Zoo Day

A few weekends ago (Feb 21st), we decided to make a little day trip to the zoo in Victoria.  It's only about an hour drive and we had never been before.  Brady was so excited!  I think we were all a little excited to do something different and spend time together - outside the norm.

We ate breakfast that morning then loaded up.  Brady looked at books, played with his trucks, while AB and I chatted.  We made it to the zoo around 10am.



We weren't sure what to expect since Victoria isn't a very big town.  But the zoo ended up being perfect!  We got to see lots of animals, mostly native to that area but we also saw a tiger, lions, alligators, monkeys, and lots of birds!

It isn't a huge zoo like the Houston Zoo we've been too.  But it was the perfect size for a 3 year old to walk and not get uninterested.  The animals were also really close so it was easy to spot them.  There were also lots of opportunities to stop and feed certain animals which B really enjoyed.

We spent about an hour and half at the zoo then headed across the street to The Pump House for lunch.  It sits right on the river and we ate lunch while overlooking the river.  The weather was perfect that day.  Other than a little brisk breeze, it was great for south TX.

The restaurant used to be an old pump house that they restored.  It was really neat.  And the food was amazing!  I'll go back to the zoo, just so we can eat there again ;)

He said the deer were his favorite! :)

My favorite was the tiger.  His paws were massive and just so majestic.  God truly creates some of the most amazing creatures.

Checking out the wild pigs.  And I just love my people.  They get me, they love me (despite my crazy), and they are just plain fun!

They even have a little train ride!  B was not going to miss out on a train ride...

Birds and peacocks...roaming everywhere!

After lunch, we went back to the zoo for a live animal show.  We got there late, but basicially they brought out different zoo animals and talked about them.  Brady lost interest after a few minutes so we just strolled back through the zoo one more time.  And spent more time checking out "Tony the Tiger!" :)

We left the zoo and headed to the nearest Chick-fil-a for some free coffee!  We're already planning and talking about our next fam-bam day outing.  But next time I think we'll stay somewhere over night!!

Weekend Recap

I haven't blogged about real life in a while so I thought I would.

We've had sickness going around our house.  First me, then B and daddy.  The weather has been the pits lately.  Cold and rainy with very little sunshine.  I'm normally a huge fan of winter (boots, scarves, big sweaters, and all the above), but I'll be honest I'm ready for some sunshine & a little bit of warmth.  I'm not completely ready for the south Texas heat though.

We had a low-key weekend, which is always great.  Especially when I look ahead to the rest of the month and the month of April.  It is jam packed, plum-full.

And so I can't even remember what we did Friday.  Ha, how sad is that?!  Guess is wasn't too exciting.  I probably went to bed early since I was still fighting a sinus infection and headache that would.not.quit.

Friday, I did have a Dr's appointment that morning and while I was waiting for the doctor- I thought to myself how sad is it that I'm enjoying the time by myself and the extra long wait.  Haha.  It was like a mom vacation!

Brady fell asleep on the way home.  Thankfully, he transfers easily to his bed for naps.  He slept for 4 HOURS and I caught up on Downton Abbey and The Voice!

Saturday, AB had to go into work for the morning so B and I hang out then went over to check on my mother-in-law.  She recently had neck surgery so we've been going over periodically to keep her company.

After lunch, AB came home and we took Brady out on the gator.  He insist that he will drive.  Driving to him is holding onto the steering wheel, looking out everywhere but ahead of him with his safety glasses on.  :) Fun times!

I even raced him by foot a few times.  He got a big kick out of it and I got a good out workout.

Then he wanted to go ride the tractor w/ his D.  So daddy took him to go ride for a bit, while I curled up on the couch and took a glorious nap!

I had an urge to try a new Pinterest recipe so I made a quick trip to Wal-Mart to get a few things I needed and went back to my in-laws and made this one pot chili mac and a fruit salad.  It was a hit!!

After B went to bed, we decided to check out what House of Cards is all about.  So we started season 1...we only watched the first episode so I haven't decided if I like it or not.

Sunday was the dreadful daylight savings time.  B and I didn't make it to early service, but we did get dressed and made it to Sunday school.  Daddy was already there for his men's service breakfast.  We took B to eat pizza after church then all came home and took a long nap!  Sunday naps are the best!!  We went back over to my in-laws for dinner and to visit for a bit.

And it's been raining ever since...for over 24 hours and our street looks like a river.  So today we're hanging out in our pjs, still trying to fight off sickness.  Happy Monday!  Hope your weekend was great!

Weddings & Baseball

We had a full weekend, but fun!  Saturday, a sweet friend of mine got married and I was a bridesmaid and AB the photographer.  So Friday evening we spent our time at rehearsal and Saturday was an all day wedding affair. 

But before that I finally was able to get a pedicure!!!  Not only was I looking forward to the "me time" but I had tried 3 different times the week before to get a pedicure and for whatever reason, just didn't happen.  Like I dropped Brady off with a sitter, went & waited, and then had to leave for various reasons.  I can't remember the last time I had a pedicure and boy did I need one!

It was a beautiful ceremony and mass. Eva was an absolute gorgeous bride!!

 

 I hardly took any pictures with my phone, but AB got some on his camera. I was able to snag the one above from our Facebook page.

There was time in between the ceremony and reception so we decided to pick B. up and let him go to the reception.  I was thinking he'd love to have fun and dance, but about an hour in we called my MIL to come up him up.  He hadn't gotten a nap earlier in the day, the music wasn't on yet, and it was too difficult with daddy taking pictures and me running around in heels & a dress.  Brady was excited to be going to a party.  Princess Sofia's party so he thought, ha! ;) Love him!!

I taught with Eva (back when I worked) and so it was fun to see all the teachers I used to work with at the wedding/reception.

And of course, a selfie is always appropriate when your a bridesmaid right?

Actually I took this to send to another friend to show her my new hair.  I got my haircut (finally!) about two weeks ago.  So thankful not to have to wear it in a ponytail every.single.day.  Also, the earrings I'm wearing happen to be the earrings I wore on my wedding day!  Six and half years later, I still love them!

Saturday was a long day, but so fun!  I just love weddings!!!  And wish I could be a bride all over again.  Loved everything about being a bride and my wedding day!

Sunday, we got up and went to church even though I was exhausted from the long day/night before.  After church, the boys took a LONG nap while I rested/watched TV.  After four hours of napping, I had to go wake them up to get ready for a fun evening of baseball and friends.

Our good friends (see Stephanie in pic above) asked us if we wanted to take the boys to the Hooks game.  I was kind of on the fence, mostly because we've only been one other time (a year ago) and left 30 minutes into it because asking a toddler to be seated that long is unrealistic.  But we discussed possibly just sitting in the grass area so the boys could run around and play.  Sunday at church, the blood mobile was there and AB gave blood like usual and as we were leaving church, he said they gave 2 free grass tickets to the Hooks game.  I took that as well, we should definitely go!  I am so glad we did!!!  Brady had a great time, and actually I think we all had a really  fun time!  

We ended up meeting up for dinner at five at a place right by the field and then headed to the game around 6pm.  It wasn't crowded (thankfully), but it was HOT!!!!
Brady loved it and was so excited!  He actually thought were going to go watch the Aggies, haha.  Love him!  I mean each stage gets sweeter and sweeter!!

Sitting on the grass was actually better than the seats.  Way more comfortable.  Hard to really see what's going on during the game, but we didn't really care about that anyway! ha!  And there is a ton of things for the kids to do!  There's a huge play ground that is by the grass area, and there's even a pool you can rent out.  How fun!!

We let him get a "treat" while we there and he picked a sno-cone.  That's my boy! :)  He was beyond himself...ran back and yelled to his daddy, "daddy I got a snooow-cone! Woo-hoo!!!"

Even though it was hot, hot, we had the best time.  Was nice to get out and do something different.  Sadly, I didn't get one picture of all of us together or the two little boys together.  But I did capture these sweet moments...

Oh how I love these two!!!  These two boys are my world!

Park, Birds, and Water

 Today, I randomly decided let's go to town.  Daddy had forgotten his lunch on the counter so I thought it would be a good excuse to get out of the house and deliver him his lunch.

Notice "cabin fever" has I said in my previous post.  I am normally a homebody and have to drag myself out of the house, but not lately.  I'm sure B appreciates it, poor thing is probably bored to death with me. ha!

After a quick trip to daddy's office and trip to Sonic for daddy and The Corner Bakery for me...we headed to a park on Ocean Drive.

As we were pulling into the park, B tells me with excitement in his little voice, "ohhh yea the park...I love it momma!"  I laughed and said well then that makes it all worth it!

He loved looking for "goldfish" and I so enjoyed just being by the water and listening to the waves.  It's these kind of days/moments that make my heart so full.  Fresh air really does wonders for me, ha!

Love this sweet boy so very much!  I am loving his independence but still has a need for momma.  His little mind is always working and totally cracks me up some of the things he comes up with.  Turned out to be a gorgeous day for the park!  So glad I made a random decision to get out of the house.  Please excuse the 2 day old hair and no make-up...just keepin' it real! :)

We played, ran, climbed, climbed some more, and then took a break by the water.  After we chased a few sea gulls...he would run up to them and say, "Hi bird, how are you?" then when they would start to run off, he would tell them "go faster, go faster!"  Love!!!  He also liked to tell me on the playground, "no momma go away!"  I guess when you're two, it's not cool to have your mom with you....such a funny boy!