Finity's Bridal Shower (October)

In early October I flew to Denver to host a bridal shower for my best friend, Finity. She is getting ready to marry the man of her dreams in a few short weeks (18 days from this post, to be exact) and I wanted her to have a shower as beautiful as she is. This was intended to be primarily her close friends and colleagues in Denver since family was throwing her showers in their respective home towns. Her mother-in-law-to-be also came (since she lives in Denver) and we had a truly great time. Because the wedding is a destination wedding and both the bride and groom are very well traveled, I used a travel-theme for the games and invitations. I picked a venue that would do all the work for me since I was hosting from out of town and had a very busy schedule at work. The Denver Tea Room did a lovely job and I recommend it very highly. The decorations were primarily fresh flowers and the tea service accoutrements. I also set up a small table with the games and sign-in sheet (advice hearts). Even the small amount of work I was responsible for was more time consuming than I expected, so I'm very glad that I went with a no-fuss venue. The bride-to-be was gorgeous and everything went perfectly.

The night before the shower we went out to dinner with a few of her friends to Ophelia's Electric Soap Box. A restaurant as interesting as its name. 

While I was in Denver, Finity also put me to work in her wedding craft sweat shop. We are collectively now experts in embossing. I'll save pictures and descriptions for after the wedding so nothing is given away in advance. I love you, Finity, and I can't wait to celebrate with you in paradise soon! xoxo

Trip to the Zoo (September)

The first weekend in September we made use of our seldom-used Houston Zoo membership and went into town to see some animals. The day before had been warm but pleasant with a cool breeze and dry (for Houston) air. We had also planned to meet up with Nathan's friend Noah, but that ended up not working out. It threatened to rain on and off the entire time we were there and was horribly hot and muggy. Nathan was miserable the entire time and just kept asking when we were going to eat a snack. Then, after he was fed, kept asking when we were going to ride the carousel. He was clearly not into the trip that day. Olivia hadn't been since she was itty bitty, so she enjoyed the sights and sounds a little more than her brother did. Thankfully, Grammy came along so we were able to manage the drama and weather with little trouble.

Making an elephant sound! 

Checking out the big cats. Despite the heat almost all of them were easy to find on this day.

We never miss seeing the giraffes (partly because they are right by the carousel). I really wanted to get a glimpse of the new baby.

We took the umbrella stroller along for Olivia, but she chose this mode of transportation for the bulk of the trip. That ended up working out well since Nathan rode in the stroller.

Finally! Waiting to get tickets to ride the carousel and showing some real smiles.

First she wanted to ride with Mommy. Then she opted for Daddy. I guess he looked like the safer option.

My big handsome boy. My goodness where is the time going!

Proof I was there and also proof of how miserably hot it was. Pink cheeks and glistening skin for everyone!

She ultimately decided she didn't want to sit on the zebra (it moved!). So Daddy held her, which suited her right down to the ground.

The new baby giraffe at the zoo. Isn't he adorable!

Feeling the sprinkles start to come down before we head out for the day.

Olivia's Minnie Mouse Birthday Party (2 Years Old)

Olivia turned 2 (back in July) and we had her birthday party on her actual birthday, which was fun. Every year I try to match the kid's party theme with their current interests. With Olivia, it was a no-brainer this year. The girl is crazy about Minnie Mouse! So, we went with a classic Minnie red and white polka-dot theme. Author's Note: You'll notice the cake and cupcakes are strawberry (pink) because I love my friends and family (and carpet) enough to not use red icing.

Olivia had a fun time on her birthday surrounded by close friends and family. Having a party at the house is a lot of work, but fortunately I had a lot of help. I managed to take a bunch of pictures, and I'll let them do most of the talking.

Step 1: Make the cake...with help! I am usually a firm outsourcer, but the girl who I wanted to do the desserts was not available. So, I channeled Betty C. and got to work on a cake and cupcakes.

Both of my munchkins love to help cook/bake/make a mess in the kitchen. Thanks to Popo for helping with Olivia-control.

Finished cake (I was pretty proud of myself)!

Minnie's Bows

Mickey Mouse Watermelon cut-outs. In my head all of the watermelon served would be Mickey shaped. However, the amount of watermelon that would go to waste was appalling, so we changed plans pretty quickly.

A view of the Minnie cupcakes (mini-oreos for ears). In the background you can see the pecan pie we got for my brother, who had a birthday the next day.

Hot-Diggety Dog fixin's! (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse reference)

Birthday girl with cousin Tyley before everyone arrives.

Cousins Chance, Tyley and Bubba hanging out on the couch. Breydon stayed home to have some dad-time and Allen is curled up on the other couch wondering why he didn't do the same.

We love our Lolo!

Uncle Cantrell and his sweet girlfriend Melodie. Olivia adores Melodie!

Sisters! (Kelley was working and couldn't come)

Hanging out with Momo.

Proof that Allen was there. I was interrupting his reading to make him take a picture. You can tell how much he appreciated that.

Cutie-pie Keegan! 

Smooches with Auntie Berley! (I actually think she's eating watermelon)

Uncle Cantrell, Grammy and Melodie

Kellen, Lela and Keegan (the three "big kids" were all up at the grandparents so weren't able to come this year)

Enjoying her birthday cupcake and some apple juice.

Oh, hey look! I was there too with my precious angel.

So was Daddy!

And Papa Joe (and Boo) - the kids' Katy grandparents.

Blurry mayhem. The kids all played well together considering they ranged in age from not-quite-two to six years old. 

Olivia enjoyed opening her presents (supervised by Kylie and Tyley)...

...but she really enjoyed ripping the tissue paper into tiny shreds. 

We got her this little stroller and pack-n-play for her dolls. She promptly put baby night-night.

Oops! Forgot to give goodnight kisses before beating gently patting her on the back.

Decorations in the dining room. We didn't spend much time in there, but it was pretty!

After the party we all took some time to rest, including my big angel who still isn't too big for Mommy's lap. 

With cousins still here we broke out the slip n' slide and pool for some hot afternoon splashing fun!

Daddy, Uncle Chris and even Allen joined in the fun (note evidence of Allen enjoying himself, far left).

These three spent the better part of 10 minutes (or so) running full speed and jumping into the pool. 

Build-your-own water park slide. Olivia really liked splashing down into the water.

Tyley and Auntie Berley checking out the new sand box (from Lolo, Popo and Momo). It should be noted that the birthday princess promptly starting scooping sand out of the box and dumping it in the grass and on the patio. Why would you leave it in the box?