Good Times in the Car

 

Riding in the car always has its tedious moments but I got tickled on the ride back from Dallas. Will was screaming at the top of his lungs and Alivia kept saying "Will, I'm trying to sleep!" I did not capture that moment on film, but instead some of the more mundane. . .  

Weekend in Dallas and Terrell

Matt spoke at a Green Building Conference and the family went along for the ride. We stayed in Dallas at Darla and Rip's beautiful house near Turtle Creek. Here are a few shots of Alivia in their gorgeous house. It was definitely not baby-proofed, but for the most part we left the house unscathed. 

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Next we headed to Terrell, TX where Darla and Rip have a beautiful horse farm. They have entered the horse racing business and have about 25 horses there. I was fortunate enough to get to ride Angelina! It had been awhile, but I had a great time.

MAX Awards

Matt and I got gussied up to attend the MAX Awards. These awards are given by the Home Builders Association of Austin for builders in various categories. Matt won in 3 out of 5 categories that he entered. YAY! It was a fun evening and even better that Matt was recognized for all of his great work.

Matt with his 3 awards:

1) Best Custom Home between $1 million and 1.5 million, 

2) Best Custom Home between $500,000-750,000 and 

3) Best Remodel over $300,000

He also got recognized for: 

Best Green Home and 

Best Kitchen Remodel

If you have not checked out his website go to:

risingerhomes.com to see his latest projects.

Mommy is a Doctor

So I went to Alivia's school last week for VIP Day. I read a book about the Berenstein Bears going to the doctor for a check-up and wore my white coat and showed the kids my stethoscope and otoscope. It was fun. I wondered how much Alivia would remember, so this is my video "conversation" about it. I think she remembers the candy the most!

Dressing Up Daily

Alivia loves to pick what she is going to wear. She will pick out her outfit for the day the night before including shoes, underwear and socks. Then in the morning she will occasionally pick out her PJ’s for the night. She usually chooses well, but sometimes I need to provide some guidance. This was her choice this morning!

 Will has really just started to talk. He started so much earlier than his sister which has surprised us. He will repeat almost anything you ask him to which can be such a hoot! Here is a clip. . . 

Pa and Mimi Take Over!

My gracious parents took care of the kids while Matt and I went to an Internal Medicine Conference in Portland, OR. My mom always writes these great summaries of the stay. I thought I would transcribe it here:

Will was still fighting an ear infection (drainage from ears) the first few days, but seems all better now. Cough is better too.

He slept great every night. Took a morning nap every day but Friday (when we went to the Austin Zoo). He started to run! His so all boy! Rough and sweaty tumble - likes to rough house but is so sweet, too. Loves the bath! 

Tuesday Mimi went to Alivia's school for storytime. Wednesday afternoon we went and played at Doss playground. Thursday afternoon Avery came to play after naps and Peyton ate with us. Alivia had school in am. Augustina was here and we did not have Alva work.

Friday we went to the Austin Zoo. It was a gorgeous, cool, sunny morning and we had a great time. Took the "Bob" stroller and had a snack/lunch there. Left at 9:30 and returned at 12:30. Lots of animals up and about and they have a little train we also rode. I made a short slide show.

Will begs to go outside and play downstairs. He loves the slide. I think he gets bored. Plays much better and is happier when Alivia isn't around. I can't get over all his words and how much he talks!

Alivia would not keep the covers on and was cold the first 3 nights. She would wake up at 3:30 or 4 and once again at 7 am and I would go and cover her up. Finally the last night I put a heater in her room and she slept well all night. She took a nap in the big bed in your old room Thursday and Friday. Pa laid down with her until she fell asleep (big mistake!). But she took a good nap both days. Alivia talks about wanting to sleep with Avery in a big bed!

Today (Saturday AM) Alivia and I made chocolate chip cookies while Will took his nap. She ate tons of raw dough (like her mother!) Alivia has said to me twice - "I love you Mimi."

Will loves Stouffers Mac and Cheese! He has been fighting diaper rash in the deep folds on either side. I have been putting ointment on it. 

Alivia decorated a lot of bags to carry her treasures home in - art, rocks, cookies, etc.

Love, Mimi