Labor Day Weekend – Parade

I think this is the first time since Jarrad and I have been together that we didn’t go out to the ranch for some dove hunting.  Unfortunately, Jarrad had to work and couldn’t get the weekend off, so Meg & I headed to San Antonio for the weekend.

***Meg, Maddie & Gus***

 

***Maddie, Megan, & Layton at the parade***

***Super adorable Gus and Jamie***

 

We drove down on Friday afternoon after Meg got out of school.  Saturday morning, Meg and I headed to Boerne to go to the Kendall County Parade with our favorite friends, The Middletons.  We spent most of the day with them, before heading back to Meme & Poppy’s house for the evening.  Layton had a birthday party for a friend, so Maddie came back with Meg & me to the house.  Jamie, Lath & Layton joined us later for dinner.    

Megan and Maddie had so much fun playing at the house.  They both love the movie Avatar, so they played Avatar most of the afternoon.  Maddie had even made them some bows for “hunting”.  The ran thru the creek bottom and in the woods for hours.  A little later, they fished for tadpoles in dad’s pond.  After fishing, they swam for a little while. 

 

PK Trip

Saturday, Jamie and I loaded up the kids and headed out to my MIL’s lake house at PK for the rest of the weekend.  I was so happy to be heading out there because we haven’t made it out there this summer. 

After we got to the house (around 4), we put on our swimming suits and headed straight to the lake.  The kids had a blast jumping off the dock while Jamie and I enjoyed floating.  We stayed in the lake for about 3 hours before calling it a night.  Surprisingly, the kids didn’t fight us on coming in.  I think after a day at Hawaiian Falls they were worn out. 

Jamie and I had so much fun relaxing, reading and watching the kids play.  Maddie, Layton and Meg get along so well!  Maddie turned nine in April and Layton turned 6 in May.  I love that they are all at an age where they get along so well.  Don’t get me wrong, we had our moments, but they were few and far between. 

All weekend, the girls were playing Avatar.  All three of the kids are obsessed with the movie and have been trying to “learn the language”.  It was super adorable to watch the girls.  Maddie would actually take notes while they were watching the movie.  I love their imaginations. 

***Me & Jamie, my beautiful best friend***

Sunday morning, we had a bite for breakfast and then headed back to the lake for some more swimming.  We swam and floated for about 3 hours, then called it a day.  We didn’t want to leave, but we all needed to head back to reality (boo). 

***Maddie & Megan***    

After an amazing weekend with my best friend and her kiddos, it was time to say good-bye.  We all had a great time and wished it could have lasted longer! 

***Layton & Megan***

Dinner with great friends

Friday night, after Jamie and I took the kiddos to Hawaiian Falls, we all agreed on Italian food for dinner.  We loaded up in the car and headed to Arlington for dinner Macaroni Grill.

 

We were all starved by the time we got there.  We quickly decided on a meal and placed our orders.  To keep the kids entertained, we had the balloon artist make the kids some balloon dogs.  The dogs actually kept there minds off how hungry they were. 

 

After we enjoyed our meals, Jamie told the waiter that we were celebrating Megan’s birthday.  When the staff came out to sing Happy Birthday to Meg, they asked her “How old are you?”  She said “I’m going to be six”.  Luckily for me, Jamie was thinking on her feet and told the staff that we were celebrating early.  (Meg’s birthday isn’t until Aug 31.)

Meg loved having everyone sing a special Happy Birthday song to her.  She smiled the entire time.  I’m so glad that she doesn’t embarrass easy. 

 

We headed for the lake on Saturday.  I have tons of pictures to post, just need to sort through them. 

{A Great Day}

Thursday night, our great Friends, the Middletons came to town for a mini vacation.  Jamie and I had orginally planned to take the kids to Six Flags, but the temperature was supposed to over one hundred, so we decided to go to Hawaiian Falls instead.  We were so glad we did! 

Maddie, Layton and Meg had a great time.  Jamie and I set up camp under an umbrella and let the kids go ride the rides.  It worked out perfect. 

***Layton***
 

 

***Maddie & Megan***

 

***Catching grapes****

 

***Swimming in the lazy river***

 

***Waiting for a tube***

 

***Jamie & Layton***

***Maddie & Megan***

June in SA

Meg and I headed to San Antonio for a quick visit with the family.  We drove down on Wednesday night and came home Sunday. 

Thursday, we went to see mom’s new office and meet a few of her co-workers.  Then, we met Taylor for lunch at Longhorn for the best burgers in the world!  Poppy, Megan and I then headed to the grocery store and home for the afternoon.  That night, Ruth and the boys came over for dinner.  Luke is getting so big, it’s hard to believe how fast time is going by! 

Megan brought her old tricycle and scooter down to my parents to give to Luke.  He loved, loved, loved them.  Of course, he’s not big enough to reach the pedals yet, so Taylor and Poppy took turns pushing him around on them.  

 

Friday, Poppy, Megan and I offered to keep Luke for the day.  I forgot how much energy is required to chase a 13 month old around.  Luke is into everything.  He’s a climber (which I have NO experience with) and always moving.  He doesn’t like being told no.  He has this super cute little temper when he gets mad. 

After lunch on Friday, Poppy, Meg and Luke got in the pool.  Meg has become such a strong swimmer.  I love watching her dive for dive sticks and jump off the hot tub into the pool.  She would spend all of her waking hours in the pool if we’d let her.  

Friday night, Taylor and Ruth came over for dinner and to hang out.  It’s was a perfect night.  We swam a little, then picked up Beefys. 

Saturday, Sheryl came into town (I didn’t get one picture of Sheryl – boo).  Meg, Sheryl and I did a little shopping at Target that morning, then came back and laid pool side all day.  We went out around 12:30 and didn’t come in until about 6:00.  Meg stay in the pool most of the time – except when she was eating. 

 

Aunt Sheryl caught a dragon fly and Meg was so excited about her new found friend.  He survived until she decided to take him swimming. 

 

Taylor, Ruth and Luke came over in the afternoon and enjoyed some sun too.  Luke went down for a nap as soon as they got there, but was so excited to come swimming after he woke up.   Meg loves Luke so much. I love watching how their relationship grows each time they see each other.  We are spending five days at the coast in July and I can’t want to see their bond grow even stronger. 

 

***Poppy and his favorite granddaughter and grandson***

Saturday night, the Middletons came over for dinner.  The adults sat around the pool while the kiddos swam for a few hours.  I didn’t even get my camera out :( 

We hated to say good-bye Sunday morning, but both Meg and I were starting to get a little home sick. 

Short Trip

Last week, Megan and I headed down to San Antonio for my cousin’s wedding shower.  I still can’t believe Stephanie is getting married!  The shower was beautiful.  The hostesses didn’t leave out any details!

Mom, Sheryl, Ruth and I headed out to the shower together.  It was about an hour from my parents house, so we decided to carpool instead of taking a bunch of different cars. 

   ***Beautiful sisters!  Aunt Lanie (mother-of-the-bride) and Mom******Stephanie opening a few of the gifts***

 

***The Beautiful Bride-to-be.  My sweet Stephanie***

 

After the shower, we headed back to the house for a small get together with Taylor, Ruth, Luke, Sheryl and the Middletons.  We laughed and giggled all night. 

I can’t believe how big Luke is getting.  He’s so adorable and a good baby.  He has decided that he doesn’t like the word “NO”.  It’s funny to watch, and I can remember those days with Megan. 

  ***Adorable little man***

Meg and I headed back to Mansfield on Sunday morning.  On our way home, we stopped to take a few pictures in the Bluebonnets.  They were beautiful!

{Ice Skating}

While Meg and I were in San Antonio, we met the Middletons to go ice skating.  

I’ve never seen so many children crying AND laughing at the same time.  Meg did a little crying and a lot of laughing. 

Meg was either holding on to the ledge or gripping on to me.  We had a few falls…actually, Meg probably spent more time sitting on the ice than actually skating on it.  I escaped with only falling down once, when Meg pulled me down.  Every time Meg fell down, she would look up at me and tell me what I had done wrong to make her fall. 

Overall, it was a good experience and Meg wants to try to go again.  

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Weekend Update

Meg and I had an unexpected trip to San Antonio last week. I have been going to the Texas Back Institute for my back pain in the past few weeks. I've always had back pain, but have started having leg pain as well. So, I decided it was time to do something. After my appointments with the Texas Back Institute, they recommended Facet Joint Injections. Seeing as the doctor had told me that my problems were in my discs, I couldn't understand why she would want me to have joint injections...so, I make an appt with my dad's back doctor in SA for a second opinion. Basically, he told me that he wanted me to say yes or no to surgery. He said I needed to tell him what I wanted to do. I decided to have an injection - it was worth a try. Especially since I'll have to have a four level spinal fusion. I had an Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) on Thursday afternoon. It didn't help like I had hoped it would have, but it was worth a try. Jarrad and I are going to sit down when he gets back from hunting to discuss our next steps.

Meg and I had so much fun in SA. We got into town on Wednesday night and were able to meet mom and dad for dinner to surprise mom. She didn't know that Meg and I were going to get into town early enough for dinner. Meme was so excited. Taylor & Ruth were even able to meet us for dinner. It was a great night.
Thursday, I had my dr appt with Dr. Meadows and had the injection that afternoon. It worked out perfect that the pain mgmt doc was able to squeeze me into his schedule. That night, Taylor & Ruth came over for dinner and to visit. We had so much fun.

Friday, I worked a little. We had planned on going to Longhorn cafe for lunch, but didn't make it :( Next time I'm in SA, Longhorn is on top of my list! Megan thought she wanted to take a dip in the pool, but quickly realized that it was too cold.

We left for dinner on Friday night around 3:30 so we could run a few errands. I just had to go to Linens-N-Things for their going out of business sale. I found a great bed-in-a-bag set for the bedroom. During the winter, the coverlet I have on just doesn't cut it for keeping me warm. I can't wait for Jarrad to see my new purchase.

Friday night, Jamie & Lath met us at El Jarro (where else would we go) for dinner. I had a great time visiting with them. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful Best Friend. After 30 years, we're still like two peas in a pod.

Saturday morning, Meg and I met the Middletons at the soccer fields in Boerne so we could watch Maddie & Layton play soccer. We also went to Maddie's Fall Carnival at her school. Saturday night, Jamie, Lath & the kids came over to my parents house for a dip in the hot tub and to play. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day.

Sunday, Meg and I got up, got packed and left to come home to Mansfield. We were sad to go, we always are, but we'll be back for Thanksgiving.

Sunday night I dropped Meg off at Nawnaw's because I had a special event - stay tuned for more details...

SA Part 3

Saturday was a good day. Taylor, Ruth & I went over to the Shinn's early that morning for breakfast and to visit. After breakfast, we headed back to meme and poppy's house. As soon as we got there, Meg was ready to go swimming...so, we put on our suits and headed for the pool.

Meg and I had the pool to ourselves for about 30-minutes. We had so much fun. Below is a video of her going off the slide. She counts to 7 in one video, then to 9 in the next...not sure why ;) The adorable little dog you see barking and bouncing in and out of the frame is Big Unk and Auntie Ruthie's dog Parker.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

That night, the Middletons came back over for dinner and to swim. After the kids swam, we let them light sparklers. They had an absolute blast. We didn't have any accidents - I had a fear that Meg would try to grab the pretty light, but she didn't. Big Unk did a good job explaining to them the dangers of touching it.

I'm so thankful we were able to spend so much time with the Middletons. I really miss them like crazy!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

SA Part 2

Friday, I was able to take the day off and hang out with Meme and Megan. Poppy had to work all day :(

That day for lunch, we were able to meet Big Unk (Taylor) and Paduka for lunch at Longhorn Cafe. They have the best burgers in the world. Right after we had placed our order, my BF from forever (we've know each other since we were 18 months old) called and was able to join us. Lunch was GREAT.
Friday afternoon, we were able to get in a quick swim before nap time. When there isn't an adult in the pool with her, she has to wear her floaties. I don't think she minds ;). Of course, she's only allowed to swim when there is an adult outside. She's very good around the pool...she knows that she's not allowed on the pebbled pool decking unless she has an adult with her. So far, we haven't have any issues with her not following the rules. She makes me so proud.

Friday night, we had a FRY FEST. It was amazing and horrible all at the same time. We had fried onion rings, fried chicken tender, fried shrimp and a salad (the only non-fried option on the menu that night). My BF and her family came over for dinner, along with Grace & Paduka. We had a great night.

The highlight of the evening was Meg dancing. I brought out the iPod radio and played her "dance" music so she could perform for all of us. I've never seem a group of adults so captivated by a 3-year dancing queen. Meg's style is a combination of hip-hop/contemporary. The video quality isn't great because it was so dark, but you get the idea.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com