Days of the Week

Good to see we're getting our money's worth out of Mother's Day Out! She comes home singing new songs a lot, but I thought this one was really cute and useful! She was mumbling a little bit, but you get the idea.

A Visit from Maddy and Lainey and a Trip to the Rodeo!

My sister, her husband and their girls, Maddy and Lainey came out for a visit a couple weekends back. These are some pics from the weekend...

TJ and Maddy having some fun at Chuck E Cheese while Alli and Lainey were at the father daughter dance. It was a late night for TJ, but he had lots of fun.

The next day we headed out to the SA Rodeo grounds and carnival...


Enjoying a few rides.

The bumper cars were a HUGE hit! For about half the ride, Alli just sat in one spot not knowing how to make her car go until the ride attendant walked over to help her. Then she was off and bumpin'

Daddy and TJ on the airplane ride- perfect for TJ!


Daddy did his best to earn an Army strong T-shirt by doing 75 push-ups. He hopped down thinking it would be no problem (it wasn't back in the day), but was completely worn out by about 40. I think he pushed himself to 46 or something and then called it quits. He likes to round up to an even 50 when he tells the story. Either way- no T-shirt.

On the way out we passed another Army booth and Dwaine tried to talk them into letting him finish up with the last 25, but instead somehow they talked me into getting down on the push-up platform. I busted out 30 (which surprised me 'cause I didn't think I'd make it past 20) for some souvenir dog tags- still no t-shirt. When I stood up, there was a small crowd gathered around that had been cheering me on and a former neighbor had been watching- how embarrassing!

As crazy as it was trying to keep track of all the kids and stay together in the crowds, we had a great time. As we started the drive home after a very difficult walk back to the car with TJ in a screaming fit over who knows what, Alli summed it all up with "Well, that was a cool little place."

Yes, I guess it was- carnival rides, food booths, bounce houses, foot massage chairs, all kinds of farm animals, spinning wheels for freebies, bumper cars....

Pretty cool!

Rodeo Day

The kids had Rodeo Day at their mother's day out program today...

All cowboy and cowgirled up and ready to go!

TJ couldn't seem to break the suction on his thumb long enough for the stick horse race. He just dragged the horse beside him as he walked. Not gonna win any races like that!

He also decided riding the real horse was not a good idea. This was as close as he would get. When I handed him some hay to feed the pony, he just threw it at the ground in front of him and when I suggested he get a little closer, he said "He might get me." Apparently that cowboy get up is truly just for looks.

Alli on the other hand would probably stay on the horse all day if you let her.

A Royal Affair

Our church holds a Dad and Daughter dance every year around Valentine's day. Last year was the first year Dwaine and Alli attended. Dwaine was not very excited about it thinking Alli was a little too young to enjoy it and that it may be a little cheesy or something, but I talked him into trying it anyway. Turns out, they had an absolute blast together and danced the night away staying to the very end.

So, this year they were really looking forward to the event again. The theme was "A Royal Affair" which is perfect since Alli is very much into the princess thing right now. It was a very fancy evening with decorations, corsages, professional photographers, door prizes, and lots and lots of dancing- it's done up just like a prom. So cute.

Daddy with his little princess.

She was so excited to finally be going to the dance. They had been talking about it for weeks.

Well, you can't always count on a smile from a 4 yr old exhausted from dancing so much. She apparently was really getting into those dance moves. And she now wants to do the chicken dance every night before she goes to bed and will listen to the song on repeat as she falls asleep.

Superbowl Party

No- you didn't misread the title. This is how Alli occupied herself with friends Hannah and Kendall while mommy and daddy watched the Superbowl at our friend's house...

She absolutely loves hanging out with "big girls"

Unfortunately, all the girl stuff only kept TJ occupied for about the first half, so I missed a lot of the game, but we still had a great time.


When we tried to brush through the dried glitter in Alli's hair the next day, she said "Hannah and Kendall should NOT have put glitter in my hair." As if she wasn't a very willing participant in the whole ordeal.

Daddy's Birthday

We headed out to Fredericksburg for D's birthday this year. His choice because there was an artifact show in town and we figured we could make a fun family day trip out of it. It turned out to be an awesome day! The weather was gorgeous, D got his artifact fix, we had lunch at the Fredericksburg Brewing Co (our favorite), then did some hiking, fed some overly aggressive geese, let the kids play on the playground, and had a peaceful drive back home. It was as close to a perfect day as it gets.

I tried not to bust my camera out at every little happening to allow myself to truly enjoy the day, but I did get a couple of cute pics while waiting for a table at the restaurant.

Birthday kisses for Daddy!!!!

Bedtime Dress-up

Now that Alli no longer naps, she's in bed without a fight by 8:30 and we don't see her again until morning- very nice. However, on days that she does get a nap in, this is what we get...

She energetically comes prancing out of her room almost 2hrs after we have put her to bed in full dress-up attire. We just have to laugh, take a picture and send her back to bed.

A boy and his dog

Chili needed a bath. TJ wanted to join him. Why not?I think TJ enjoyed it much more than Chili. Bathing and TJ- 2 of Chili's least favorite things.
TJ sure does love him however. Maybe one of these days Chili's feelings will change, but it's not likely.