Pumpkin Patch 2014

We took the kiddos to a pumpkin patch today. It was super-special because they got a slushy from Sonic on the way! We weren't there very long because it was PACKED! Here are my photo gems:
Right after this, Abby gave us attitude. She has this personality flaw where she knows you want her to do something and she wants to show you that you can't control her. For instance, when we said "Smile!" we got this for a solid 3 minutes:

But Derek got her a little more chipper (but she still didn't want to look at the camera):
Then the kids played on the playground a bit before we came home.
That hair of hers is WILD!!!

Just for grins, here's our pumpkin patch visits for:
2011
2012
2013

September 2014

September 1 - We took Big Gaga to El Fenix for lunch on Labor Day!

September 2 - I just thought my kids were cute this morning.

September 6 - Grant's first soccer game and Dax's birthday! We got rollllled at the game. They had train rides at the party! And after we had all that fun, we headed to St. Ann's Carnival to hear Matthew play.

September 10 - Maybe the last swim of the season. Why not skinny dip?!

September 13 - Grant scored 2 goals! The game was misty and miserably cold. After the game, Grandma Rose and Papa took Grant and Abby and Derek and I went to a wedding reception in Gruene. On our way home we got to see the Arnolds and the "before" of their new home!

How cute is this cheerleader?

September 14 - When we picked up the kids in Red Oak, they were playing on the John Deere toys (surprise, surprise).

September 15 - Using Monday Night Football to teach some patriotism!

September 20 - I "helped" my company's CANstruction build. Had to leave to watch the soccer game though! (Grant scored another goal!) After soccer, we had lunch at Simmer and the kids played in the fountain. Grant got some good bumps on his head!

September 21 - We spent most of the day on Lake Grapevine with the Hines.

September 26 - HOWDY FOLKS! We took the kids to the Opening Day of the State Fair of Texas!

September 27 - We took the kids to Parents Night Out and had a double date with the Hines!

My soccer stud:

Things I Love - Alcohol Edition

Breaking news - I like adult beverages. Whether it's a drive-thru daiquiri or a good glass of wine. Here are a few of my favorite (alcoholic) things:

Coconut Lemon Sour
1 oz fresh lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1.5 oz coconut water
1.5 oz coconut vodka


Ya'll - this one is a game changer. We're calling this "The Drink of Summer 2014" but it has real potential to cross into 2015 and 2016 (unless we can figure out Zaza lemonade before then). I usually make my simple syrup with about 2/3 Truvia and 1/3 real sugar to save on calories. This is about 135 calories made this way.

I have to give PF Chang's credit for this. A friend had this one day when we were there for lunch, then it made me want to go back just for it. Back in February, Derek and I were in San Antonio for my annual CLE and we ended up at PF Chang's where the bartender shared the recipe. Warning though - while you CAN use bottled lemon juice, you WILL regret it. The fresh stuff is the best!

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon

Just pick up a $10 bottle the next time you're at Costco and thank me later!

August 2014

Once again, I'm playing catch up on here. Here's how August went down:

August 1-3 - WINOS Weekend. Derek was a champ with the kids all weekend!

August 5 - Beautiful sky on the way home and a fun walk to the park with my babies.

August 7 - I turned 29 and Grant had his first soccer practice! Derek made me a pink cake (Abby's request) and gave me some wireless speakers for the pool. We ended up returning them because the range and battery life weren't what we were expecting. We got this instead and it sounds much bigger than it is!

I love this one with the photobomber:

And my cake!:

August 8 - La Margarita for a fun birthday dinner with friends!

August 9 - Grant wanted to dress like a pirate (kinda). We swam in the morning and again with Jill and Steven after naps!

August 10 - Dress up day!

Grant's style: undies and boots.

August 17 - our kids wanted to do the ice bucket challenge after I did it. We just used tap water instead for them.

August 21 - Playground, soccer and popscicles!

August 23 - We spent 2 hours playing at the Splash Park/Farmer's Market! But afterwards, we said "bye" to Papa and Mimi, who have sold their house and are traveling around the country now! We ended the day with a date at Patrizio's and a few drinks with Wild Bill!

August 29 - My office let out early and Derek took a personal day. We met up for Happy Hour, but really for him it was an entire day, not an hour.

Derek spent the evening with Clint, Kyle, and Kyle's 9 day-old son, Jordan.

August 30 - We celebrated Ollie's birthday while Derek was at the family fantasy football draft. We got to catch up with Michelle, Weylan, Nick and Kayla over pizza and drinks in the evening!

August 31 - My whole family joined us for Splash Day! The kids (and adults) had too much fun... well - most of us.