CALIFORNIA knows how to party

Okay, so we didn't do much partying. BUT we did have an amazing time in the gorgeously sunny state.  We loved every minute we got to spend with Alex and Breanna, the most gracious hostesses with the mostesses.  We dodged the paparazzi --- barely ;) We went to the beach.  We went to so many parks.  We saw so much.  Can't wait to go back.

First Valleyheart Breakfast.  Theo and I both would have packed 

up that table if it only fit in our suitcase.

Happy Hour #1: Make sure to get black beans everywhere.

Utensils are optional on vacation. 

Theo LOVED his Aunties. 

Beautiful day in the park.

 Happy Hour #2: Pretend to share cheerios, but actually eat them ALL.

Brunch in our new backyard.  Seriously, this place was not only beautiful, 

it had paddle boats, chandeliers and shuffleboard. 

The most scenic playground. Ever.

A morning game of checkers.

Too bad there wasn't much of a view on our drive from LA to San Fran.

He's eating tortilla chips with a spoon.

 We have to sweep.  Even on vacation.

I went to get us an afternoon ice cream treat, and this is what I came back to.  

Ice cream + these two = perfect afternoon. <<<Sorry! That is soooo cheeesy.

 But, they're really cute, right?

Lastly, a delicious dinner with Alejandra!  

Who promises she is coming to Texas in December! 

(Bring more jam)

Oh Boy!

So this chatty little boy is surprising us everyday with his vocabulary and memory. A few funnies:

Theo usually wakes up in a bright mood.  He will happily play in his crib and talk to himself while I get up out of bed, put my contacts in and make my way to his room.  The other morning he woke up and right away started calling out "Mommy! Mooommmmy!! Mommy!"
I got out of bed.
"Daadaaaa!  Daaaadaaa! Daaadaaa!"
I hadn't made it to his room yet.
"Stewwwaaaah! Stewwwaaah! Stewwwaaaahh! Stewwwaaaah! Stewwwaaah! Stewwwaaaahh!Stewwwaaaah! Stewwwaaah! Stewwwaaaahh!"  (Translates to our dog, Stella)

Silly kiddo, thought the dog would come running and open his door to get him out of bed :)

Theo, like I would imagine ALL kids his age, loves, loves, loves to play outside.  We had played in our backyard for a few minutes before dinner, but it was not near long enough for his liking.  While sitting at the table with a plate full of food, he was begging to go outside. "Ooooouuutsiiiide, ouuuutsiiide, ouuutsiiide."  I told him we couldn't go outside right now, but after dinner we could go play some more.  His immediate response, "All done! All done! I full! I full!"  

Oooh the stories he is going to tell....

The Holidays

This last Holiday season was incredibly busy.  So busy, that after we have been home for nearly an entire month, I am just now feeling like things are normal again.  All of the suitcases are unpacked, and we are pretty much caught up on laundry.  Does that ever really happen? Really?

How was our season so busy? We went to my dear sister in-law's graduation in College Station one night, got up the next morning and drove to Dallas for my cousin's wedding. Two days later, Charlie drove to Midland for lunch, yes, lunch. That's 10 hours round trip.  The next day we flew to Colorado for 6 days. whew.  breather.  Then our flight got delayed, spent an extra night in Colorado.  Flew into Dallas on Christmas Eve Eve, drove directly 3.5 hours directly home. Stayed home for 2 nights.  Well, we hosted friends and family both of those nights. Then we went back to Dallas Christmas morning for another 2 days, and have spent every night in our own beds since.  Are you still with me? Probably not. Years later, I will look back at this and say "That was exhausting!" But thats not it, "that was so much fun!"  This holiday season was one of the best yet.  It was filled with family, filled with friends, filled with travel, filled with food. We are FULL. But ready for more soon :)

         

We had a quiet NewYear's.  We fixed a nice meal after we put
Theo down, watched the Aggie game: not so quiet, actually.
And I made it to midnight EST.  

^^^ This kid is ready to pack up and go again!^^^

Happy 2014! It is proving itself to be a good one already.