

Aspen checking out the progress.

Ben putting the finishing touches on...

Finished paint complete with crown molding. I think she is going to love the room, I know I do! Now starts the process of filling it up with the crib, changing table, accessories, and well, all of that other baby stuff.