Surprise Dommie!

Surprise Dommie! We are here... Houston that is... and I forgot my camera... AGAIN! Dommie had a fall last week and has been in the hospital for over a week... Last week Zach and I both had the feeling we needed to go down, so at 7 pm when he came home he said "Let's go!" Spontaneous road trip.. first ever with kids.. and turned out to the be the best (traveling at night means the kids sleep and we actually have some quiet time to talk and catch up.). WE stopped in Austin about 1:30 AM to crash at Dixie's and have a short, nice visit with her. The kids love Aunt Dissy so they were thrilled to wake up at her house (confused, but excited!) On the way down to Houston we stopped in Brennon to visit the Blue Bell factory (I think this was more idea) the kids had 4 scoops between them and enjoyed the visit. I thought they would have cows so I was a little disappointed. Then we make it to Houston to see Dommie.. she was surprised and I was too as how nice and friendly the Hospital was. They all must take happy pills, it was wonderful. Aunt Emily has been there everyday taking good care of her and she looked pretty good considering she feel and had been laying on the floor of her house for 27 hours until Emily came over and found her. Scary, but she was up and walking and had a huge smile on her face. Wyatt was a little freaked out by the hospital experience, but slowly warmed up. I asked him if he wanted to be a Dr to help people and he said quickly, "No! I want to fly them around and be a pilot." Emily June did not meet a stranger, she sparkled down the hall.. literally with her outfit and shoes.
The smartest thing we did was stay at the Galleria so the kids could run around and we would not be confined to a small hotel room... Houston's mall is very kid friendly and they loved it. I loved the shopping, and Zach was able to sneak away and meet an old friend for lunch.
Who knew this would be the best family trip we have had... The kids were good, we were able to see family and have fun! Just what life should be about.
The kids did pick out Halloween costumes at the mall.... Wyatt is a race car driver and EJ is Ariel the mermaid... Which looks like a really bad 80s prom dress, there was no changing her mind. Pictures to follow. She has worn it 3 days now straight.. including restaurants, parks, we have received some strange looks.
Glad to be home, Glad Dommie is on the road to recovery, Glad we got to spend some time with Aunt Dixie and so Glad I have the family I do!

Little Crossfitter....

Zach loves Crossfit, he eats and breathes it.. It has made a huge difference in his health and attitude. I love it too.. it is a great workout and we have made some special friends through working out. For seven weeks are on a Paleo challenge.. meaning you can only eat meats (pref grass fed), veggies, some fruit, nuts.. nothing processed and no sugar. That is SOO hard for me. We are week two and I have had a few cheat days with a glass of wine and bowl of ice cream Saturday night.. but overall we are doing pretty good. It is extremely frustrating to see men be able to drop weight so quickly.. I am still waiting to see any results.. After 7 weeks if there is not a difference... going back to my sugar I am withdrawing! Zach teaches 3 nights a week the evening Crossfit class and Wyatt loves to go with him. I think it is great for them to bond and for Wyatt to be around the exercise and gym.... This picture is Wyatt trying to do tire pulls...

More of Labor Day weekend fun

Ms. Elias and sweet Sara
Em and Chad
Christian standing.. almost walking!

Alli's beautiful daughter Sara
Outside the church... Sara, Wyatt and EJ
Love this picture... looks like a sweet conversation is going on....
EJ enjoying the outdoors
Boys will be boys.. they found the rock pile immediately after the Baptism.. church clothes and all!


We had such a good time with so many wonderful memories just wanted to capture a few more for Wyatt and Emily June. AS I have mentioned before the Elias' are my second family. I always wished I had a brother or sister and I feel like I had the brother experience growing up with Chad and Emily was my sister! I claimed her and never left her side. Alli was the older, wiser sister who really thought we were nothing but pests.. and we were. Now, it is 25 years later and this was the first time everyone had their babies and we were able laugh and tell stories like the old days.. only we have new stories and more memories. I love my family....

Where have we been?! Quick update to end of sumer

First Soccer Game! The Blue Devils had their first victory...
Septemberfest.... This is as close as Wyatt would get to the camel... he was not about to get on it!
Watching the animal show at Septemberfest

Up close and personal.. EJ wanted to touch and play with the camel... I was just glad they were friendly, it could of been ugly! Wyatt's has as sweet friend who's dad is a Fireman and was gracious enough to let Wyatt jump in and put on his helmet.
Beautiful Fairy princess, the only time she will sit still is to get her face painted
Grabbing the 16 foot python.. did I mention she was fearless?!
Jumping up and walking right up to the snake in the middle of the show.
All dressed up for the jungle party
Brock and Wyatt (I might mention this is Wyatt's favorite shirt right now and has worn it three days in a row.. good thing we are Red Raider fans)
Emily June LOVED the baby chicks and ducks.. she would not put them down. She staying there and gently played with them as long as I would let her and screamed when it was time to move on.. I have an animal lover.
Dallas weekend....
Even at 63o in the morning, the kids were so excited about the plane ride... and did really well. Thank goodness for modern technology and Tinkerbell movie!
Em and Reed
I remember sitting on this fireplace growing up and playing exactly where EJ is .. and she is holding her new cupcake purse Em bought her... So many memories for this spot!
Sweet Baby Christian...
Wyatt and Emily playing soccer... she did not even spill her wine.. now that is talent!
Meema and Wyatt before baptism
Meema and Emily June
Us, finally a picture of us.
Meema and Me... she is one good woman! So blessed to have such a wonderful mom
Attempted family picture.. when will we all be able to look at the camera and smile at the same time?
Alli and Sara
Enjoying the tail end of Summer at the Lake with Papa ... Daddy and kids
Wyatt loves to go fast and boat rides...

First fishing experience
Wyatt really loved playing with the worms.. Dad had him convinced to eat it.. I stepped in at that point.
My favorite picture.. My sweet dad adn Wyatt... Does this not say it all?!
Tired babies
Backyard fun... Messy fun. That is dirt all over her face... clumps of dirt and she has a huge smile!

My beautiful boy.. I say that a lot I know! I am a proud Momma!
Silly kids before Wyatt's first day of school
Wyatt's new teacher, Mrs. Evans. She is as sweet as she looks! (Sorry about the hand placement)
First Day of School.... Prek 4


Time flies... Due to a little bug on the blog, I have been procrastinating and now I am behind! My goal is to have the blog printed for the kids since I am a lazy scrapbook person so I need to be accountable so they do not feel left out when they do not have a baby book.

Aug went by quickly, we had a wonderful month before school started back up... Zach and I took a quick trip to Vegas (always a much needed trip for both of us!) We enjoyed the boat, swimming, and play dates and ended the month with a wonderful trip to Dallas to stay with my second family for a baptism. My Emily was there so she could actually see how much she is like her namesake.. it always feel so good to go home to friends and family (especially since we all have kids of our own and they are making their own memories.)

Wyatt started Hillander. He is in Pre K 4 three days a week... EJ start CDO at First Pres 2 days a week.. Plus we started CBS, soccer and swimming .. Did I mention my kids are 2 and 4.. what is it going to be like wen they are 10 and 12?! I am loving every minute of my time, just feel it goes by too quick.

This weekend we had Septemberfest and had such a good time with the McNeels. They invited us to join them for Kinderfest, and it was great... The kids loved all the animals and the kids area was incredible... especially since this was the first year they did an early event and kids only before the actual event opened to the public. EJ LOVED the animals, Wyatt was terrified... I have two kids with completely different personalities!
Wyatt had is first soccer game as well... That was fun. I cannot watch, makes me crazy! He looks adorable in his uniform, but could care less. HE is more interested in spraying water from the water bottles!

Friend Therapy

This morning at the park... we have a great neighborhood! This is only 3 families... with a few missing and one on the way!


I am so blessed to have such wonderful people surrounding me. Last night Zach and I had a great dinner where for 3 hours I was able to laugh and enjoy the moment with such good people, who have hearts of gold and I learn from everyday.
I take advantage of my neighborhood as well.. I am surrounded by women that truly amaze me. I know God had a hand on me finding out house because there are some days where I literally go to the park for my friend therapy. I have learned so much and realize my support system is truly beyond the walls of my home. Zach has always said, " It takes a village!" and I get that now.

The Summer Bob

Emily June finally got a real haircut and it is gone! I love it short, mornings are much easier and we do not fight over ponytails and pigtails! The sad part is it makes her look so much older.