a la Bauer

My studious litte one...

2012-02-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Last week I was asked to be a volunteer & help out at the All Saints information coffee introducing the 3 year old program/pre-k programs. Well, low and behold, out front of his classroom was a display table and my son's handwriting piece had been sampled to be shown. I was a very proud mommy at this moment and had to photograph to show the hubs. Well, I had to ask his teacher why he was selected and she said, "look at that handwriting, that is impressive for a 4 year old!"

Proud mama...

Sister goes to the rodeo...

2012-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

I know, I know - enough rodeo/stock show posts! Well this is the LAST one. With all the hoopla she had been hearing from her big brother, Harper had to go and check this whole thing out. So, we did and it went ok. She wouldn't ride the pony, granted Marshmallow (the bright pink one) wasn't there. She wouldn't touch any of the animals in the petting zoo and she very much disliked the mini-roller coaster in the carnival area. She did however like looking at the baby chicks, the horses in their stalls, the cows, the pigs, the roosters and so on. Oh yeah, some of the smaller rides at the carnival. This was all a little surprising to me because this is my thrill seeker, my dare devil, the one who basically laughs when she falls down or does something scary... Well not this day. Whenever she was a little unsure of things, she would stick her necklace in her mouth... poor thing. There's always next year...

Look at those hineys!

Marji turns 90!

2012-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

Grandma Marj turns 90 years old today (1/29) and we celebrated last night with a big family party filled with a whole lot of love! This amazing woman is the matriarch of this huge family and is basically the glue that keeps us all together. She has a love for family that surpasses most and always looks forward to the next big event - usually at her house. For a change of pace, Matt & Ryan hosted everyone in their beautiful new home and Uncle Julio's catered the food. The cake was absolutely gorgeous & ginormous and delicious too. All of Marj's dear friends and family showed up to celebrate. I think the cousins had the most fun out of everyone. It was a literal playground of toys and friends... Braxton was a little under the weather but managed to have a little bit of fun:)

Western Day at All Saints...

2012-01-25T15:29:00.000-08:00

Western day brought out the Cowboy & Cowgirl in all the kids in the Pre-K program at All Saints. Braxton was super stoked about wearing his cowboy garb and it looks like everyone else was too. All the classes gathered in the gym where they had lunch and different stations to "play cowboy" at...

Sister came to watch too...

John David...

Belsi, Harper & Mimi

Eating trail mix they made at one station...

Giddy up!

She had to join in on the fun...

Campfire reading...

complete with smores!

Pin the tail on the donkey!

Cutie pies... a few classmates missing...

Our rodeo day...

2012-01-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

Oh my gosh! We had the biggest day at the rodeo we have ever had and stayed about 6 hours looking at animals, playing with animals and being ANIMALS. These 6 kids were a tornado of a bunch and I'm sure the sugar from the funnel cake, cotton candy and soda didn't add to it - HA! They jumped and played all over tractors, ran the stables, rode ponies, held goats, pet rabbits, and this list just keeps on going... I'll let the pictures tell the story. Anyways, the only thing we didn't do was ride the rides at the carnival... so we will be going back - so stay tuned!

Iphone pics - random cuteness part II

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday!

2012-01-25T08:57:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Miss Tenley's 1st birthday a couple weeks ago! She is such a beautiful, happy, sweet girl and Braxton and Harper absolutely ADORE her! Harper especially:) We all showed up for some major fun at Pump it Up and the kids went nustso for all the bouncy houses & slides. It was so much fun -- all seven of the cousins were there to celebrate as well as 2nd cousins and friends galore. What a fun day! Happy first Tenny tutu!

It seems like just yesterday you were born!!!

Sweet birthday girl--

Happy Birthday Kelly!

2012-01-25T08:44:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Kelly's birthday last week when the kids were off school for Martin Luther King day. It was a beautiful morning and we had so much fun chatting and the kids had a blast at Miss Kimberly's house - as usual! Happy Birthday sweet friend!

Art on Mom's phone

2012-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

Braxton absolutely loves drawing, painting & creating as of lately. I don't know if it is all the art classes he took at Van Grow art school over the Christmas break or what, but all he wants to do is create! Here are a few pics from some drawings on my phone.

Palm tree, pool, & basketball...

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House & pool...

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Mimi's house & boo boo - the dog...

The Mad Sharks

2012-01-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

Braxton started his first ever season of basketball with some friends from school and their team name is The Mad Sharks! He likes playing, but is still working hard on shooting & dribbling. He is doing a fantastic job and is a huge asset to the team. The first game was a little sloppy, but they pulled it together for the second and scored big & won. It is too cute to watch and we are so proud of him! Go Mad Sharks!!!

Lindsay & John's wedding...

2012-01-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

One of my oldest & dearest friends got married a few weeks ago. Scott & I spent the weekend in Dallas for all the festivities and we are so happy for the two of them to begin their "married" life together!

Random cuteness...

2012-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

High-fives all around!

Sweet...

Believe it or not, a "tree house"

Rudolph pulling the other 8 REINDEER!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

We went to Morgan & Jason's wedding - which was on New Year's Eve. It was an incredibly beautiful night filled with lots of special time with sweet friends and we are so thrilled for the couple to start their life together!

Happy Birthday Shelley!

2012-01-19T19:12:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Scott's sisters birthday the night before her actual birthday - New Year's Eve - at Eddie V's. We usually celebrate on NYE at the Reata but decided to change it up a bit this year. I think it was a hit! Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest Aunt's I know.

Christmas with the Bauer's

2012-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

After we had our big Christmas morning hoopla at our house we headed out to spend the afternoon/evening with Scott's family. It was a great time filled with lots of laughs, a few cries and much love.

Sweet Jonathan putting together legos with Braxton...

Slingshots!

Look at all those presents & all the wrapping paper!

A baby doll for Harper...

And a big fight over Blake's doll!!!

Happy again with food...

3 generations...

More food...

And with all the toys these children received, the favorite of the night was the old dog cage...

What a great family & amazing Christmas...

Christmas morning...

2012-01-05T08:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning at our house was so special this year - everyone spent the night! My whole family stayed over so they could relish the sweet excitement the kiddos had when they came down the stairs to find Santa came to our house. He left lots of presents and filled stockings and even had some cookies and milk we left by the fireplace. Here are the cute pics:

"Look!!!"

Oh my goodness!

Not the best driver yet!

Alex & Britt

Lots of baby accessories...

A baby highchair that also doubles as Harpers!

Bugs!

A fort!!!

Wonderful breakfast!

LOVE these mugs...

And a birthday cake for Jesus -- Mimi & Braxton made it the day before at HIS request! Sweet boy...

Lots of candles...

Matching jammies...

Christmas eve...

2012-01-04T14:10:00.000-08:00

This Christmas Eve we went to our church with the whole family and then out to the farm to celebrate with the annual Santa sitting. Then we came home to get some rest & get ready for the big day!

Before church:

Snuggling at "BIG" church... a little scared of everything going on...

More snuggling...

Pastor Jeff telling the Christmas story to all the kiddos... we are in the chair on the right & Braxton is on the floor...

At the farm:

Santa arriving!

Everyone standing in line to talk to Santa...

Harper a little apprehensive about doing that...

And screaming crying NOT going to do that...

Our happy boy...

Happy cousins...

Sweet Kamma & Eric & their girls...

Looking to see Santa get in his "sleigh"...

Playing around...

Santa came!

Santa's little helper...

2011-12-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

I just love these little Santa diapers designed by Huggies. A good friend told me about them and I am so happy I scooped up a box... it is so cute to hear Harper running around saying Sint-ta all day long and pointing to her diaper! What will they come up with next?

Not even kidding...

2011-12-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

My two sweet muffins:

You may be wondering what this "project" is that Braxton is working on... this is his letter to Santa! No joke!!! Granted, it is mostly pictures and not words (he is only 4) and it is not just a list of things he wants... but pictures of Santa & his reindeer, the north pole & then a few drawings of some things he would like Santa to bring...

He does understand that Christmas is not just about toys but is a celebration of Jesus' birthday - thank goodness! He even baked a birthday cake for us to celebrate with on Sunday and I will post a picture of it when I download my phone pics... such a sweet boy. I sure do love him.

Brunch with Santa and Gingerbread House decorating...

2011-12-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

Last year we decorated Gingerbread houses at the Crescent in Dallas and had such a good time we decided to make it an annual tradition. This year we decided to add on brunch with Santa before decorating -- whew, what a day! Scott was sick, so he stayed home with Harper and I took Mimi along for the ride... to meet The Hart's and one of Braxton's best friends John David. The brunch was amazing and Santa was great and super sweet to the boys - but of course. The hotel was decorated beautifully and the array of candy they provide the kids to decorate with is out of this world... something similar to Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory... Anyways, we had such a fabulous time living life through the eyes of these kiddos...

Getting ideas...

Before picture... bare bones!

Some for me, some for the house...

Mommy helping ice some of the candies...

but Braxton doing MOST of the application...

Proud boy... and a little tired:)

And after pics... the back of the house...

And the front, complete with shark pool... why not???

The boys were obsessed with these surgical gloves...

My monkey...

AND PICS FROM LAST YEARS DECORATING --- 2010:

My artist...

On Dasher, On Dancer, On Prancer...

2011-12-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Braxton's Pre-K class at All Saint's participated in the lower school's Christmas program this past Friday. They were stoked to get to be with the big kids and Santa was going to make an appearance as well. There was a band up front singing Christmas songs, then there was a set where the kids sang along and so on. It was cute to see the excitement in their little faces... Braxton wasn't particularly fond of Mom taking pictures or of singing along, but he sure enjoyed being with his friends:)

Harper enjoyed running around and playing with her friend Lauren...

The for the big excitement --- VIXEN made a surprise appearance at the school!

And sis was really interested as well...

"Please let me in there with him!"

More gingerbread cookie decorating!!!

And last but not least, I was able to be the tattoo artist extraordinaire... with Christmas tatt's for all!

Daddy's girl...

Random recent pics...

2011-12-17T18:37:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of December, school is out and I am getting caught up on my blog! Here are a few recent iphone pics & camera pics of things we have been up to lately. A little random but a lot of fun:)

Playing games at the movie theater with Grayson....

Jumping around on furniture... a big NO NO!

Sister got a matching scooter!!!

Play doh at Mimi's...

Sweetness...

Marshmallow fun...

LOTS of LEGO fun...

Major cuteness...

My two favorite people...

My poor baby having a SONOGRAM:( We thought he might have appendicitis... turned out it was gastritis!!!

Christmas 2011 family pic

2011-12-17T16:57:00.000-08:00

And from last year... my how they have grown!

Gingerbread time...

2011-12-03T18:00:00.001-08:00

A good friend of mine, Kimberly, hosted such a wonderful children's Christmas get-together - a gingerbread cookie decorating party! It was such a great time with the most fabulously large cookies, special ordered in from another city in Texas. She had every candy under the sun to spark the kid's creative juices, extra sticky royal icing from Central Market and pictures to help the kids along. Needless to say, the kids just went wild with their little imaginations and came up with some beautifully decorated cookies... the girls a little better than the boys... shhh! Here is what the room looked like before all their little warm bodies dashed in...

We started with a little playtime outside, while all the kiddos trickled in...

Great playset!

Matthew as chief fireman...

My beautiful Mom & Susan...

We are ready...

Mom, please no more pics! My poor child...

John David & Hudson...

Braxton & Matthew...

Rhett & Neyle...

And away they go!

Sweet Kelly...

Look at this masterpiece!

Candy high!

A few of the Mom's left towards the end...

Wild fun after...

And here we are at home... someone is sure excited to get her hands on some of the candy!

Score!

Ellie

2011-11-28T21:07:00.000-08:00

My good friend Lauren is starting up her business, Ellie's Armoire, a traveling boutique in an Airstream that specializes in women's clothing & jewelry. We hosted her first party and had a great time trying on clothes, eating fab food & gabbing. Here are some pictures from the party:

Lauren & Ellie:

The cutest clothes ever!

& jewelry!

Ellie herself:

If you're interested in having her come to your house for a party, contact: laurenleighscott@gmail.com

Thanksgiving...

2011-11-25T11:30:00.001-08:00

We spent this Thanksgiving at Scott's grandmother's farm in Mansfield {like we do every year} but this year was really special - my family came too! I think there were around 50 people total - and food for about 500! It was very low key and lots of fun for the kids - complete playtime with all their cousins - in the country! They did everything a child could dream of doing at the farm... rode on the caboda & on the trailer hooked up to it, played non-stop in the 2 bounce houses Nana rented, looked for bugs, played on the swing set, ran crazy, played horseshoes, etc. It was wild. Needless to say, we are almost recovered from this wonderful time off spent with friends and family. I am so thankful for my family and friends and the countless blessings God continues to bestow upon all of us. We are so fortunate.

Thanksgiving prep...

2011-11-25T11:20:00.001-08:00

ONLY AT NANA'S!

My two TURKEYS!

2011-11-22T18:29:00.001-08:00

Braxton had his Thanksgiving program at school and it was adorable seeing them sing & dance. Music to my ears! I love this time when they are little... wish it would stay like this forever... sort of!

My other little turkey!

Recent random pics!

2011-11-18T12:01:00.001-08:00

C... is for Cowboy hat!

Cade's birthday party...

Fun with Matthew at the museum...

1st Pep-rally!

Snake at Matthew's bday party!

Reptile blow up at Matthew's birthday party!

Spider pinata!

Lego fun...

Grayson's birthday party!

Puss in boots in 3D at movie theater!

Sand trap fun...

Transformer play-doh!

Lunchtime madness...

Out in the back of Scott's car after Halloween fun...

Baseball fan...

Fun with Mimi!

& cousin Blake:)

This scooter...

2011-11-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

... has by far been the favorite toy of 2011 and I would highly recommend to all my friends and family with a high-energy child. This toy is ranked above legos, transformers, television, ipad games, etc. It basically has been an appendage this past year (inside & out) and Harper's is her doll stroller. It has been fun to watch them absolutely love a toy and get your money's worth out of something. Nothing is worse than spending money on something & having high expectations to watch it fail right before your very eyes! Well you can't go wrong with this scooter.

Here he is playing with his buddy Grayson, who also has a cool scooter, a razr that lights up when you stop. He still holds out for his scooter by kickboard. I think sissy might be seeing one under the Christmas tree this year:)

My All-Star

2011-11-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

We had our end of season baseball party at Mellow Mushroom the other night. The kids were hyped up to be together, eating pizza, cake, drinking sugar-y soft drinks, running wild and RECEIVING a trophy! They couldn't wait to get their little hands on them and we basically had to pry them away from ooogling them all night!!! We all had such a special time talking about how far they had come and how sad we were to see it all end. Time flies when you are having fun! Lots of love to our amazing coaches & sweet families we shared this season with. XOXO, Jamie

Sainty Bear

2011-11-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

"Sainty bear" came home with Braxton this past weekend. This is the bear from his school that goes home with a different child every weekend. At the end of the weekend, you write in his journal (and post pictures!) what all you did with him. Not a fun Sunday project! We persevered and he made it back to All Saints safe and sound Monday morning - homework done and all. Braxton loved having him at our house and the fact that it was his turn to bring him home... children!

Why?

2011-11-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Funny memory from Alex's wedding... this outfit on Harper! You wonder why on earth she is wearing a Christmas outfit in October? Well the roads were quite curvaceous in the Texas Hill Country and she got carsick. We were nowhere near our hotel and had to get an outfit from a "resale" store... I went for this dress b/c it looked like it hadn't been worn. Poor thing. It actually started to grow on us by the end of the day...

Better late than never...

2011-11-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

I was going through my blog "post list" and realized this one was still a draft - way back from EASTER! Oh well, better late than never... wish I could file it under April, but blogspot will not allow me. And since this is my personal scrapbook, I had to include it. Sorry!

Eggs floating in the pond...

Whoever got the golden eggs won a goldfish!

The Cubs

2011-11-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

Saturday was our last game of Fall-ball. We had such a wonderful season with The Cubs - amazing coach, fabulous team and a stellar time with our friends. This was our 2nd season of coach pitch and the kids are doing a great job at hitting & fielding the ball and gaining a basic understanding of the game. (I have to say it helped a little that the Rangers did so well this season and a lot of the children were going to games or watching them on TV.) The nice thing about the fall baseball season is they will pull the tee out if the kids miss the first 3 coach pitches - which does not happen in the more "serious" spring season. The kids loved going to practice - 2x a week and running the bases 50x - great to wear them out before bed... and then a game every weekend - and sometimes one during the week! Great job kiddos:)

3 Amigos

Mills, Ruby, Sophie, Rhett, Taggert, Matthew, Henry, Blake, Jackson, John David, & Braxton

Alex & Brittany's Wedding

2011-11-06T17:56:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a weekend we never thought would happen - Alex got married! One of the last of his friends to settle down, he finally found his Ms. Right and boy are we happy he was so patient! Brittany Russell joined our family and had one of the most beautiful, intimate, out of town weddings we have been to. Camp Lucy, in Dripping Springs or the Texas Hill Country was a beautiful site for this momentous occasion. There were lots of tears, lots of laughter and lots of fun. The kids were little tornado energizer bunnies that wouldn't turn off! They stayed up so late, danced and had themselves a grand ole time. It was so sweet of them to want to have them in the wedding, considering no children were allowed!!! Congrats Alex & Brit... we love you!

Rehearsal dinner:

Wedding day:

Putting on the veil...

Calling brother to tell him we are ready!

Gorgeous bride...

The excitement... Harper was crazy nuts!

Sweet love...

The Veigel Family...

I'm so sad... I don't have any pics from the Reception... but it sure was a crazy blast!

Bubbles...

And they are off... to the Bahamas!

Halloween

2011-11-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

This year, Halloween followed a huge weekend - Uncle Alex's wedding! We arrived home from the Hill Country Sunday night (a little exhausted) to trick or treaters at our door after the neighborhood parade/party. Immediately, Braxton had to put on his 1st costume and head out the door to start off his Halloween-eve festivities. Sister stayed home and went to sleep because it was way past her bedtime. Braxton had picked out masks for Scott and myself to wear while we were out shopping for his costume this year. We, Scott & I, had to dress the part to partake in the holiday. He even told us we had to take turns going up to people's doors!

The next morning - actual Halloween day, All Saints had their Halloween parade where the younger kids walk through the halls of the middle & upper schools. It was so cute to see all the costumes and the creativity the children & their families come up with each year. Then, later that day was Braxton's class party. The event was jam packed with fun stuff/games - frozen yogurt with Halloween toppers, making marshmallow spider, ghost handprints, donut bobbing and finally smashing open a pumpkin pinata filled with all kinds of goodies! Whoa... it was a lot of fun and the kids thoroughly enjoyed all of it.

That night, we went over to Mimi's neighborhood to trick or treat with them and a few of Braxton's school friends. It was a blast and sister started to get the hang of it.

School parade

Class party

Halloween Night

Costume #2 - Transformer - Bumblebee

Little "good" witch... minus the hat

Sorting out all the candy... they lined it up in rows by different kinds... too cute.

Brandy in her "Bad Dog" costume...

Fall...

2011-10-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here and I am back! Sorry I have been on blogging hiatus, but I promise to give you a full update on our summer and all the things we have been up to these days. We have a big wedding coming up this weekend and will have lots to share after that. For now, here are a few teaser pics!

Braxton's 4th Birthday Party

2011-07-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

We had the best party for Braxton's 4th birthday this year!

We rented out a theater at the 7th Street Movie Tavern for Cars II in 3D, had flapjacks in pj's for a 9:00am movie... followed by popcorn... followed by chocolate birthday cake! What better way to start a Friday? The kids, shockingly, all ages - paid attention throughout almost the whole movie. When the little ones got bored, they just ran around the theater and no one was fazed because they were too entranced with the flick! It was all too much fun and we SO will be doing this again.

Running crazy around the theater after the show - probably 100x
Wild boys...
The Aftermath... & best part - no clean up!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

We spent this glorious 4th of July celebrating with Scott's family at the farm. We had a great time playing, eating, swimming, eating and watching Shelley & Jonathan's wedding video (1 year anniversary was a week ago). Braxton and Harper couldn't have been happier running wild & free with so many great animals (dogs, horses & frogs) and pretty much knowing no boundaries! Harper met Snickers, one of the many horses the Bauer's have at the farm, and she was very intrigued and impressed with how her big brother has no fear.

Thank you Bauer's for another unforgettable family holiday.

More rocks please...

Bringing Snickers to meet Harper...

Little show off without a saddle...

Hmmm...

Snickers was hot and wanted a cool down...

I couldn't resist posting this one...

Can I help?

This girl loves "dog - gees"

and now "frog - gees"

Going swimming...

Homemade ice cream!

Blondie...

2011-06-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

This summer we have been spending a lot of time outside... playing/pooling/perusing. My sweet girl's hair is changing shades rapidly for the lighter side... similar to big brothers. So cute.

Eating M&M's for breakfast... more?

No more pictures - MOM!

First Texas Ranger's game...

2011-06-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

I took Braxton to his first Ranger's game this summer and it was an awesome game to attend. We were there to cheer on his sweet friend, Emma Caffey, as she stole 3rd base between innings. He was absolutely mesmerized by the huge stadium, the big players and the fact that other people play baseball - like him! Emma did a fantastic job stealing the base and he loved watching her run fast as lightning on the field, then see her on the jumbo-tron and lastly to see the actual base she stole. What a cool experience!!!

Waiting for her to come out of left field...

Look at her go!

Emma on the big screen:

The base...

Heaven...

1st Family Beach GETAWAY!

2011-06-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Two words. Unbelievable Vacation.

Scott and I have traveled to countless five-star resorts, seen amazing locales, met great people... but nothing has topped this last vacation. With children. At the beach. Where to begin? Lets see... our favorite things about the trip were the squeals of excitement at every sight of the water, the wonder in their little eyes as they looked out on to an endless ocean, the amazement on their faces when they realized we didn't have to go home! It was top notch all around. Thanks Daddy!

Scott took us to the Four Seasons in Palm Beach. I had heard from a good friend that is was "very kid-friendly" and it was... from the milk & cookies in the room after you walk in - to the kid's names spelled out with sponges in the bath tub - great place for munchkins. Top that off with wonderful friends coming to join us and getting to bring your children's favorite babysitter... it doesn't get any better than that. There you have it. Best vacation ever!

Major fun on the airplane...

Wiped out the second we get there...

Scoping the place out!

FIRST time ever to see the beach & ocean with his own eyes! Look at that excitement.

Feeling the sand...

Squealing with joy...

Loving my muffin... as she is trying to wrangle free to chase brother...

More fun...

I have to mention that my sweet baby girl was FEARLESS when it came to all the WATER - ocean, pool, etc. She knows no bounds and we had to chase a lot b/c she was always straight IN THE WATER.

Sandcastles

Cabana fun...

Running the halls...

Room service...

Messing it up!

Kids robes...

Adult dinners...

My little happy baker...

2011-05-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Harper was helping me in the kitchen the other morning and was happy as could be running around with yet another girly accessory on, her apron. It was pretty much a fashion show with her strutting her stuff all over the house being adored. Better than making a mess in the kitchen with food, I guess! That will be next...

Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T13:56:00.001-07:00

It is such an amazing feeling, waking up on Mother's day, happy as can be the I have 2 healthy, beautiful & wonderful children that love me beyond my own belief. Throw an amazing mother, family & husband in there and you can just can't top that with anything.

We had a great lunch with the family, that just went perfect - you know sometimes they are exhausting? Well, today was as close to perfect as it gets. I guess Dad had a serious talk with the children before going - HA!

My daughter is the best "eater" ever - CRAB CLAWS!

LAMB CHOPS

Easter Sunday

2011-04-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

We had a whirlwind of a day on Easter, starting off with church, then brunch, then gifts at Mimi's house, and ending with an Easter egg hunt at our house. We were spent! And to top it all off, I didn't get ANY pictures of my children in their "Easter Best"... just them with the aftermath of the buffet! Oh well... you win some, you lose some. The point of the day was to celebrate Jesus and we did just that.

Baby girl turns ONE!

2011-04-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my sweet girl on her actual birthday, April 14th:

I cannot believe a year has flown by and my sweet baby is now a ONE year old and pretty much a toddler as well. She will always be my baby, but now she is walking, talking, and has a mind all her own. She is such a good child, great sleeper, great eater, forever happy... always has been. A little bit different than her brother. She is the similar in that she does not want to be left alone - except to sleep. We had her one year check up on Thursday, her birthday, and note to self - don't do that again... poor thing was upset and fussy because they attacked her thighs with 4 big shots:( Anyways, they said that she is in the 75% for her height and 25% for her weight. Long & lean.

She says about 7 words, the norm: Mama, Dada, B-axton, ball, dog, more, bye, etc.

The love she has for her brother by far exceeds that of her parents. When she sees him she lights up with a smile so big you can just feel the happiness fill up the room. And she makes these sweet loving screams and just starts babbling over with joy. She does this at a smaller level for Mom & Dad. And Braxton is so sweet to her, he always walks up to her and embraces her and gives her the biggest kiss. He has the greatest love for her too. It is better than I could have ever imagined. They do fight, however, when he has something she wants and vice versa. And Braxton is usually able to get whatever it is that he wants away from her. And then the screaming ensues... normal sibling rivalry.

All in all we are one big happy family with blessings from God abounding. We are so thankful to have 2 healthy and beautiful children and are looking forward to a very bright future.

And here are her cute Birthday Party pics:

We had a family birthday party at Shady Oaks in a private room which was perfect for our huge family and all the kids! 7 cousins...

Cutest bloomers ever=)

Big Brother

All SEVEN cousins...

Uncle A & Hip

Shelley & Jonathan

Cody, Stacy, Blake & Tenley

Meems and Britt

Brent & Haynes

Catherine & Birthday girl's mom...

The Greatest Grandpas...

Sweet Marji and her grandsons...

The two newest cousins... Tenley and Kenneth!

Uncle Alex having a tickle war...

Blake

Sweet Grandpa...

So happy...

Fun with the ooey-gooey icing... "this is how you do it Hip!"

Grandparents...

Adelaide-y

Haynes

T-I-R-E-D!

Soccer stud...

2011-04-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Look at little David Beckham!

We switched numbers with Hank for this game - 7

The Tam Girls

Bleacher fun...

Rhett & Mills

Jenny, Kelly & Fritz

Love...

Bluebonnets...

2011-04-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

While out and about on a walk yesterday in our neighborhood, we found a sweet patch of bluebonnets and thought it could be a great photo opportunity. Immediately, Harper was not sure she liked what I had done. I put her smack dab in the middle of all these weird looking purpley-blue flowers that somewhat resembled a couple weird toys of hers that looked like alien buggy things. On top of that, the ground was hard with patches of rocks and there were itchy bugs floating around. So, no smiles from her. But Braxton loved the flowers and was as sweet as could be. Then again, he has done this before.

To the HO-tel...

2011-04-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

All ready to go!

We decided to stay in Fort Worth for Spring Break this year:( But why not liven up our stay-cation? Jenny and I thought it would be fun to take the boys to the Worthington for an overnight stay. Braxton is absolutely fascinated with hotels, which he pronounces HO-tel, and enjoys doing everything there is to do there - run the hallways, jump on the bed, order room service and just play. Well, we did all of that and took them to the Reata rooftop for a great dinner and scenic view of downtown. They loved it. I really look forward to doing it all again soon!

Little Palm Island

2011-04-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Scott and I took the most amazing vacation a couple weeks ago to Little Palm Island, in the Florida Keys. It was the best "adult" vacation we could have ever dreamed of taking. There were no televisions, no phones in the rooms or allowed in public, no clocks, horrible internet, etc. The island slogan is "Do Nothing." It took Scott a little while to get over the initial shock of no TV, but he did get over it eventually. The first night we played checkers and talked the night away. The other nights we HAD to draw out dinner and enjoy the gorgeous sunsets, because there was nothing else to do. It was an all-around incredible experience and a major change of pace from our usual rushed 30 minute dinners we get while dining out these days - kids or sans kids (very bad habit we have grown accustomed to - rushing through meals). Anyways, the island only has 15 huts with 2 rooms to each... so max 60 guests and we had to go during the week so we hardly saw anyone - even better! Food was mostly fresh seafood (sorry Scott), waiters & staff were so kind and we had best Sunday brunch I have ever had - ever. Apparently people take the boat over from the Keys to have this brunch. And to top all of that off, there were all these friendly deer spotting the island that would let you pet them and feed them.

I dream one day of going back...

It's official...

2011-04-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Baby girl is WALKING!!! We are so excited to have her walking.... she has been really working on it for a while now. I had to document it because I want to be able to remember and tell her exactly when she started... so 2 weeks before her 1st bday. Braxton was walking (well) around 11 months... I think! Maybe 10... And I must apologize, these pictures to her no justice, so more to come.

Go Astros!

2011-04-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Go Astros! We are 3 games into the season and absolutely loving the sport. Braxton and the team just keep getting better and better with each practice and game. The coach is doing a fabulous job and the kids are encouraged they will be in the playoffs!!! Here are some cute pictures of them on the field... big time now.

He is #1 this time around... fitting:)

Braxton fielding the ball... Go Big B!

His signature "home-plate tap"

I had Harper in another outfit and he told me to put her in something orange, please!

His helmet...

First Baseball Practice - 2011!

2011-04-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

This Spring we decided to get Braxton involved in pee-wee baseball... not t-ball... actual coach pitch! Crazy, I know. Practices have been fun and Scott and I missed the first game, but made it to the second and it was a little bit like last year's first soccer game - the children just don't get it yet. It will take time and my Mom said they learn from playing in the games and watching the other teams, etc. We love all of the children and parents and the kids are having a blast - which is all that matters in the end.

Go Tigers!

2011-04-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

We had our first soccer game a few weeks ago. I am sad to say it was not as cute as the first game last year - where none of the children knew what to do... but it was pretty close to that. Our little man was named MVP, so we were obviously very proud parents! Go Big B!!!

#12 - just like Uncle Alex

Sweet Mimi came to join in on the fun...

Huddle with the Coach...

Jenny & Hunter...

Harper trying to get in on all the goodies...

Proud parents...

First Soccer practice - 2011

2011-03-17T02:24:00.000-07:00

Boy have these kiddos come along way in 6 months! It was like night and day with this season and last and how much more they just plain "get it." Go Tigers!!! Game pics to come...

Coach telling the boys the game plan!

"Go Tigers"

Neyle, Jenny (coach's wife) & Kimberly

Kelly & Harper

Thirsty little ones...

Loving this weather!

2011-02-24T17:08:00.000-08:00

We have been outside every chance we can get and the weather has been quite nice lately. Today Harper wanted to crawl and roam the grass... so when Big Brother got ahold of her she was not happy. Oh well! She sure loves him inside the house... just not when we have NO clue of what is going to happen next with this Texas weather... have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Let me go!

Sour-puss face...

New crawl position... bear crawl...

Running wild...

Sweet cousins...

2011-02-23T13:58:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we hosted Megan's baby shower for Braylynn (2 more months!) at Rivercrest Country club. It was so much fun to see friends and family and Braxton and Harper both wanted to join me! We had the best time playing with Adelaide and Haynes, their twin cousins. They all especially loved the pink rock candy and teasing little Hippy with it!