I've Joined the Club

Yep, I'm there plus 2 weeks. I joined th 30 club on March 28. The day came on the third day of back and forth business trips to San Antonio, so the day itself was low key, but I did get to enjoy some of my fave sushi for dinner.

But then came the weekend. Several weeks earlier JP had suggested we get everyone together for crawfish to celebrate. Sounded like the perfect idea to me and the perfect way to celebrate my Dirty Thirty.

It was a ball of a time being with friends and family. And the crawfish and beer was delish and the perfect companion for enjoying the backyard on the summer-like day. (if only it would stay thar temp through summer)

Love.It.

Pretty sure this is my little lady giving me a high five after I tried to pretend like I was 21 again.

So what happens now? Eating a little better, working out a little harder and wrinkle cream, right? All those things might be needed, but Praising the Lord for another wonderful year and looking forward to what He has in store for me for the next 30 is what I'm thinking about. It's a beautiful life...bring it 30!

A Fine Photo

We had a little Dirty 30 celebration on Saturday (more to come), and my talented brother-in-law captured this image of Miss Reese.  She fit right in with the theme with a little dirt on the face and dress, but in my opinion, this photo wouldn't be the same without it.  Thanks, Matt!

2two!

Two weeks ago we celebrated Reese's 2nd birthday.  All I can say is where did the time go?  We enjoyed another nice January day and even though there was a little chill in the air, it was a great day to be outside!

My friend Megan, had the thought several months ago of doing a tutu them since we are celebrating 2 years, and I loved the idea...just needed to figure out how to fit all of our little boy friends into it.  So, I took to the web, did some digging around, and settled on the Tutu's & Ties theme.  It was a fun theme to plan, especially with the help of Pinterest--I mean who plans a party these days without it?

Can you tell she loves wearing a tutu?

We borrowed Grammy's bouncer again this year.  It's always a hit with the kiddos!  I also rented a bubble machine which I was a little disappointed in.  It provided some great ambiance, but not really worth the cost.

We haven't quite mastered "blowing out the candles".  The look on her face in the pic says it all..."how do I blow out candles? Just look really hard at them and THINK about blowing them out and they will--it's all a mind trick".  And she probably thinks that's really what works since she had a little help from the wind. Oh, and she is obsessed with the Happy Birthday song.  Just this morning she was looking at her cupcake Legos Uncle Mike gave her and singing "Happy Birthday Reese".  Yes, it's been 2 weeks!

Our best attempt at getting a pic of all the kiddos--even if it is just feet.

Here we are enjoying some of our new gifts.  And yes, that is a real tiara (not a toy version).  Thanks, Megan--as soon as she gets that "princess" complex, I'm sending her to you!

Channeling our Inner Kid

The 4th of July weekend usually means fun in the sun for us, and this year was no different.  With the exception of a trip out to a local winery and lunch on the lake, we decided to take it to the backyard this year vs. the lake or pool, and boy did we had fun!  Just like little kids! (oh and I think they enjoyed it, too)

Maybe she could be the talent for the next packaging photo shoot?



It all started out on Saturday with a quick trip to WalMart for a Slip N Slide.  We had fun with it even though we are too big for it, but the real fun came on Monday when we combined our friend's Slip N Slide with ours to form a bit of an obstacle course--and that it was!  There were only a couple of us that actually made it to the end, and that was still a feat.  I've only posted the pics of my husband and me here, because I'm not sure I have permission to post to the public all of the mishaps that went on.  Let me put it this way, it was a true WIPEOUT ZONE, just like the show on TV with bodies trying to master something that didn't even support our body weight. 

I think there is a reason these things are made for kids because I was quite sore the next day...and the next!  But the entertainment factor for the 15 or so of us that were there was beyond words.  The amount of laughter could have also been a culprit for my sore body.

What really got me, was how funny little Miss thought we all were trying to conquer something that was really made for her.  She would get down right giddy watching us throw our bodies into the air, just hoping to make it to the end.  But, in most cases didn't make it past the first pool.  And, of course she loved playing with her friend, Mia and eating lots of holiday treats!

What a fun time it was, but for now all of the air has been removed from the paraphernalia and loaded up for storage...until next time.

What kind of games and activities do you take part in to ensure your inner kid is still alive?

Roadtrippin' It.

We took a roadtrip Memorial Day weekend. 

Are you surprised that it was centered around a UT sport? 

Well anyway, it all started the weekend before when Texas was playing their final series against the Aggies and our friends Shell and Matt said, "hey, let's go to Oklahoma City next weekend for the Big 12 tournament".  My first thought was NO.  And the thoughts that ran through my head were of an uncomfortable and bored toddler riding in the car, not wanting to be at the games we wanted to be at, in the end having to spend more time in the hotel room than I wanted and screwing up our friend's (who don't have kids yet) weekend.  But, by the end of the weekend, I was totally gung-ho and brought myself to remember to just have low expecations about the whole trip and go with the flow.  It also helps to have great friends that are go-with-the-flow people, too (and entertain my child)!

Well, I think know little Miss likes going as much as we do!  It's the times when she's in the house for too long that she gets whiny and not fun to be around.  So this roadtrip was just her style and let me tell you, she is my little trooper!

After a 6 hour drive (all 5 of us comfortably in Shell's company sedan), we arrived on Friday afternoon just in time for the game.  We went straight to the stadium, and Reese was thrilled to be out of the car and giddy to soak it all in. (especially the Cracker Jacks that she flagged down the vendor for...not sure how she even knew what they were, but she sure does now and LOVES them)

 

proud Daddy!

We were able to enjoy an adult dinner that evening til 10:30 or so as she slept peacefully in her orange chariot.

 it bubbled like a volcano...yummy!

Friends! (Disclaimer: Reese is right by the camera sleeping soundly)



Saturday brought two games, perfectly spaced to catch a nap in between, and it was refreshing for all of us to get a little mid-day shut eye.

the restaurant overlooking the ball field was a nice break from the heat 

our crew



Post (2nd) game we found a great wine bar with live music and a fairly empty patio for Reese to run around on.  You know it's all about finding the right venues that make Mama, Daddy, and Reese (and Matt and Shell) happy.  We did learn though, that Oklahoma does have a law against kids in a bar, so we had to enjoy our evening cocktail in the hotel lobby vs. the hotel bar.  But, we enjoyed it all the same!

The trip home on Sunday was even smoother than Friday.  Two little naps and a stop for lunch at Joe T's in Ft. Worth was all she needed.

So, this toddler continues to be a great at adapting to whatever environment we put her in--especially hotel rooms and practicing her favorite pastime.

It's Wedding Season

Yes, we still have friends getting married, left and right.  Our season started in March with Lindsey's Whimsy's shabby chic affair outside of Brenham.  She didn't leave a shabby chic detail undone--what a a beautiful day it was to celebrate a beautiful couple.  I especially loved these adorable antique hankies that were present before being seated for the ceremony. 

It's definitely the details that set apart one affair from another, and not to mention, it's the perfect way to make it personal and the all about the bride and groom's own style.

and Reese loved these adorable pinwheels

Then we move on to the first part of April for Matt and Linda's affair.  JP and Matt grew up together and JP was a groomsman, so we had the privilege of celebrating all weekend in Houston.

 

Linda is Vietnamese, and they did such a beautiful job of including the Vietnamese tea ceremony as part of the day.  It was a long day with the tea ceremony at 10 am, ceremony at 1:30 and reception (complete with an 8-course meal) later that evening.  And boy was it yummy!

And how cool to learn about and celebrate a new tradition (to me anyway)!

This past weekend we celebrated the engagement of some family friends, Weston Blackie and his fiance Natalia.  It was refreshing to not travel for this one, as the MOG has a place overlooking Lake Travis, where the soiree was held.  And a soiree it was!

Because the couple will be getting married with just family and a few friends in Aspen in September, this was a chance to celebrate with all the hoop-la.  Complete with the Newsboyz, a jazz band on the porch, fireworks, Santa Margherita, and divine noshes, the evening was absolutely delightful.  And of course, the views (that I've shared before), were out of this world, and luckily with a bit more water in the lake.

We've got quite a few more friends tying the not in the next couple of months, unfortunately some we aren't going to make because they are far away destinations like Jamaica and Playa del Carmen (and with not working for the past 6 months, that's just not in the budget).  So, for now, we'll try and rest so we can bring our A-game for the next one.  Ciao!

The Zoo

Reese and I have been trying to do whatever we can to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather we've been blessed with lately.  So we got together with Baby Neuhaus, and headed to the Austin Zoo.

I honestly wasn't expecting too much, considering most people aren't even aware that Austin has a zoo, and actually it's darn near to Dripping Springs.  JP even joked before we went, "oh, ya'll are going to see some goats, cows and birds today?".  But, all the same, I knew it would entertain Miss Reese.  Of course, it's nothing like a big city zoo, and definitely not like the San Diego zoo, which I hear is the ultimate, but did provide some entertainment looking at common and not-so-common creatures.

We saw monkey's, tigers, peacocks, jaguars, wolves, parrots, cheetahs, goats, pigs, deer, chickens, and more.  I was especially impressed with the tigers.  I think the zoo has about 5 total and we had the pleasure of witnessing a little tiff between two of them.  I say "a little tiff", but I sure wouldn't want to be involved in it.  They were scratching at each other, roaring and pushing each other down.  And I forget what large animals they are.  I don't think Reese even blinked, but Lindsey and I were quite entertained.

So, anyway, not really an "above and beyond" zoo, but definitely a place I will take her back to.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, given the fact that it is a bit out of town, some of the views of the hill country are absolutely amazing!

And, of course, while we waited to ride the train, the girls were entertained best by playing in the dirt and picking up leaves and rocks.  It's keeping them out of Reese's mouth that is the challenging part for me!

Happy 1st Birthday to Our Sweet Little Monkey

Wow!  What a glorious, magical, amazing and beautiful year it has been.  I can hardly believe the 1st year landmark has already come and gone.  We have been so blessed this year to have our sweet little lady in our lives and we thank the Lord everyday for what a blessing she has been!

Of course, we had to commemorate the joyous occasion with a par-tay, and what a glorious, magical, amazing and beautiful day it was.  Since Reese's birthday landed on a Saturday this year, the actual day was the perfect day to celebrate with our family and friends.  And, thank goodness for the beautiful weather we had so that we could enjoy being outside--otherwise we probably would have been a bit cramped in the house. 

I enjoyed every minute of planning this soiree and I was just thrilled with the way everything turned out, so of course, I'm going to have to share some of the details.

These adorable invites were an inspired by a design I found online, but I'm totally into doing my own invites because I can do them exactly how I want them and a lot cheaper!  So, with a little help from JP, Snapio (and Illustrator, of course!), the end result couldn't have been cuter!

You are probably starting to see a trend here of all things pink (and green).  I just think gerbera daisies are the perfect fresh flower for a little girl's day.  And I was able to reuse the paper lanterns from our wedding to add a little flare.

I decided to go with cupcakes rather than a cake, because they are just too easy to deal with, and you can't beat the tasty ones SAMs makes.  Then I went one more step and ordered these ADORABLE toppers from threekidspartyshop on Etsy.  I have to say, I'm a bit obsessed with Etsy right now and it was the perfect go-to spot to put some personalized touches on this party.

Of course, the birthday girl had to have her own little smash cake too, and she loved every minute of it (pics and video to come).  Threekidspartyshop did this topper too, and it was just perfect!

And, if you're a Parker grandkid, you're sure to have the cutest, and tastiest cookies at your party too!  My MIL (Grammy) is so stinkin' talented and creative and everyone went home with one of these adorable monkey cookies.

And here is a glimpse of the birthday girl in her party frocks.  Again, all ordered from Etsy.  MaddieBugBaby did her adorable shirt (which we plan to wear all year!) and her pettiskirt came from TwoAngelsBoutique.  If you're in to pettiskirts, they have EVERY color you can think of at really reasonable prices.
 

An Adult 24 Hours

This past weekend we had the joy of attending one of my pledge sister's weddings in Houston.  Reese was not invited, nor would I have even considered taking her if she was.  It's events like these that make a great excuse to make it an adults-only day (and buy a new dress, of course).  It was so great to reunite with all my Theta ladies and enjoy a beautiful reception at The Rice.  Everything was beautiful and congrats to Elizabeth and Kyle on their I-Do's.

Thanks to Grammy and Grandpa, we thorougly enjoyed our adults-only day--it does a body (and a mama) good!

10 months

Wow! I haven't been doing a very good job keeping up with things lately on the blog, so I'm going to use this post to get caught up. 

The past month has been filled with more football, reunions, hayrides, a trip to Fredricksburg, a quick trip to the ranch, and much more...hmmmm, maybe that's why I'm so behind! Miss Reese loves to be on-the-go (and her Mama does too), so we try to keep it that way.

hayride with the Ahrens fam

loving the slide and looking forward to many more days in the "jumper"

She is still not crawling as we all know crawling, but has figured out how to get around as long as she's on the carpet or tile.  Don't let this confuse you with being mobile.  She is a cruiser!  She walks laps around the coffee table, or anything else she can reach and walk to.  I'm still a bit leery of whether she will ever be a conventional crawler.

We have a great eater on our hands, although, I'm already worried we've created a monster. She would much rather have risotto and creme brulee versus Gerber ravioli or applesauce. She's got four teeth and two more on the way.  She's been a champ at transitioning from the bottle...we are just two days in to no bottles, but before that she only had one before bed, so I'm pretty sure doing away with the last one will go smoothly too.

I've been putting off  "baby proofing" my house since she hasn't hasn't been truly on the move, but I think it's time....especially since JP went in to her room this morning only to find our little lady standing up glaring at him from her crib. 

Oh, and how could I forget Thanksgiving!  Well, I know my husband would love to forget the game, but seriously, we have so many things to be thankful for, namely our Lord and Savior, and family and friends, who we love so dearly.  Of course, Reese was one of the first things that came to my mind when I thought about Thanksgiving this year because she has truly brought such joy to our lives and we are so thankful for the past 10 months as we have watched her grow.

I know it doesn't look like it here, but Reese was so happy to see Will on Thanksgiving at the tailgate...it had been a while!

....and now on to the Christmas season...one of my favorite times of year!

 Elle & Reese: already great friends! 

 with Leisha and Leslie at a much needed girl's night out at A Christmas Affair (note the tumblers of wine...the line to the bar was too long to stand in again...everyone was doing it!)

   bath in one of the new sinks at the ranch and lovin' the washcloth!