Texas Visit

The girls and I went to Texas for a few days last week.  The original plan was for the girls and I to go down on Wednesday and then Jon was going to come when he got off work on Friday.  However, we decided not to have two vehicles down there and Jon had some things he needed to do around the house, anyway.  So, early Wednesday morning, the girls and I hit the road.  I was cursed with a lead foot from my father and as much as I try to overcome this genetic disorder, I haven't found a cure.  I got a speeding ticket just south of Ft. Smith.  If that doesn't put a damper on a trip, I don't know what does.  As if that wasn't enough of a downer, we stopped in Y City for a picnic lunch and Tulip pulled Adeline off the bench flat on to her face onto a big block of concrete.  I think I was still shaking 2.5 hours later when we finally made it to my in-laws'.  

Wednesday we spent the afternoon/evening at Big T & Tiny's house.  We had fresh grilled vegetables from their garden for dinner and got to look at all the baby birds in Big T's bird houses afterwards, but I was so exhausted from our trip that I didn't take any pictures.  Wednesday night Annabel started coming down with a cold and that combined with teething and being in a strange place made for a very long, sleepless night.  

Thursday we spent the day playing in the yard.  

And Nana found Adeline a turtle.  She chased it all over the yard for about 30 minutes, then we decided to let it go find its Mommy.

Thursday night we all went out to eat with my parents.  When we got home I ran to Wal-Mart to stock up on teething arsenal for Annabel.  I did not want another sleepless night.  When I got back I found Big T & Adeline cuddled up like this playing games on Tiny's phone.

Thursday night was a lot better and we all slept in the next morning.  Friday I went to lunch with my grandmother and my cousin's new wife, Kim.  We lunched and did a little bit of shopping.  We had so much fun together!  

Friday evening it was time to switch houses and stay with my parents.  We took the girls swimming at my grandmother's house and got pizza for dinner.

My cousin, Amanda, and her little boy, Isaac came to swim too.  Adeline thought Isaac was hilarious.

Saturday, Adeline and I woke up with whatever it was that Annabel had had on Thursday.  Boo!  We weren't going to let that keep us from having fun, though.  We went to visit my aunt Denise to see her pet deer and horses.  My cousin rescued this deer as an infant last year.  It now thinks it's a dog and sleeps in the house!

We'd had plans to go to a wedding Saturday night, but since we all felt bad, my parents went without us and I took the girls over to my other grandmother's house for dinner.  I had so much fun visiting with aunts and cousins, but I failed, once again, to get any pictures.  

Sunday we went to my hometown church.

You will be seeing these dresses again in July.  :)  After church my mom made a delicious lunch then we hit the  road back home.  I drove the speed limit the whole way, but it just about killed me.  We had such a great time visiting everyone, but we are also glad to be back home with Jon!

All We Have is Fun

My devotional yesterday was about not complaining.  It said, "Complaining, grumbling words carry destructive power.  They destroy the joy of the one doing the complaining and can also affect other people who have to listen to them.  When we complain about our current situation, we remain in it; when we praise God in the midst of difficulty, He raises us out of it.  Truly thankful people do not complain."

Nobody's life is perfect, but I try to focus on all the good in my life.  When I do that, it makes me a happier person and sometimes I can trick myself into thinking my life is perfect!  :)  So, on that note, all we have is fun around here.  To God be the glory!  And with lots of fun, comes lots of pictures so prepare yourself....

I got this James Avery Texas necklace from my parents for Mother's Day.  I've been wearing it the past week and I've hardly gotten any comments on it.  I figured it would stir up many conversations with strangers, but apparently not.

Speaking of Mother's Day, we spent that afternoon at a park near our house.  I love this sweet, happy face!

Monday morning Annabel was peeking through the slats on her crib while I was changing Adeline's diaper.  I think this may be one of my favorite photos of her.

And my other blue-eyed baby at breakfast that morning before school.  See the oatmeal between her eyes?

And they both cooked Mommy some breakfast.  

During our grocery run, poor little Annabel bumped her face on the shopping cart.  I hate it when my babies get "owies."

Tuesday we met Shannon, Westin, & Reagan at the library for toddler time.  They made "hot air balloons" and my child thought it was funny to hold the balloon in front of her face when I tried to take a picture.

Annabel has started paying a lot more attention to Tulip lately.  Poor Tulip!

Wednesday was a stay-at-home day.  I was so impressed with Adeline's coloring skills.  I had no idea she would do this well staying in the lines!

This is my failed attempt at getting her to sit on the toilet long enough to go #2.  She sat there, but no #2.

Thursday we met the Davises at the park for a picnic lunch.

We spent some time out in the yard that night.  Adeline was not in to her bike.  It was all I could do to get her to stay there long enough for a picture.

My hydrangeas are starting to bloom!  Jon told me not to share his secret, but we're not going for some hydrangea medal or anything, so here goes.  He hides this 5 gallon bucket behind them.  It has little holes in the bottom of it.  He fills it with water 2-3 times a week so the flowers get a slow, steady trickle of water.

Friday was another stay-at-home day.  It was nice and warm out, so Adeline did some swimming while Annabel napped that morning.  We splurged a whole $35 this year and got the pool with the slide.  Great investment!  She slid down that thing probably 50 times that morning.

Friday night we went out for dinner and a yummy cupcake at Bliss afterwards.

I worked Saturday at a rehab hospital for a few hours.  Jon had the girls all by himself.  He was worn out when I got home!  We did a bit more swimming that afternoon.

This was Annabel's first "swimming" experience.  She didn't really know what to think about it, but she wasn't scared.

Saturday evening we went to a wedding!  I used to work with Adam at HealthSouth.  We really had a great time.  It was a beautiful wedding.  Short, sweet, and outside...perfect for two babies to attend!

Adam & Alex

I got to see some girls I used to work with too.  We had such a great time catching up!

Adeline found one of the flower girl's petals.

Jon & Annabel, with a little bit of our friend, Will Simpson in the shot.

Sunday was church, then that afternoon we went down to Fayetteville for the Block Street Block Party.  Uncle Shane's band was playing, so we couldn't miss!

Uncle Shane plays the stand-up bass.

Me with my sweet niece, Murry.

Daddy being silly with his girls.

We found a booth with homemade toys.  Annabel & Murry got little wooden teethers and Adeline picked out a horse.

And now we've made it to today.  Adeline has it made.  Almost every morning she spends the first 30 minutes after waking up lying in our bed, drinking her OJ, and watching Mickey Mouse.  

Annabel was trying her best to stand up at her activity table this morning.

Then we took Adeline to her last day of KDO for the year.  They had a big party.  We are going to miss her two sweet teachers!

Adeline with Ms. Cari

And Ms. Laura

All her friends!

This is how Annabel & Mommy feel about no more school until September.  Haha..just kidding!  Annabel was not happy about missing her morning nap and running errands instead.  Cutting 3 teeth isn't helping matters, either.

Stick around for all the fun we have in store for this week!

"Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.  

John 6:43