Halloween

Reese really got into the Halloween spirit this year.  I guess with each year, her love of candy grows!  We did it double time this year with a trip to the Theta house on Tuesday before the actual Halloween extravaganza on Wednesday.

The Texas Thetas rolled out the red carpet with yummy snacks, face painting, and all the candy we could handle.  It was a fun event with our friends Tom (Goose), Olivia, and Alex the sock hop dance star!

On Wednesday, she was off to school in her Tinkerbell costume for her fall party and parade.  Then we headed over to Ehlert's on Wednesday for more trick or treating with friends.

It's always fun to get the little ones dressed up and see their eyes light up as they add more candy to their bags, but I'm glad it's come to an end.  Now I can hopefully wean myself of the candy high I've been on for the past 2 weeks, I mean, I was just doing my due duty and not letting my toddler eat too much--she does have a dentist appointment later this month!

Summa Summa Time

Well, now that summer has past, I guess I can blog about it.  I really hate playing catch up, but considering my last several posts have been the same, it might be a habit.  Isn't that what they say, once you've done it 3 times, it becomes a habit?

So, with May came a wonderful trip to The Players Championship in Jacksonville, Florida with our good friends Matt & Shelley.  It was an adult trip and sooo fun!  We spent Wednesday afternoon and Thursday on Amelia Island eating some great fare and doing a little relaxing before spending Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the course at Sawgrass watching the pros.  Of course, Tiger is so intriguing and has continued to maintain quite the following, but we also enjoyed following Phil, Rickie, Keegan and many others before camping out at 18 on the last day to watch them all!

In our Mother's Day PINK

San Fernandina Beach

Then came a TON of traveling for me... I think I was traveling part of every other week for about a month and a half--glad that's over!

Reese progressed quite well in swim lessons this year.  She started out in group with 1 or 2 other kids, then I moved her to private for another 4 weeks.  Her lack of fear for the water is both good and bad, know what I mean?  So out come the floaties when we all need a break!

But, it got her well-prepped for our trip to Destin in August.  She loved every minute of the pool and beach and we did too!  My parents drove down, picked us up from the airport in Panama City and we enjoyed a very relaxing 4 days.  It was a true vacation in that I did not leave the house but once the whole trip, except for the beach or pool, just a few yards away, of course.  There was no agenda, just fun, sun and relaxation--exactly what we needed!

In late July we decided to make the leap and put our house on the market in late August.  So we whittled away getting it in tip-top shape during evenings and weekends and listed it a week ago.  It's been an amazing home for us the past 6+ years, but we're ready to make a move for a bit more space and a bit different area.  We've had some good looks, but no offers yet--fingers crossed for things to go somewhat quickly!

So I think that's my best effort at catching up.  And here we are less than 2 days away from September 1 and while I'm extremely thankful for the summer being a bit milder on us (compared to last year), I'll gladly welcome fall temps whenever they want to show their face.

Oh, and hooray for football season because aside from selling the house (and buying a new one) it will pretty much consume our lives for the next several months.

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!

From Our Little Cupcake to Yours...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!

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.

Hardly Lifting a Finger

We spent Easter weekend out at the ranch again this year, which is always a good time, but an even better time for me when you combine a toddler that doesn't stop and "big kids".  It's so true that kids love kids.  Reese was so entertained the ENTIRE weekend by all of the "big kids".  Miss Reese was so smitten with the Beverly boys, and Laurel and Kelsey Lowke were the ultimate little moms.

 getting the eggs ready!

Chase and Laurel helping Reese on her hunt

I think back to when I was a kid, and if there was a baby around, I was attached to it.  I loved babies when I was younger (and still do), but we all know it's not quite as novel when you are a parent of one.  I think we can all agree that being able to sit back and relax vs. constantly chasing and entertaining is always a nice break.

In true ranch fashion wearing Reed's boots 

                       and here wearing Reed's (or Kelsey's) titanium necklace (they're both ball players and both wear them) 

We also celebrated our 6th anniversary over the weekend, and 3 of the kids were flower girls and ring bearer in our wedding.  My how time flies!!!

We enjoyed a lovely weekend with the family and even had a few rain showers. 

Reese became spoiled as ever being pushed in her Cozy Coupe and pushed in the swing.  Hardly lifting a finger makes me a very spoiled mama of a toddler!

For that matter, by the looks of this spread, we're all spoiled!!



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!