ben's photography skills

Amazing.  Gorgeous.  Beyond my expectations.

I had requested a photo session to get some great pictures for Carson's 1 year old announcements.  We did some research, did not want to drive to far and settled on an old railroad station.  The pictures are taken about 30 minutes from our house.  The weather was SUPER hot {what do you expect} but a few clouds and raindrops were a much needed.

This was our first stop, Richmond, Texas.  We had many strange looks, almost like, do these people know a train might come by at any minute.  We were very safe and quick with the photos but unfortunately between the heat, sitting on the metal tracks and having cars passing in the background we were only here for about 30 minutes.

 

 

 

 

As you can see, the train museum was right behind us.  That's where we headed next.

I think I am in denial.  Bubby does not seem this big to me.  The angle and the double chin just makes me laugh.

Ben and I both agree, this look is a Gary Stewart mini me.

Insert: Funny Story #1

Carson is really scared of loud unexpected noises.  As we were taking pictures at the museum, the train tracks that we were just on, happen to have a very loud and humongous train go by.  Oh his face was priceless.  Almost in slow motion you can watch first the surprised face, the big huge frown and then this big, huge, heart melting cry.  Poor guy. 

 

Then we went to a gorgeous bridge.....

Insert: Funny Story #2

I think we had an ambulance trailing us or we were causing accidents with our cute children.

Every stop we made, which totaled 3, an ambulance would be flashing by us toward an emergency.  Not kidding once we left the first train track, no more than 15 minutes later cops, ambulances and even a helicopter surrounded the area.  Then after leaving the train station, which was just across the street, ANOTHER ambulance was at a nearby diner.

THEN as we were arriving to this gorgeous bridge {post is above this one} an ambulance was whizzing by.

All we could do was be thankful that none of the ambulances had us in it and we said a prayer for those involved.

P.S.  I know, I am completely biased here but my children are gorgeous!  These pictures were amazing.  The true essence of these adorable little people are evident in their unabashed smiles and glittering blue eyes.  All I can say is we are so so so blessed.

play date

Trampoline Play Date.

 

What a perfect way for the kids to just bounce that energy right out of them.  Madison was hesitant and observing for the first 10 minutes {I may have passed that trait down}.  But once she realized how fun jumping around from square to square was, there was not stopping her.  She had such a fun time and kept trying to get the moms, Jenna and Lynn, to jump with her.  Perfect play date activity!

 

Lynn and Caleb

Jenna and Alyssa

Katie and Charlotte

The crew

Madison's new friend

how i have missed you

I have missed writing my thoughts, concerns, fears, joys on this blog and have many posts to catch up.  I want this to remain a journal to my child and a comparison {for lack of a better word} to their own children. Sort of like "I wonder when I did that?" And in doing so I feel the need to take time and journal those moments instead of just throwing the pictures up. 

This past month is going to be a forever memory.  The interaction between all the cousins created such a closer and stronger bond I am forever grateful.  Being with them on an every day, "typical/normal" day was such a joy.  From fishing, water sliding, popsicle licking, horse watching, I do not believe a moment did not go by when we didn't think "THIS is one of our favorite moments."  Having such an amazing family has been thee greatest blessing.  I am forever grateful and appreciative.

The blogging will increase, the crazy little stories will start up again.  I promise ;)  As the pictures upload I have already began typing.  So hold on, I promise I have not forgotten.

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly photo books offer a variety of layouts and cover options to choose from.

madison {isms}

This literally just happened while I was writing an email

As she is walking out of an empty room:

Madison: "Someone farted?!"

Me: "Well you are the only one over there, did you fart?"

Madison: "I farted" {Silly grin and giggle}

Me: Laughing

Madison: "I like it!"

aunt kari's visit

We could not have been anymore excited for Aunt Kari to come and visit, and with no kids {I would not have minded the boys coming (I miss those sweet faces) but more quality time was had for my two munchkins having her all to ourselves}.

Most days were spent shopping, doing puzzles and reading books.  I think Kari may have done the map puzzle 50 times while here.  She is even better at US geography now!

Kari helped all day, everyday with the kids.  Just getting them in and out of the car during shopping excursions or helping put everyone to bed, but the best one, giving Ben and I a much needed date night.  Do you know the last date night we had was for our anniversary {May 7th} and that was after putting the kids to sleep at 7.  Having the full evening and night was absolutely amazing.  What a refresher. 

The memories we created with Kari are priceless.  I could not be more thankful for such a wonderful Aunt to our children.  We are a truly blessed family.

Kemah boardwalk was fun.  We enjoyed looking out into the ocean and then stopped for dinner at SaltGrass Steakhouse.  Fabulous day but just a little warm {101 degrees warm}.



Just relaxing in the shade

Do you see those rosy cheeks?!?

Ben and I enjoyed a great dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse {Thank you to Pia and Jannic for a long overdue use of the gift card}.  We then did a little shopping at the nearby stores and traveled farther into Houston to enjoy a Improv Comedy Show.  The show was funny but sorry Texas, Denver kicked your butt on the funny!  Next we stopped at a great shopping/restaurant district called Memorial City.  The trees were lit up, fire pits blazing and just an overall romantic evening atmosphere {other than the 1 year olds running around at 11:30 at night}.  A great recommendation from none other than Lynn :)  We sat on the patio and enjoyed a very southern dessert, bread pudding {I believe that was my first try} and wow, deliciously sweet.  Just what I needed after an over indulging dinner.  The night was cliché as the saying..Magical.

great recipes

I have been trying more and more new recipes.  I am in that slump where none of the "classics" sound good, maybe due to us eating them every.single.week.  Venturing out to the treacherous and tedious Internet I found a few keepers.

As you can tell by the links, I did not get very far in my gigantic Internet search.  My favorite website for healthy and tasty recipes helped narrow down the choices.  Here are a few of the flavorful finds.

Cilantro Lime Tilapia Tacos

AMAZING.  These tasty, easy and quick tacos were perfect last night after a long day of shopping.  The flaky tilapia and the lime are perfect pairs and the avocado cools the heat.  I only used 1 jalapeno and thought I was on fire.  The 2 peppers will never be present in our fish tacos {Ben said he only tasted the slightest of heat...so I am a slight wimp, I understand!}.


Mushroom Stroganoff

If you love mushrooms like me...This is for you.  I added ground turkey due to our carnivorous behavior.  This completely reminds me of when I was younger.  Beef stroganoff was that "classic" we ate almost every week {only with deer meat instead}.  I loved this one!  Again...also healthy!

Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole

I don't do many casseroles but this will be had often at the Stewarts.  My friend Lynn had this dish for Bunco one month and ever since I have been addicted!  Mom, Dad, Gary, Mary you can plan on this one for when you come out.  Delicious!

Let me know if you have any great recipe finds.  I am open to trying anything!

five minute friday

Five Minute Friday

Word:  Story

I begin my story at the end where I have just put Madison to sleep and she is begging me to come back into the room with her.

That was the end of our trying toddler day.

The day was filled with time outs, apologies from a very convincing 2 year old and a thread as thick as my patience.  These are the days I wonder, where is the appeal of a stay at home mom gig?

Then I remember our story.

The day I held my first born daughter in my arms.  The way my husband looked at her with such awe that I physically could not breath.

The way we swaddled her for the first 12 months of her life.  She would just sink into my arms and close her precious blue eyes.

Or the way she runs to her Dad to hug him when he comes home from work.

The way she say "Have a Popsicle mom? How does that sound?"

The way she informs me that Carson is too loud.  "Carson too tired.  Night Night time."

Although the trials of toddlerhood are present every.single.day I try to focus on those great moments that make our story amazing, unlike any other.