Fredericksburg

Back in April, Brad gave me a birthday card with a little card inside that read something like this: Trip for 2 to Fredericksburg, without kids!! I'm sure I've said it before, but I've been bugging him forever to take us there and to stay at a B&B. Soooooo, he finally did it! And, he arranged everything! He booked the B&B (without any input from me...I'll be honest, I was a tad nervous) and called in some troops for babysitting (thanks again Ted, Sherry, Steve and LaShay!!). All I had to do was pack and plan a couple of things to do while we were there. No problem!

Here's the place that we stayed:

I highly recommend it. It was the perfect combination of comfort and luxury. Luxury to us is satellite TV these days (we got majorly caught up on our favorites...ESPN and HGTV)!! I'm glad it wasn't the "typical" B&B with scary porcelain dolls or stuffed animals looking at you all night! It was right on Main Street, with a balcony overlooking all the shops. FYI: If you ever stay there, bring a loud fan or sound machine! You can hear every car/truck/motorcycle/person that goes down Main Street.

The pool:

The view of the Nimitz Hotel/Pacific War Museum across the street. This picture if mainly for my grandfather.

We ate at Mamacita's Friday night. Can I just say how yummy their tortillas are? I'm sure my friends are sick of me talking about them. We ate here back in March at our church's women's retreat, and that is where I fell in love. I sure did stuff FIVE tortillas down in a 45 minute time period. No shame. They were that good!!

After stuffing ourselves, we headed to a movie! We saw Black Knight. A little creepy, but we both enjoyed it. Heath Ledger's character was CRAZY! Let's just say, I'm not surprised he was on sleeping pills while he filmed the movie. Not the most flattering angle, but you get the idea that we were excited to be away from the kiddos, and at a movie!!!

One of our nightly runs to Walmart. Don't get Brad started about it. I think we set a record. 4 trips total in 3 days! I totally have mommy brain when we go to Wally World. I always forget at least one thing...even with a list! Anyway. Here is a fun van that we saw in the parking lot. It has Christmas lights and everything. To my family: I totally had flashbacks of our California trip and the "happy, happy, happy" guy standing on the street corner in the sandwich board. This lady was that coo-coo! We couldn't read everything on the van, but basically she was very for smoking, and very against Bush...I think.

Saturday was spent shopping, eating lunch at Wheelers, watching more TV (are we sad, or what??), pumping (I forgot to mention the 3rd person that joined us every 4 hours!!), going to Enchanted Rock, eating pizza at 10:00pm and then feeling really old when Brad had to tell some neighbors they were being too loud on the balcony...right outside our window!

Another self portrait in the Garden of Peace. We walked through the outdoor memorial of WW2 veterans. It was pretty cool to see all the ships and military men/women that served. We learned that the Garden of Peace was a gift from the Japanese.

Here we are climbing Enchanted Rock. I was doing pretty well, and then Brad had a little mishap! Don't worry, he's fine! Just a couple of scrapes on the elbows. I had to take a picture before I helped him...

And, on our way home Sunday, we stopped at the Circle E candle factory. I am in love with the Bird of Paradise candle. I decided to try something different and got one with an orangey smell. It does not disappoint!

Natalie will appreciate this. We decided to learn a little about Texas history, so we stopped in Johnson City and walked around LBJ's family's ranch (well, what is left of it). Really, we were just settling a disagreement. I told Brad I thought Johnson City was named that because the LBJ family was the first to live there. He disagreed. Guess who was right??? We took some pictures of the longhorns to show Mallory. She does the cutest "Hook Em' Horns!" We also have a Bevo rubber ducky, so she'll say "Hook Em' Horns...like Bevo!" Here's a real life Bevo:

And, that wraps up our getaway to Fredericksburg! It was a lovely trip, and I'd do it all over again this weekend!!

Apparently, the girls did great and were angels for the babysitters. You wouldn't have known it by the way Mallory acted with us at dinner Sunday night. It's not a good thing when Brad asks how much longer until bedtime after being gone for 3 days!! I think she was trying to let us know she was not happy that we went without her!!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Brad's 31st birthday. Wow. 31 years old. That just sounds so grown up:)

He has been working his tail off all summer doing various soccer camps. This week is his LAST ONE!! Woo hoo! It's a semi-local camp, so he's been commuting back and forth in the morning and then at night. He's worn out. Plus, he has to work on his birthday. That is no fun!! So, this morning, Mallory and I made him some cupcakes to cheer him up a bit. We met him at a chinese food restaurant (it's his birthday, he got to choose...not my favorite!) and brought the cupcakes there for dessert. Is that tacky?? To bring your own dessert?? Oh well!! Obviously someone in the family really enjoyed them!

Happy Birthday to Brad! I am so thankful for you as my husband and father to our girls. We couldn't ask for a more fun, loving, giving and loyal dad/husband!! We love you so much!!

Addicted

It's really a sickness, this blogging thing. Here are a couple of blogs that I'm borderline addicted to...The Nesting Place. Ugh. I found this blog while Brad was at a soccer camp. I stayed up WAY too late every night looking at all of her fun stuff. She has some great decorating ideas. She's also my kind of girl...frugal (Dave Ramsey, anyone??). My sister just won a gift certificate to this place. So, I thought I'd check it out. So cute! And, priced very well!!

We are home from a lovely 3 day trip to Fredericksburg sans kids!! Pictures and details to come...I'm off to clean and start laundry!

Never underestimate

the power of a wash cloth, Ajax and a hose!!

We received an old plastic play house from some good friends at church the other day. Their son has outgrown it, so we gladly took it off their hands for Mallory and Morgan! I'm sure it lived in their backyard, so it needed a good clean-up. I put Morgan down for a nap, Mallory in a swimsuit and got to cleaning that thing! Amazing. It looks (almost) brand new!! Mallory even helped a little. She washed the same door for 20 minutes straight...back and forth to dunk her washcloth in the soapy water. Can we say, OCD??

Since we already had the supplies out and we were sweaty, I decided to wash the car. I haven't done this in forever. Actually, I don't think I've ever washed our current vehicle by hand at home. Sad. I have lots of memories from growing up of washing the family cars with my dad. He was a little OCD back then (hmmm, wonder where Mallory and I get it??). He used a chamois towel, hand waxed that baby and I'm sure vacuumed the inside all in the same day! A little much for our time today. We were already pushing it since Morgan had been asleep for an hour! Anyway. I couldn't get over how much cleaner the 4 Runner was after I used a little elbow grease. I don't know if I've ever seen it this de-bugged before!! I love a freshly cleaned car! I love anything freshly cleaned. Especially showers. I make a point to be the first to take a shower in it...just so I can appreciate the cleanliness. Please tell me I'm not the only one!!

7 months!

Eeek! It's officially less than half a year until Morgan turns ONE!!! How is that possible? Brad's season is about to start up and I know the fall will fly by. December will be here before we know it. Crazy.

Morgan at 7 days old:

Morgan at 7 months:

It was hard to pick out pictures since I've posted so many recently of Morgan. So, here's pictures of Morgan with her favorite people:

Of course, her most favorite is Mallory. To say that Morgan loves Mallory is an understatement. The girl smiles the biggest, laughs the biggest and moves the most around her sister. It's very sweet to watch them interact. Mallory is (usually) very gentle and patient with Morgan (especially when I have to feed her or hold her). Although...it's not fun for Mallory learning how to share her toys with Morgan. It's a daily battle. This morning, she was holding up a stuffed frog and said, "Look Morgan. This is Mallory's." I'm sure it's not the last of taunting from her...the joys of sisterhood!!

Daddy and Morgan. She is so ticklish. All you have to do is barely touch her ribs, and her head flies forward and she snaughs (snort/laugh). Yes, I made that up. I'm a big dork like that. Look at Morgan's "crazy eyes"!!

Morgan watching Connor (our dog) from the back door. She will crane her neck around in the high chair to get a good look at him when he's playing outside. She loves doggies.

Morgan and Mommy. I really need to be better at having other people take our picture. I always forget!!

Morgan has such a sweet personality. She is happy, happy, happy! That is until she gets hurt or you take away a toy...then she will wail like the best of them! I'm thinking she's going to be a sensitive one. We love her so much and it's hard to remember life without her! Funny how fast that happens.

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In other exciting news, my nephew Tate is walking!! We are so proud of him and his parents! Check out my sister's blog to see the little guy in action!! Way to go Tater Tot!!

Mimi is here!

Let the reading begin! Seriously. In less than 24 hours (including sleeping time), "we" (meaning Mallory and Mimi) have read every single book in her basket...and there are quite a bit! Mallory has always been a little bookworm and would much rather read books than play with toys. I'm enjoying the break of quoting Elmo's favorite letters, Abby Cadabby, Counting Kisses, Horton Hatches an Egg....the list goes on!

Mimi is here to help me while Brad's been out of town. Only 2 more days and Daddy is home! We miss you Brad!!

Look alikes smiling orange

Random title, but I'm not that creative!!

I've been meaning to do this for a while now. Lots of people are saying that the girls are looking more and more alike. So, here are 2 pictures to compare.

Mallory at 6 months:

Morgan at 6 months:

And, a rare moment in our household, both girls smiling at the same time (and looking at the camera)! One of Mallory's favorite things right now is for Morgan to sit in her bed with her. I'll walk in her room with Morgan and she'll say, "Morgan sit in big girl bed". She then proceeds to tackle her...and hug her...and kiss her...and smother her...you get the idea...she loves her sister! So, this morning was no different. She immediately went for Morgan, and Morgan just squealed. I'd say the feelings are mutual:) Update on the big girl bed: It's been great! She hasn't gotten out once. Every time we put her in it, she says, "Sit down in big girl bed...Mommy and Daddy get you out big girl bed". Think we've drilled that in her head enough??

And, someone made a complete MESS with carrots tonight! Morgan is pretty much a spaz when it comes to food. She goes crazy when you put her bib on and then tries to grab for the spoon before you even get food on it. Mallory was much more serious about food, imagine that! So, after about 10 minutes of fighting Morgan every time the spoon came near her, I just gave in. She squealed and grabbed the spoon, flinging carrots everywhere. I didn't care though, she was a happy girl! Pretty impressive. She got orange on the high chair, her legs, her face, my shirt, the carpet. Gross!

Seriously. How can you resist this cutie pie grabbing the spoon from you? Obviously I can't!

Quilt giveaway!

Meredith, don't hate me if I win this quilt.

If you click on the link, you can leave a comment and register to win a pretty, handmade quilt! Go check it out!

Pictures and a story

Nothing real exciting around here. Just some pictures and a story...just like the title says.

I hope Morgan's eyes stay blue! Mallory's had already turned a pretty blue gray by this time, but even hers are changing. They are getting more and more brown in them.

This one is for my mom (Mimi). Mimi bought Mallory a little watering can to help her when they planted flowers a couple of months ago. So, while I was tidying up the flower beds, I taught Mallory how to water the grass!

She spotted her tutu in the closet and wanted it on after her bath. I was just wondering when the "dress up" phase starts. I guess now! The tutu was in her way while she was reading, so she had to hold it up...or, she was holding it up to show Morgan, I can't remember.

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Isn't it strange when you watch your child and think, "I wonder if that is how I acted/looked/talked/slept when I was their age?" Well, I thought that yesterday, and I think I was right on! Yesterday, Mallory woke up in a FOUL mood. She took a 3+ hour nap, so I thought she'd be in a great mood when I went in to get her. Usually, she loves it when I bring Morgan in with me. So, when she didn't make any mention of Morgan when we walked in, I thought something might be wrong. Well, after endless whining/crying while changing her diaper and coming out in the living room, I decided to put Mallory back to bed. I told her she could go back to sleep until she was in a better mood. Literally, 5 minutes later, I heard her talking in her room. So, Morgan and I went in to get her and she was a COMPLETELY different child. Seriously. So happy to see Morgan, couldn't wait to play, smiles all around. Wow. I think I just saw a glimpse of what I was like as a child. I was telling my parents this story, and they agreed...and laughed!! I'm sure anyone I've ever lived with would agree too. I would be lying if I said it's gotten better. What can I say? I need my sleep, and I need time to wake up from my sleep!!

Moo!

Today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A! If you dress like a cow head to toe, you get a free combo meal (you still have time to make it for dinner)! Or, you can just wear some form of cow clothing/accessory and get a free entree. How cool is that? Except that you have to dress like a cow.

Brad didn't want to participate (at first), so I made Mallory and me cow attire to wear (Morgan will be subjected to this embarrassment next year, when she can enjoy the food). I totally copied Chris and Sarah from last year, but it was perfect...since it was free. All of this was put together in 35 minutes, don't say you aren't impressed! Side note. You don't get the full effect from the picture...it was a skirt and matching top:)

We made the trek to our neighborhood CFA (that's what we call it around here or Mallory would drive us crazy saying, "I go to chick-e-lay!", over and over and over and over). My friend Candace and her fam joined us up there. I sat in my car for about 5 minutes waiting on them. I was starting to chicken out (ha!) until I saw them pull up. And then, guess who else joined us?? Brad. But, he was too cool to wear the cow attire. Looooooserrrrrr!! I should have taken a picture of all the free food we got. It probably totalled over $15! Plus, we traded in the toys from the kid's meals and got free ice cream. Seriously. I love Chick-Fil-A!!

Mallory and Sydni enjoying their free ice cream, in between playing footsies under the table!

Although it doesn't look like here, Kendall really did have a good time!

So, for 5 minutes of embarrassment (I totally took the costume off as soon as we sat down to eat...hey, it was a trash bag, it was hot!), we got a great lunch and gave people some free entertainment as well!

"Babe, your hair is on fire!"

What Brad said to me as I'm flat ironing my hair this afternoon. Um, no. That would be steam. (if I were pregnant, I might have peed in my pants...again!).

Thanks to Shauna, for my super cute new layout!!

4th of July festivities

We had a fun 4th of July yesterday. It started out with the parade. We went last year, but did not know how big of a deal this parade was. So, this year, we got there super early and found our seats (in the blazing sun, so next year we will make sure we get some shade). For a small town, this parade is quite the production. Over 200 cars/"floats", lots of horses, cowboys lasso-ing, motorcycles, marching bands, cheerleaders, a man on a riding lawn mower pulling 32 radio flyer wagons...seriously. I would have a picture of all us, but, by the time I thought about it I was drenched with sweat (gross!) and did not want to capture that moment. I'm sure you ladies out there understand!

Here's the older gentleman on the riding lawn mower pulling all of his 32 family members behind him. How cool is that??!!

Mallory enjoyed it a lot more this year. When you ask her what she saw at the parade, she will tell you, "Horsies going shooey, firetrucks and girls." Last night she prayed for all of them:) Side note. I realize this dress has hearts on it. Technically, it's a Valentine's dress, but add a navy bow, and voila, it's a 4th of July dress!

If you look close, you can see her hair matted to her face with sweat! We were all nasty!!

Morgan was a trooper. It was during her morning nap time, so she didn't get her beauty rest. Between the firetrucks and motorcycles, I think she only slept about 20 minutes...maybe.

After a long afternoon nap, we thought we'd try some real baby food. So far, she loves the oatmeal, but is obviously not a fan of green beans!! There wasn't one bite that she didn't make a face or gagging sound with. Hmmm. Hopefully it's not telling of what is to come later. Mallory loved all baby food..and people food...and any food!

That night, we went over to a friend's house for our Sunday school class BBQ/fireworks. Mallory LOVED this. For her, if there is food, she is a happy camper. She ate a PB&J sandwich, cantaloupe, a hot dog, chips and cake. There were lots of other kids, so she had some entertainment as well. Then, we all stayed awake for the fireworks show. Mallory's favorite saying of the night, "Ooooh, that's a big one!" I was surprised #1 that Morgan stayed awake for them and #2 how interested Morgan was in the fireworks. We even got a couple of squeals from her. She was OUT before we even drove away from their house (hence the pjs in the next picture).

Mommy brain.

I just returned from a trip to Walmart. I specifically went to return a few items and to buy swim diapers. Mallory had a major ghetto booty last week at playgroup, so I am finally caving and buying the overpriced things! Anyway. Walmart is not good for ADD. Of course the swim diapers are in the kid's clothing section, right beside the shoe aisle. So, as I'm perusing the kid's shoes, I stumble across some pretty cute black patent strappy sandals for me. I try on the right shoe. They are even cuter on. I look at the price, and they are on clearance for $5! Even better. I toss them into the buggy and off I go. Fast forward about 30 minutes. The girls are tucked into bed for naps and I'm unloading the bags from the car. Proud of my $5 shoes, I retrieve the box to try them on together. I pull out the left shoe and put it on. Cute. I reach in for the right shoe...and can't find it. Somehow I have bought a pair of shoes and only came home with one, the one I didn't try on in the store. Ughhh! I even put the box under the buggy so the girls wouldn't play with it. Who knows where that lonely shoe is. And who knows where my brain is sometimes! At least I can laugh at myself.

Definitely not a baby anymore

It was an exciting day in our house one week ago...Mallory graduated to her big girl bed and Morgan finally got to sleep in a crib instead of a pack-n-play!

I'm sure I'll jinx myself now, but so far, Mallory has slept through the night and all naps in her bed without getting out. Her big girl bed is a daybed, so we just put up one of those extra long side rails. Pretty much every night and afternoon we threaten her with her life (obviously joking) if she gets out of her bed. Each time she is just standing up in her bed, which is not allowed, so she gets "the look". She has loved running to her "big girl bed" and sleeping in it so far. I've heard the newness will wear off after a couple of weeks and then they figure out they can get out. It will be interesting to see what happens.

The only tears she has shed from this experience, is the first time I put her in her room to play while I took a shower. Since before Morgan was born, I started putting Mallory in her crib with toys and books while I showered. I guess she really enjoyed her alone time, because she would often ask to go there!! So, it was kind of a shock when she couldn't play in her bed. But, we brought out the standbys (her Leap Frog frog and Baby Elmo), and she was good to go. I'm glad. It makes me nervous having a toddler roaming around the house while I'm out of pocket ...even if it is only 15 minutes!

Morgan has had no trouble transitioning either. I think she likes being up higher (I do, it's easier to get her in and out!!). Side note: Aunt Erica, if you are reading, Morgan loves her blanket just like Mallory does! When she is sleepy, I'll put it on my shoulder and she'll lay her head down and start sucking on that thumb!! It's pretty sweet (and convenient for babysitters and the church nursery!).

I'll have to post pictures of the crib with the bumper pad later. Her poor room. It needs a little personality to it! I've just put it off since it wasn't "complete" without her crib.

Next big transition: getting rid of the pacifier. I dread this one.

The highlight of Mallory's day

Usually, walking outside to get the mail is pretty exciting around here. But, yesterday, it was even more exciting! I don't know what it is about the furry red thing, but Mallory is in LOVE with Elmo (and all the other characters from Sesame Street). She went bananas after we opened this birthday invitation. Thanks for sending it Kara, she has barely let it out of her sight for more than a minute!! Too bad we can't make it to the party, she'd be in toddler heaven!!!

Happy half birthday...late!

Yes, I celebrate half birthdays. Well, technically it's not a celebration, more of just an acknowledgement of the day. Anyway. Morgan turned half a year old last week. I still can't believe it!! We went to Brad's parent's house over the weekend and his Nanny was there. She was asking when the next time we'd be up there would be. Between Brad's soccer schedule and traveling by myself with 2 kiddos, I told her it would probably be Christmas and Morgan will be a year old!!!!!! She might be walking by the time Nanny sees her again. It's just really crazy how fast they grow up.

6 month stats:

17 pounds, 5 ounces

26 inches

One pound heavier and one inch shorter than Mallory at 6 months!

I've been hearing a lot lately, that Morgan and Mallory are looking more alike. I wish I could put up Mallory's 6 month picture (can't get to my pictures on our computer right now). There are similarities, but Morgan still favors her daddy more!

Another example of the differences between Morgan and her sister: One smiles (quite easily), the other looks like she is completely bored and sooooo ready to move on.

One of my current favorite pictures of them together:

So. Morgan hated the Bumbo the first time she was in it, loved it after that, and now she catapults herself out of it! I barely put her in it anymore since she can practically touch her head to the floor when she arches out of it. But, I saw a picture of someone's kid in a Bumbo in their wagon, and thought we'd give it a try. About 5 minutes into the walk, she was arching back and almost out of the wagon. I carried the 17 pound turkey the rest of the walk. That is a lot of chunk to carry around!

Another picture that she will hate when she is older. Mallory and I were playing with her tea set, and Mallory thought the top would make a good hat for me. Then I put it on Morgan and couldn't resist documenting the moment.

Morgan has gotten to spend time with more family this past month, too.

Here she is with her cousin, Johnathan. They bonded while doing tummy time at BMom and Pop's house last weekend. Johnathan is 6 weeks younger than Morgan, but weighs more than her!! It's a good thing Morgan has lots of pink to wear...I'm afraid she would get mistaken for Johnathan's twin brother in this picture if she didn't!

Here she is with her Great Nanny. I think I've blogged about Nanny before. She is the sweetest lady I know!

Morgan is getting more and more fun every month. She is now on her "Gs" (ga-ga) when she talks to you. It's really pathetic sounding when she does it while she's crying. She can roll both ways, but prefers to keep that trick to herself most of the time. If you put a remote control or cell phone in front of her, she gets super excited and will scoot toward it. She is officially sitting up all by herself. I can walk out of the room and she will stay that way! I have to be careful with Mallory on the loose. She pushed her over the other day. And, she's bonked her head a few times, but nothing too damaging. Still no teeth yet!

She is a happy baby and we are thankful for that! The last few days, she started with a runny nose and fever, so we are reminded what it is like to have a not-so-happy baby.

Happy Fatheversary!

That's the phrase we used for Sunday. It was Brad's 3rd Father's Day and our 6th anniverary! Time sure does fly... Here's a little recap of our week last week.

Saturday:

My parents come through on their way to Fort Worth, pick up Mallory and head to their house for spoiling and swimming. Brad catches a ride to A&M camp to work for the week. Morgan and I head out to Abilene to see Kara and the newest member of their family, Sydney (someone had to announce her arrival Kara!!). She is a cutie and her sisters love her. I can't believe just 6 months ago, I was holding Morgan like this. Crazy!!

Sunday:
Morgan and I leave Abilene and head to my parent's house. We're there until Thursday swimming, getting pictures made of the cousins, going to the zoo with Tate and Aunt Kelly, driving to McKinney to see Julia, Johnathan, Aunt Jenn and Uncle Jason and having lots of help from Mimi and Grandpa. I also had Chipotle for the first time ever. I have totally been missing out. That is some good stuff!

Saturday:

Mallory's first time to craft with real glue, finger paints and glitter! Are glitter and glue dangerous to ingest? I turned my back for literally 5 seconds, and when I turned around, she had her hand in her mouth. Hopefully no harm done. All of the bottles say non-toxic:)

Sunday:
Daddy is home! We ate dinner at Olive Garden for both of the celebrations. I got Brad some current framed pictures of the girls and Season 3 of the Office (okay, so that is for me too!!). Mallory and Morgan are lucky to have Brad as their dad. He is the funniest person I know and loves them so much! I'm pretty lucky to have him also!!

Tuesday:

Big girl Morgan ate cereal for the first time. She LOVED it (as you can tell)! I couldn't get the spoon in fast enough. She kept grabbing for it and bringing it to her mouth.

Morgan is 6 months old today! Every month I keep asking myself how it is possible she is growing so fast!! More to come on her tomorrow...hopefully!