Family pics or not

Just checking out the pumpkins with Mimi and Gramps! You would think we could get a good family pic with all of us there and such a beautiful backdrop. Well, no. But, we tried.

Happy Halloween from our sweets!

Trick or Treat!!!!! Turns out, we were all treats this year! Mimi outdid herself again with Annabelle's cupcake fairy costume this year! It was adorable and so sweet. She always works so hard on these costumes and we are so grateful. Not just for her work but for the memories she creates on Halloween and everyday after when she wears the costume for dress up play.

Ethan was also one of our favorite treats, POPCORN! Yummy and oh so cute! Enjoy the pics!

The State Fair! Yay!

Our annual visit was very pleasant and Ethan was as amused as an infant could be at a fair. I think he might like it a little more next year... at a year and a half old! Yikes! The weather was nice and I never regret making the trek on a Sunday. Perhaps the absolute top attractions according to the Nickles and Magers clan--- car show, food and rides.

Annabelle is finally old enough to add the fair rides to her State Fair visit. She loved every second spent on the swings, rotating airplanes, flying elephants and wacky slides. I am pretty sure that Stephen enjoyed them as well. She still isn't tempted by the variety of fried foods or even a hotdog! However, you might be able to persuade her to enjoy cotton candy or a snow cone.

Farewell Big Tex- see you again next year.

Family Pics

Back in July we had a family photo shoot. It was an "experience," to say the least. All the kids were in a bad mood (except Annabelle- she was actually smiley in most of the pics). It was hot and muggy. Great combination, don't you think? Anyway, we did manage with the help of photoshop, to get a good group photo. Check out the pics below. My absolute fav is the last pic. Kids are saying, "WE ARE DONE!"

In Summmmmmeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr!

Hi there... remember me?

We have had a crazy whirlwind of a summer! Our lives went into a spin the minute maternity leave ended. I am part time (awesome!) but I also have a weird schedule that I set up to align with A and E's Fall school schedule. I work everyday from 10am-2pm. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday I am in the office at SMU and on Wed and Fridays I am working from home. Yes---go ahead, be jelly! :-) I hope it last forever!

My schedule will be absolutely perfect for Fall since the kiddos will be in school on the days that I work in the office but Summer scheduling was a hot mess. Thank goodness for Mimi! She saved the day and took care of A and E while we adjusted to my new schedule. The kids have been in such great care... they are spoiled. Mimi managed to juggle both kiddos and make it look easy. I suppose that is why she is the best Mimi ever! They went on field trips to the Ft. Worth zoo, Arboretum on numerous occasions and to storytime to name just a few outings.

I am obviously so grateful to have Mimi and Gramps so close but to have them willingly accept the monumental task of taking care of our two kids on a regular basis is over the top.  It melts my heart to know that Annabelle is going to have such wonderful memories of her grandparents and this time they had together.

Below are just a few of the MANY pics that Mimi and Gramps sent us while they were out and about. I will probably go back and add more but I love these the most so they are up first.

Mom's Day

We spent Mother's Day in Houston with Bryan and Steph. It was nice- Steph arranged for us to go to the Junior League brunch. The food was great and the kids got to spend a few more hours playing before we had to head back to Dallas.

Check out the picks of the whole crew below.

Houston

"Can we go to Kinsey and Grayson's house?"- Annabelle to me about 10 times a day.

We had a blast in Houston visiting with Aunt Steph, Uncle Bryan and the twins. A loved having a sleepover and going to the zoo to see the tigers. The kids have so much fun together and we love watching them play. Can't wait until they come to see us in July!

Headed to Houston. 

Mimi and Gramps at work

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Field Trips

Annabelle is on Summer break for May and most of June. So, since I am still on maternity leave and Mimi is close by we decided to do some "field trips." Over the past weeks we have been to the Dallas Museum of Art, the fountains at Klyde Warren Park, story time at the library, Children's Aquarium, Texas Discovery Gardens and the Arboretum among others. These trips have been lifesavers since it keeps Annabelle happy and helps me keep my sanity! I have really enjoyed spending this time with her.

Here are some pics of the many different trips. Hold on to your hat... there are a lot of them!

Hello Crush! A at the Aquarium

Checking out the butterflies.

Lunch at the DMOA

Playing with the parachute at story time

A little soccer at the park

Kids area at DMOA

Story time

"I am a butterfly"

Hello!! Field trip to the Galleria park

"Beautiful darling!" Headed out for another day of fun!

Mimi and A at the Discovery Gardens

Splashing at Klyde Warren