Spring Break- A very long post

I meant to break this into more than one post, and I also meant to do it weeks ago, but better late than never. When Daddy gives Graysen her blog book for her birthday it is going to have a few weeks missing but I am just going to try and catch up and she will have them the next year.

It was our first spring break as a family and Aunt Marisa and the girls came to stay with us for the weekend.

The cousins had some bonding time which included Leila taking every toy out of the toy box in the first 5 minutes of being there.

 I love this picture of Tessa because she looks just like her Mommy when she is really concentrating.

On Thursday we took all the cousins to the rodeo. G tried her hat out before we left.

 We continued our attempt at getting a good picture of all four of them. That worked out well.

 There were so many people we ended up just having a picnic in the grass.

 Aunt Kelly showed them the cows.

 Some cute cousin love.

 They learned about planting.

When you are at the rodeo you have to get cowboy hats.

 The next day we all went to Wonderwild in the Woodlands (thanks for the suggestion Katie)

 It was a fun place for both ages of the kids. Graysen wasn't sure what she wanted to do next.

 Daddy was supposed to take off work- he showed up halfway through the fun.

Eventually they were all played out and it was time to go home.

We had Aunt Lisa's baby shower the next day. I was in charge of desserts and was pretty proud of myself. As ya'll know-I am not Martha Stewart.

 The ladies decorated onesies for baby Abigale.

 Graysen showed off her walking skills and her love for Mommy's heritage 

 She also wanted to help with the presents.

 Aunt Lisa's favorite gift.

 We finished off the day with green beer and some really fun conversation.

The next morning Aunt Marisa went to church with us and saw our favorite Pastor. The girls were very cute in their matching dresses G-Mama got them at the rodeo. 

And then I was very sad to see them all go home.

A Cute Little Dancer

We have nightly dance parties at our house. Correction- Graysen and I dance, and Shawn does something he thinks is dancing. Shawn took this on his phone the other day when we were unpacking and she started dancing. I'm not in any way counting the days until she takes her first dance class, and I will not influence her choice of extracurricular activities ;)  I won't. Really. No, Really.

Who needs toys?

Who needs all these toys when you can just play with diaper cream and puffs?

Well hello Blog, it has been awhile....

I have lots of catching up to do, but for the moment, here are some pics from her 9 month shoot. She didn't get her nap, so it was quite a challenge (not that you can tell) but we love Deanna and she still managed to get some cute pictures. I am hoping to bring the blog up to date in the next few days.

Baby Steps

A Good for Your Soul Weekend

Every once in awhile you have one of those great weekends you didn't even know you needed.

When you laugh so hard you cry for hours while playing a new game.

P.S Uncle Ryan is in this photo but his camo disguises him so please excuse the floating head.

Seriously. You need to play this with good friends.

We had great wine that you save for just these occasions.

And enjoyed meals made with love as a group.

We decanted a white just because the cork got stuck.

I was reminded that my hot husband is also the ultimate Mr. Handyman.

Uncle Brian cleared a walking path and was our weekend keeper. He was so helpful and I really appreciated it.

I even loved her temper tantrums, which have fully started.

I love these two ladies and also Aunt Brandi who doesn't like her picture shown. There was Mommy chill time on the great blue couch.

New friends explored.

And hitched rides from each other.

Daddy's had chill time too.

Is there anything more beautiful than a peaceful, sleeping baby?

We practiced our walking skills.

We played with our friend Conner, who has the rosiest cheeks and sweetest smile.

And chilled as a little family at the lake house.

We were reminded why we love these people in our lives.

It's Graysen's nap time...

Doesn't she look tired? The G Monster (Shawn's new nickname) isn't a big fan of sleeping during the day, especially if there is anyone around. She likes to socialize.

I wonder where she got that from?

I think she might have rhythm....

and we all know she didn't get it from her Daddy

Weebles Wobble but they DO fall down

Happy 9 Month Birthday! She celebrated by taking her first steps today.