Girl's Day

Sunday, Mallory had a fun girls day together. Brian was in Humble watching Caleb participate in the Junior Olympics ( Good Job Caleb! ) so Mallory and I spent a fun day together. I love these special days so much. I know she may not remember them but I know I will remember every moment and the fun we had!

We went to the Harbor and looked at the water fountain. Mallory loves to watch it and throw some pennies in. We didn't stay out too long because it was pretty hot outside. 

We went inside to get our seat for the movie: Planes: Fire and Rescue. I have to say we were both looking forward to this movie!

Planes was the first movie that Mallory went to so I thought it was funny to look back. Planes came out in August 2013 and now almost a year later, we were back to see the 2nd movie. 

In our seat with our popcorn, ready to go!

I thought it was funny that one of the previews was for an Elvis concert event that was recorded in the 1970's and Mallory kept asking who he was. And almost 8 previews later, the movie started. Mallory kept asking when it was going to start and at the end of each preview, I would say soon and then another preview would start. Thankfully there were not that many people in the theater so we were all spread out and each kid had room to sit and stand if needed.

After the movie, we headed to Target to pick up some school supplies that Mallory would need for this year! We didn't come out with too much stuff we didn't need :)

We stopped at a couple of other stores and then headed home. We stopped to get a mini shake from Sonic and she was so happy I was getting one. Usually I don't get anything but this time I got one with her and we sat and enjoyed our shakes together.

We both enjoyed a nap and then waited for Daddy to get home! 

It was a wonderful time and I'm so glad I get to make these memories with my little girl!

PS. Today is Nana's birthday! Happy Birthday Mom! We Love You!

Here's to....32!

Monday I turned 32! I got to celebrate on my birthday but I also got to celebrate the whole weekend before. Everytime Brian asks me what I want for my birthday, I honestly say, I just want to be with my friends and family. Quality Time is my love language and it makes my heart happy just being with the people that I love! 

Saturday night, Brian, Mallory and I had planned to go to On The Border, just the three of us, so I thought. When we got to the restaurant, I saw my sweet girl friends and their families waiting for us to show up. I really had no idea and I'm so impressed that Brian and my friends kept it from me! Good job!

It was the best present just being with each of these ladies and their wonderful families! I love them and their families so much!

We all had a good time and loved that Liesl, Will and Justin all matched!

I did get this sweet drawing from my friend, Melody's daughter, Jalie. I truly do treasure it!

On Sunday afternoon, my parents came by and picked up Mallory so she could stay the night with them so Brian and I went out on a birthday date at Texas Roadhouse. I love going out with my man and we had a great time!

Monday, my birthday, I headed to work. I usually get there earlier than everyone else so my friends had my boss tell me she needed to meet with me at her desk so they could decorate my desk

Yes, that is a gallon of milk on my desk. I like to drink my milk every morning so my co-worker/friend, Lauren, bought me my own gallon of milk. Hilarious! And I was very appreciative!

Kati got me a sweet gift and a Birthday Girl pin that I put on :) Loved it!!

Lauren and I went to lunch with our husbands and we had a great time! 

While I was at work, Mallory was at home with my parents making my birthday dinner and cake. Mallory was so excited to help make the cake. I love these pictures of her helping!

After work, we headed to my parent's house and Mallory couldn't wait to show me the cake. They had decorated the cake with princess decorations. I think a 3 year old had a hand in that :) It was perfect!

My mom made my favorite for dinner: Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans. It was delicious!!

It was a wonderful day! Receiving all the birthday messages made for such a fun day! 32 has started out so well and I can't wait to see all that God has planned for this year!

Lately..

Some things we've been up to...

A couple of weekends ago we went to see Ryan, Kate and Eva's new house. So happy for them!

These two had fun dancing and we had fun getting to be with our family

Mallory was excited to celebrate cousin Caleb's birthday

And she was excited to see Pop and Mimi

We went to Emmaline's 2nd birthday party and Mallory lounged by the pool

and in the pool...

And our little family has enjoyed just being together

4th of July 2014

What a wonderful day we had getting to celebrate our country's Independence! I told Mallory one time where all we were going on the 4th and she kept repeating it and kept asking me when it was time to go! My Aunt Janice got Mallory this adorable outfit for her birthday and I couldn't wait until the 4th of July so she could wear it.

And I love to look at year's past! You will see a lot of that in the blog. It's just fun to see how my baby has grown and how her friends and cousins have grown too. I love seeing her in her red, white and blue each year!

Friday morning, we relaxed and enjoyed just being at home. Around noon, our favorite Estes family came over for a bit. Mallory loves Uncie, Auntie, Caleb and Cade so much so she was on Cloud 9 when Brian told her they were stopping by.

Mallory always wants to see Auntie when we FaceTime with them! And I love the picture of Brian, the boys and Mallory. She is just one of the boys when they are around.

Caleb and Cade are so sweet with Mallory and she always wants their attention. I was so glad a I got a good picture of the three of them.

And yes, here is another flashback. The top photo was taken at Mallory's first 4th of July. Look at how they've grown in 3 years! Sigh.

After the Estes's visit, we headed to my Aunt Janice's house to spend time with my family there. Mallory knew Nana and Papa would be there so she couldn't wait to get there. We sat and visited most of the time and it was great. I love just relaxing and chatting it up with all my family. Mallory really warmed up to Aunt Sherry this time and had fun playing with her. I love anytime my grandmother is up this way so it was good getting to see her.

Usually there is a full-on meltdown whenever we have to leave Nana and Papa but she knew that the next stop was Liam's house so she had that to look forward to!

We finished the evening at The Lofland's home with them, The Calhouns and Justin and Katie Ryan Ballard. Melody and baby Brooke relaxed at home. Mallory knew Liam, Liesl, Ella, Layla and Katie Ryan were all going to be there so the anticipation to get there was killing her! 

Will and Lyndsey's home, at the moment, is on top of a hill in our town and really has the perfect view of the lake. It was a great place to be for the 4th because you could see all of the fireworks around.

So glad we got a picture of these sweet friends. Baby Brooke was at home and baby Lydia will join us next year too! So exciting!

I sent Joy, Melody and Lyndsey the top picture because I look at it every 4th of July and smile and remember all of these kiddo's first 4th! So we decided we were going to get a picture of the four of them again this year to compare. I'm so glad that we did and I love seeing how much they've grown! I love these kids and their momma's so much! I love the friendships all around!

Will smoked a brisket on his new smoker he got for his birthday and it was delicious. I made the dessert aka brought cupcakes and cookies from the store :) I think the cupcakes and cookies were a hit though! The kids loved all the room to play outside. They drove Liam's truck and jumped on the trampoline and in the bounce house.

When the sun set, I gave the kids the neon bracelets and sticks that light up at night and we moved to where we could watch fireworks. We could see the Harry Myers fireworks pretty well so it was really nice!

Then, it was sparkler time! I love her face as she is holding the sparkler!

When we got home, we all crashed. We were worn out from all of the FUN! We are grateful for the reason of this holiday! We are grateful for the family and friends we get to celebrate with! And I was grateful that we all slept in until 9:00 am the next day!