Father's Day Weekend 2011

Father's Day Weekend 2011 kicked off with a birthday celebration full of crabs and crawfish.  We spent Saturday visiting with my cousins, Tucker and Meredith, who were in town for Tucker's birthday.  He was kind enough to bring his inlaws from Louisiana so we could enjoy a true Cajun crawfish boil!  All I have to say is...YUM!

Jamie decided to cool off with Tucker & Chrissy's dog, Paris.  She was so excited about the pool that she didn't even wait to put her suit on!!

 Father's Day started off with a trip to Academy with Daddy.  Jamie thought she'd drive herself :)

 While Jamie and Daddy were gone, Rylie posed for some pictures in her cute outfit.  If only the hat had cooperated!

After lunch with my Dad, we went to see Pops.  While we were there Jamie had a music lesson from her Daddy :) 

All in all, we had a great weekend celebrating with our fantastic family!

Father's Day Weekend 2011

Father's Day weekend started off with a...crawfish :)  We celebrated my cousin, Tucker's, 26th birthday by making him work!  He brought his lovely wife and in-laws in from Louisiana and cooked up some awesome crawfish and crabs!  It was delicious!

Cooks hard at work :)

Meredith and I learning how to crack crabs!

Jamie served as the entertainment for the day.  Her biggest act took place in the pool sans bathing suit!  No she was not wearing her birthday suit...she just got so excited that she jumped in before I could get a bathing suit on her!  By the end of her swim, her diaper weighed as much as she did!

Having a blast

 

The Father's Day celebrations began with a quick father-daughter trip to Academy while Rylie and I finished getting ready to head out to lunch with my dad.

 She's ready to go, keys and all!

 We decided to take some pictures while we waited for Daddy and big sister to get home

Dad's day lunch took place at Del Pueblo with my Mom and Dad and my grandparents.  As usual, Jamie was the entertainment.  She actually stayed happy through the entire meal, including dessert...Tres Leches with her Daddy!

 After lunch with my family, we headed over to see Rusty's dad.  We spent the afternoon just hanging out and playing with Rylie and Jamie.  It was a really relaxing way to finish up the weekend.  Jamie and Rusty even put on a little concert for us :)

The Cousins' Trip to the Zoo

Today we braved the Houston heat and visited the Houston Zoo with our favorite friends and cousins Aubrey, Lane, Brody and Jackson.  Aunt Cassie, Alisha, Gigi and Pat-Pat came along too.  We had so much fun despite the heat.  Here's a little photo array to show our day...

Some monkeys escaped :)

Miss Independent...

Aubrey leading Jamie in the right direction

Even the orangutan thought it was miserable...he dipped his blanket in the water, then wore it!  Too funny to watch :)

I had never seen one up close before...beautiful!

 Jamie has been talking about elephants all week, but by the time we got to them all she cared to do was push the stroller...

Double Trouble!

Can you feel the love?

Pat-Pat and Rylie hanging out at our picnic in the park! 

We finished the day by feeding the pigeons & ducks (they like French Fries) in Hermann Park, then rode the choo-choo.

Fun times were had by all...we can't wait to go back!

Deer Season -- Day One

That's right I said DEER SEASON!  This is our first weekend without Rusty.  He is out somewhere in South Texas doing prep work for his new deer lease.  As I am closing out the first full day and second night with no Daddy, I am struck with a few thoughts.

One, I really do appreciate my husband!  He is a great dad and he always knows what to do when my patience is running thin.  Usually that means taking Jamie somewhere to burn off some energy ;)

Two, I love my kids!  I am so blessed to have to beautiful and healthy girls.  They really are easy babies.  Sure, Jamie tests the waters every now and then, but she is so cute and sweet that you can't stay mad at her long.  They both hung in with me last night while I visited with an old friend in Sugar Land and kept them out waaaaay past their bed time, and tonight they went to bed quietly when I wanted them to!  I really am thankful for that.

Three, I am thankful for deer.  Although they take Rusty away, they send him back to me relaxed and happy which makes me happy :)  Happy mom and happy dad means happy kids! 

I never thought that I would be thanking a deer for keeping my family balanced...who knew :)

Smiley Rylie!

A post dedicated to the other apple of my eye :)

Easter Pictures

A deep thinker...like my big sister

Practicing my smile

Smiley Rylie!

Beach Baby ;)

I love this little princess because of that cute little smile!  Ok, now each kiddo has there own individual post...no more guilt for me :)

Jamie's Day Out

Although I love the summer and getting to hang out around the house, I also love getting Jamie out of the house!  Almost-two-year olds benefit from scenery changes just like adults :)

We ventured out to the mall for some new pots and pans.  Of course our day would not be complete without some nuggets, french fries and DIP!

After lunch and a cookie, we got our few items and headed home for a much needed nap.  The highlight of the day came when we got to go to Daddy's softball games.  She made a new friend and seems to be pretty good at flirting already...we are in TROUBLE ;)

Drumming on the Bleachers

Overall, I think she had a pretty good day :)

Welcome to Our World

Easter 2011

Meet Jamie and Rylie...In case you didn't already know, this is their world, we just get to live in it :)  Honestly, they are the lights of mine and Rusty's life; we couldn't imagine life without them. 

I wanted to start a little blog so that I can share some of our longer stories that just can't make it on Facebook.  Keep a watch out for future posts...Beach trips, the Zoo, and all of the fun that Summer 2011 will bring!  Below are a couple of pictures of what the early summer days have brought us.

Jamie enjoying some time at the park!

Rylie hanging out in one of her favorite spots!