Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving was a big hit this year because we got to spend it with family in Houston.  It was great to  spend time with Susan, Mike and cousins. It was fun to explore the city and eat delicious food (especially pies). We loved learning how to make the pies and crust from the experts. Now I just need to learn how to make her famous eclairs. 

The girls were in heaven having mounds of attention and playing with their cousins Violet and Charlie. We had a chance to visit the Children's Museum and the kids could have spent all week there.  It biggest and best Children's Museum we have ever been to, I was impressed.  (Thanks to Lindsey for letting us use her pass!!) The kids somehow had mounds of energy after an entire day at the museum so Susan and Mike were nice and took us all on the train around Hermann Park.  Abby and Violet sat right next to each other the whole ride, pointing out all the highlights. We definitely want to hit this park again, maybe even see a outdoor show, such a fun place.  Houston has a lot do see and do and we loved every minute.  But, the best part about Houston is having family only 2 hours from our home!! Thanks Susan and Mike for a wonderful time.

Susan's amazing pies.  Mmmmm.

Brett trying to perfect the chocolate curls for the 'pie competition' with cousins.

 Mike making the bird, which turned out awesome, even when the oven died half way through. 

Abby and Violet making up songs on the piano.

Play, play, play.

 Excited to get into the museum.

Attempting our first pie crust.

Halloween 2013

It was another Halloween of Princesses at our house.  The girls want nothing to do with 'scary' over here.  We will see what changes come as baby brother enters the scene the next year.  Our neighborhood hosted a fun carnival that was a big hit for the kids and trick or treating was obviously not a disappointment. ;)  We loved having a home this year where we had trick or treaters.  Ironically, Kate preferred handing out treats to the neighbors and knocking on doors.  After the trick or treating died down a bit, we went to a neighborhood block party with a kids Halloween show on the garages, tons of silly string, and plenty of snacks.  The girls were obviously in heaven and it was fun to get to know our neighbors even more.  We also had a surprise visit from the local fire station and they threw out candy for all.

 Traditional Halloween cookies with friends, Ryland and Lexie.

We did a Cancer Walk with our friends in October as well and it was a neat event.  Jaylie had a brain tumor at only 6 years old is so brave. 

Since October had amazing weather, we had lots of games of Hide and Seek. ;)

Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving was a big hit this year, the girls really got into it. It did consist of the usual groans and squeals of "gross" as we cleaned out the pumpkin insides, but the groans quickly turned to laughs as they carved the faces and worked on their creations.  We had a pretty sweet thunderstorm going on while we were carving, which was a great 'special effect' for Halloween carving.  The girls obviously wanted to make 'happy faces' for their pumpkins because 'scary' is just not their thing. ;)  Kate did hers like a 'Pops Face' and Abby made a happy grin. They were so excited to light them and watch them glow in the dark with the rain and thunder pouring in the background.  Definitely a night to remember and we loved it. It was so fun to have daddy here with us this Halloween for all the events. We are counting our blessings to have him home more with this job, but still grateful for all we experienced in DC. 

32 Years

Brett had his birthday a few weeks ago.  We are inching closer and closer to our mid-thirties now...32 years.  His birthday wish was to 'FLY.' Since skydiving is not in the budget, we got him a ticket to iFly in Austin and he loved it.  I wish I could have taken some clear pictures of his face pressed against the wind while he was in the air. Priceless. He had some hilarious expressions. I think iFly was a definite win for him. Afterwards, we were hoping to go to a fun pizza joint but Abby came down with a fever while we are at iFly.  Since Abbers needed some rest, we ended the celebrations with Papa Johns and a movie after the kids were down. I tried really hard to stay awake during the movie but sadly, I failed.  Poor Brett spend the rest of the night solo watching the movie.  We are so boring right now between pregnancy and early school mornings.  Everyone wanted to crash.  Oh well, I think it was a successful day in the end.  I sure love you Brett, Happy Happy Birthday! You are my better half for sure.

I was able to make a cake, thanks to my cousin Carrie's advice on some good recipes. I just wish my cakes could look and taste as good as hers.  Good thing the cake tasted yummy because the roast I made him for his birthday dinner the next day was not so great. I have the worst luck with roast. Hopefully time in Texas will help me improve in the meat department. ;)

The video below is of Brett flying.  Kate of course had to go 'potty' right when he was about to go in to fly so you will hear her singing the 'ABC's'  to keep her mind of it while I recorded.

Race Day-Kids Run

We love our neighborhood.  Everyone is friendly, we feel safe and they even plan fun events to do as a community.  They recently held a Kid's 1K Race for all the little ones in the area.  It was hilarious to watch a bunch of little people take off with a running jolt as the whistle blew and then crash into each other as they tried to get their footing right. I should have filmed the event but you get the idea.  There were a few collisions as they cruised the path, but they all made it to the finish line.  Both girls completed the race and felt so cool when they were given a medal at the end. The kids all felt like celebrities with neighbors and family cheering them on at the finish line.  I hope they do this event every year, we loved it.  One of the most entertaining factors was the fact Kate insisted that she have her Sunday shoes on for the race.  I tried to convince her otherwise, but there was no changing her mind. (This princess business is serious stuff. Ha!) They made it through their first 1K with only a bruise and a few blisters. ;) Such a great day.

Kate doing her 'stretches'.

 Abby and some of her friends.

Getting ready to go.

 Kate crossing the finish line and getting her medal, it was pretty cute.

Surprise!

I think I'm still in shock about the whole 'gender reveal' at the doctors this week.  We have been calling this baby 'Sister' for the past 4 months.  I was totally convinced it was a girl and even had a name picked out.  When the doctor showed that the baby is most definitely a boy I couldn't believe it.  Of course, since I didn't believe what I saw on the ultra sound, he zoomed in close to prove there was no question. Ha!  I didn't tell the girls what we were having so Brett could surprise them when he came home from work.  I told them he would come home with either blue or pink and whatever color it was determined if it was a boy or girl. Once the girls knew a surprise was coming the anxiety levels rose to a high degree and the minutes ticked by very slowly. ;)  They were so excited to see if they were having a brother or sister. The moment finally came when daddy had arrived and rang the doorbell.  Two excited little girls ran down the hall squealing the whole way. It was fun to see them so happy about having a brother.

No matter the gender, boy or girl, we very blessed and grateful to have this little baby join our family.   Can't wait to meet baby boy in March 2014!