Easter Weekend 2013

Annnnnnnnnnnnd back.

Just like that.

It's been awhile.

Easter weekend came and went way too fast.

It's that final tease before summer,

and Ryan and I were all geared up for some family time.

We all had Friday off,

so we loaded up the 3 littlest guys (The teenager had bigger plans.) for a day of fun.



First stop:

Katy Trails in Uptown.

What a great place for relaxing, hanging out and a having good laugh.

Before Ryan could even get the car turned off, the boys took off.

For what, you ask?

Trees.

Huge trees.

 And a playground.

It was "monkeying" around time.

 Here's T hiding from Carter in an old fashioned game of hide-and-seek.

He'll never find you there, T.

Stay put!

 Here he comes.

This is a kid on a mission.

 Trysten just couldn't stay put.

Score: Carter-1  T-0

 They spent literally an hour chasing squirrels.

 Carter was so excited to find a squirrel tail

until we informed him of the countless diseases they carry.

Notice the stick in his right hand?

They all 3 had one.

What is it with boys and sticks?

After several hours,

it was time to head out for our next stop.

I love this motley crew.

Seriously.

Heartbreakers.

When we pulled away from the park,

the boys were talking in the back seat, and we heard Trysten say in complete sincerity,

"I think I'm gonna start chasing squirrels more often."

Classic.

Next up:

Dave & Busters for some healthy competition.

Trysten's favorite:

Deal or No Deal

 Some air hockey

 And dinner to round out a great day.

Another one liner from T on the way home:

"I'm gonna go ahead and say today was the funnest day ever."

Love it.

We missed you, Austin!

Easter Sunday was spent with family at my parent's house.

With such beautiful weather,

we were able to enjoy their new outdoor living spaces.

Here's the 24 x 24 pavilion, as we jokingly call it!

It is incredible with a full kitchen, dining and lounge area.

 The men enjoyed March Madness while eating.

My parents also covered the patio outside the family room

with a louvered roof that will shut completely in case of rain.

Look at my niece's hair!

So unfair. =)

 Too bad they're not cute enough.

 The cousins always have such a great time together.

 My dad rallied up the troops to prepare for the egg hunt.

We hid 369 eggs!

 Annnnnnnnnd go!

 Even "The teenager" joined in.

He's no dummy.

There was money in those eggs!

 It took the kids awhile to find this one.

My beautiful mother...

 Time to count their loot.

Preston won with a total of $14.75.

That won him an additional crisp new $10.00 bill.

 We celebrated the April birthdays in the family.

Ashlynn 12 & my grandmother 92!

 Who wants ice cream!

 T found the best seat in the house to eat his.

Another great day.

I love this family.

A lot.

I hope your Easter weekend was just as wonderful!

One more thing before I go.

Can you believe this!?:

I found out last week and was completely shocked.

I am touched beyond words.

Life is good!!



Happy Valentine's Day 2013!

 I love Valentine's Day.

Love it.

I haven't always felt that way,

but the last 6+ years of my life have changed all that.

Now, I'm a sucker for anything romantic and lovey dovey.

You can vomit.

It won't bother me. =)

What better way to start Love Day than with

heart shaped cinnamon rolls for the boys.

My children thank you, Pinterest.

  Yum.

 You have to have a Valentine's box to put all your goodies in.

Here's the one I made for Carter.

Thanks again, Pinterest.

His Valentines:

My attire for today:

My students enjoyed making hearts in oil pastels to celebrate all the love.

I received some of the sweetest notes from students.

THIS is why I love my job...

And last but not least,

I made this for Ryan for Valentine's Day.

Pretty much sums it up.

Tonight, Ryan and Trysten are taking me to dinner

while my sweet boys go see their dad.

Can't think of a better way to end the day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Final Birthdays and Valentines at Home 2013

A good friend of mine and I

celebrate our birthdays a little over a month apart.

We're both turning 39 this year.

It's the final birthday we're having.

Ever.

Hers was this past weekend,

so Ryan and I joined several of our couple friends for her birthday festivities.

Everyone went to dinner at Bob's first,

and then to The Blue Martini for drinks.

Although it's not Ryan's and my scene,

we had a great time.

 

The birthday girl is in the middle.

 It's always a good time with this handsome man!

 

Besides my birthday coming up,

one of my very favorite holidays is quickly approaching.

Valentine's Day!

Yep.

Love month has already started here in our house.

Check it out.

 

The cross stitch I made a couple of years ago

and the wine bottle from our wedding

 A little Valentines love everywhere

 

 I went a little overboard with the lamps in the family room.

I can't help myself.

 

The mantle looking a tad different from last year.

 The Teenager and I were running errands the other day and found this.

Perfect for Love Month.

 I made this banner the other day.

I love all the different shades of red.

I'm trying to convince the dogs this monkey is not their toy.

 Made this the other day too.

 Oh, and I made this pillow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Made this wreath with the intentions of putting it on the front door,

but it looked too small.

So, I added ribbon and felt roses to the "S" that we've had forever.

What do you think?!

I love Valentine's Day.

Even bought this shirt to wear to school/work on the big day next month.

We're supposed to wear red on Valentine's Day.

Perfect.

Works for me!

Happy Love Month!