Texas Spring

What would Spring be in Texas without a climb into patches of our native flower, posing for the parentals in hopes of that perfect photograph being snapped, all while praying there are no snakes hiding out in the same patch?  Well, I guess last year we didn't succumb to the typical Texas spring because I did not get any pics of the little lady.  So this year, I tried to make up for it--and it was worth it!  It's amazing to see her growth in 2 years from this.  And quite frankly, we just didn't have the crop of bluebonnets last year compared to this year.

These are from the ranch of Easter and I just LOVE how they turned out.  Hat's off to JP!  And thank you, Reese, for taking my bribe to smile and look at the camera!

An Egg-cellent Weekend

We enjoyed another lovely Easter at the ranch this year.  We love that place, and Reese does too.  She's been asking this week if we are going there again this weekend.  The answer is no, but I can tell it is becoming one of those places she is giddy about, just like I was when I was a kid.  Oh wait, I still get giddy about going to the ranch--it's just that kind of place.

Because at the ranch you get to drink ice cream from the bowl at 10:15 pm with Uncle Mike

It was nice to sit back, relax, enjoy some great food and wine and watch take it all in.  We've been talking about Easter for a few months now and the children's book "All About Easter" gives a really good glimpse of what this great holiday is all about for a 2 year old.  She understands that it really is all about Jesus, and that's what is important.  Several weeks ago I asked her "Reese, where are we going for Easter?"  Waiting for her to say "the ranch", she quickly replied "church".  She.gets.it.

She also gets the Easter bunny and all he does.  She has hunting eggs down pat.  And eating candy, too.  I think there was one day over the weekend that the only thing wholesome she ate was a few bites of fruit for breakfast and a bowl of beans at 8pm.  Thankfully, we're back to a normal eating routine.

A little bit of chocolate on the face for the first of many times that day

And, if you're gonna live in Texas, you gotta break a pinata for Easter.  (make sure you sing that to the tune...If you're gonna play in Texas...it makes it that much better).  It's always a hit with the kids and there is no shortage of roadside vendors making a buck from them.

I hope you and your family enjoyed a blessed Easter and remember that HE died and rose for US.  Hallelujah!

A Roadtrip Weekend

So we packed it all up and headed to the LBK last Thursday night.  It's really the only chance I get every other year to make the trip because most of the football games overlap with Texas home games, and I'm not making the trip solo.  It was such a fun (and tiring!) weekend, though it didn't have the outcome I wanted, I think I can take it better than JP could if it would have been a loss for Texas, so there ya go.

We were pretty much on the go the entire weekend, meeting up with friends, old neighbors, and hangin' out at all my fave places from college.  I took so many great pics, too, that I decided to simply put this little slideshow together since there were just too many to post....enjoy!

Born to Be

...a college football fan!  And I keep it general here, because as most of you well know, JP and I went to two different Texas schools.  Of course, Reese (just like her mama) will wear her UT best almost every weekend as we head south to tailgate and cheer the Longhorns to victory.  But, she also owns several ADORABLE Texas Tech frocks too in which I heart dressing her up in.  I guess I pass along my thinking to her in that she can cheer for Texas every weekend they aren't playing the Scarlet & Black, which in case you didn't know, is this upcoming weekend.  So, how does Reese show her loyalty in her frocks during this game? .......she doesn't.  Well, she doesn't pick one over the other.  She will be wearing a couture (designed by me, constructed by Honey) house divided dress.  Of course, we are headed to Lubbock, so throughout the weekend I have other Tech choices for her.  I mean, I only get to go to Lubbock every other year, so I've got to rally while I'm there.

even Aggies give cute gifts like this...thanks Melissa...we love it!

But, this past weekend was the first home game in Austin, and Reese joined in the traditions and fun just fine.  JP headed down to tailgate at his usual early time, while Reese and I came a little later.  She really was such a champ!  We stayed in our seats til halftime and then joined Shell up in the Club for some AC and grub.  Can I tell you what a difference the AC makes?

trying to stay cool with a cold water bottle and a fan

The National Anthem with Daddy

Thanks for bringing me to the club, Aunt Shelley!

So anyway, we had a great first game experience...and here is Reese in true tailgate fashion...filling her belly before the game.  Here's to many more!

Bluebonnets

Yes, I know they have come and gone in our great state, but I did have Reese's first spring in the bluebonnets documented.  I mean what would life be like in Texas, without photos like these?  I would be a horrible mother if I didn't get some. And for those of you out-of-staters, the bluebonnet is Texas' state flower and every spring you see the sides of the highway littered with people taking pictures in them.  I'm proud to say that these are NOT on the side of the highway.

There was this great deal through Alicia Cargile Photography that I just couldn't pass up.  She was offering the sitting fee for $20 for bluebonnet shots and all of the proceeds went to the Brenham State School.  Hello!?, even if there was only 1 good shot, it would have been worth it.  Now the bad thing is, there really isn't a bad shot and we have to make some decisions.

Reese was only 2 months when these were taken, so sitting up in the bluebonnets on her own wasn't going to happen, so I had the bright idea to use this antique red rocking chair.  It was my grandmother's dad's and I think it really turned out to be a great prop!

These are a few of my faves.