Uncle Eric Visit

My brother Eric, and his canine sidekick Luna, came to visit us last weekend in Dallas. The kids had a great time using him as a jungle gym and he even helped me with a few nesting tasks like picking up the new rugs for the kids rooms. However, there was a golf tournament on so a 20-something guy can only spend so much time on household tasks when there is golf to be watched.

On Saturday night, Mary watched the kids and Grant and I, Courtney and Ryan, Eric, and Preston and Amanda all went to dinner at Nazca Kitchen and then did putt-putt golf. Well, everyone but me did putt-putt and I walked from bench to bench along the course.

It was fun just to be with my brother and sister. No one can make me laugh and also tease me quite like they can. We were sitting in Cadie's room on Friday night (not totally sure why, but it is fairly common for my family to end up all crammed in a random room just hanging out) and they were making me laugh so hard imitating me and my grumpy pregnant self.

On Saturday, Courtney, Eric and Ryan took the kids swimming at Courtney and Ryan's apartment pool and I was told that Eric was tossing Cadie extremely high in the pool. She seemed to love it, but I am glad I wasn't there. Eric is really strong and I imagine he could get some height tossing her in the air if he wanted to.

It was so sweet of Eric to roadtrip from Kansas to visit us before he permanently moves to Seattle in the fall. We sure wish Aunt Anna could have been here too, but she was in Seattle working and also preparing their new house for the big move.

Love you Eric!

My awesome siblings, Eric and Courtney. Bethany, we missed you!

Happy Birthday

My birthday was this past Thursday and even though I worked my family made sure I felt special. Grant left a sweet card on my windshield that I got as I left for work. My mom sent me beautiful flowers and cupcakes at work. Cadie decorated the kitchen and living room and arranged her animals for a party! When I got home from work she jumped out and yelled "surprise"! It was adorable. There were streamers everywhere, party hats, a happy birthday sign, and ribbons and balloons tied to my chair. Mary gave me the cutest peanut necklace charm since we call the new baby "peanut" - so thoughtful.

My birthday was really nice, but I, overall, am feeling crummy and kranky! I think that is to be expected in the last month of pregnancy in Aug.-Texas heat, but it isn't my MO and it is a bit strange for me and those around me. I am trying to "keep calm and carry on" as best as I can, but I feel out-of-sorts, hormonal, tired and pressed for time. Thanks to my sweet family for putting up with me on my birthday and as we together navigate this last part of my pregnancy and our family of 4 becoming a family of 5. I love you!

Gaylord Staycation

The weekend after July 4th, DD, Big John, Austin, Preston and the kids, Grant and I headed to the Gaylord Texan for a staycation. We arrived Friday afternoon and checked out Sunday afternoon. We enjoyed Paradise Springs (the new water park), dinner at the Italian food restaurant and getting a chance to be together without traveling too far. The Walshes let the 4 of us stay in the nice, big suite which was so generous of them.

Uncle Ace with the kids and live gold man statue. They had lots of fun characters in the atrium including a tall cowboy (cowboy on stilts) which the kids really liked watching.

I am not totally sure why Shrek and Fiona were at the Gaylord, but the kids had fun getting their pics taken with them while we ate dinner one evening.

The uncles! I think Preston and JR look so much alike.

The boys

Grant kept teasing Cadie that the koi fish in the pond were hungry for her toes!

JR loved all the train displays.

Getting a better view of the trains from Dad's shoulders.

Cadie and DD - BFFs.

July 4th



Starting out the day right with donuts before the Highland Park parade.



Watching the parade with friends and family including Miles Sterns. Miles and Cadie both got totally soaked by the water guns and Cadie changed clothes mid-parade.

Big Joh and DD bought Cadie and JR July 4th outfits including a dress for Cadie and blue and red Cars shirt for JR. They know our kids so well!

Nick Williams and Grant - remodeling partners!

With my baby boy! He was too into the parade to pose for the camera.

Cadie and Avery passing out ice cream treats at the Gray's cookout, swimming and firworks party. Such a good time!

Our July 4th was filled with Americana including the Highland Park parade, brunch at the Walshes after the parade, naps, swimming and cookout at the Grays house and then the McKinney fireworks in the Grays front yard to wrap up the day. The weather was amazing and only in the high 70s so even I was comfortable!