Goodbye Carol & Andrew

On Saturday we made a quick trip to Paris to say goodbye to Carol & Andrew.  They left today to move to Louisville, KY where Andrew took a new job. We are sad to see them move away but excited to see what the Lord has in store for them there.
Our morning in Paris started with the kids helping Mimi make banana pudding.

Mimi &Papa brought Harper this cute little water bottle "purse" from Crested Butte.

Harper and Uncle Andrew bonding over some Dora online
Brody and his Great Grandaddy


Harper got an early birthday present from Mimi.

Julia is a wooden doll that has magnetic clothes that stick to her.  Of course it had to have a sports theme.

A day at Papa & Mimi's wouldn't be complete without a dip in the pool.


She got some serious air time on this one.

While Harper was swimming, Brody got some cuddle time with Mama Cutrell (another great grandparent).

A little more playtime with Uncle Andrew before saying goodbye. 
Harper and 2 of her Great Grandmothers

Bye bye Aunt Carol &Uncle Andrew - we look forward to seeing you again at Christmas!

All About Brody 10 Months

I just realized that I never did a post for Brody after his 9 month well check up. He is now 10.5 months old - better late than never right?

At 9 months, Brody was 

Weight: 20 lbs. 4 ozs. (50%) 

Length: 29.8 inches (85%)

Head: 18.1 inches (60%)
Looking back at Harper at this same age, they are about the same except for their weight.  She was 22.5 lbs (95%)!
Brody definitely likes to eat and I've realized that I'm more laid back with the 2nd born.  He has already eaten things that Harper didn't eat until later... like pizza and banana pudding!

He loves all fruit - especially watermelon. 

He just started crawling this week so my life has now changed.  Gone are the days of setting him down and expecting him to be there when I come back. Whew - he's into everything already.

Some of his favorite toys are blocks and balls. 

He still only has two teeth on the bottom.

Brody has such a sweet temperament unless he is hungry.  Then - you will hear about his need for food. right. now.

We love you Brody!

Harper's 3rd Pool Party Bash

We started Harper's birthday weekend with a Pool Party Bash at the community pool.

We did a Hawaiian Luau theme.

Trying to teach her the hula

Because I had to transport everything to the pool down the street I tried to make the food and decor really easy.

palm tree and sunglasses PB&J

A few of Harper's friends eating lunch

Can't believe that she is already 3 years old.  It's flying by!
They all loved the pink icing!

Brody was a trooper considering how hot it was.

Harper sneaking a kiss from Brady - not sure what prompted this but it was kind of cute. 
Brady and the girls

The kids loved the hula skirts and Hawaiian leis.

This was the first of a few birthday celebrations.

GAFIA 2011

My college roommates and I get together once a year for a long weekend.  GAFIA is where we can truly Get. Away. From. It. All.  I'm so blessed and encouraged by these dear friends.  We usually spend our weekend eating, playing games and staying up way too late talking.
Love. Love. Love. our time together!

This year we went back to Natalie's family lake house out in East Texas.  It was hot and the lake was low so we spent a lot of time in the pool. This was the first time in a Long time that I was able to lay on a float in the pool and truly relax.  No kids to keep up with was great. 

This game has become a staple at GAFIA and it's so fun to see how well we know each other!

We divided into teams and played Bocce ball & Ladder ball all afternoon.


During Ladder Ball, our balls might have gotten stuck in the tree several times and Michelle was kind enough to retrieve them with the pool cleaning net.

I love our weekends together and can't wait for the next one.  I leave feeling so refreshed. Here's a recap of the last few GAFIA's.
Natalie's wedding weekend 
2009 at Baylor
2008 at the Lakehouse
2007 in Nashville

Fancy Nancy Tea Party

Last year, Elle introduced Harper to Fancy Nancy by giving her one of the books for her birthday.  Elle invited us over to her house for a Fancy Nancy Tea Party.  Elle's mom, Mindy, did a fantastic job hosting us. We started with manis & pedis for the girls.

Even Anne Charlotte had her nails painted

Mindy set an adorable little table for the girls. Their table was complete with fresh roses, butterfly shaped sandwiches, fruit and tea.

Enjoying their "tea" (lemonade)

Brody & Anne Charlotte enjoyed their lunch also.

Mindy read Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique  while they ate lunch. 
In the book,  Nancy walks with a banana on her head to learn balance for her upcoming fashion show.



What a fun morning!

Jack Carter Pool

We met some friends down at Jack Carter pool in Plano.  It's a great public pool with lots of fun slides for the kids to play on and a shaded zero entry area for the mommies and babies.

She is fearless when it comes to water slides.

Harper and Brady


They would do the slide then swim back around to the steps then do it again...over and over.