I shoulda been a cowgirl . . .

I am starting to think that maybe I should have been a cowgirl. Maybe my dad's love of western movies and John Wayne is starting to rub off on me, but I am fascinated by cowboy boots, hats, horses, and the rodeo. I would absolutely hate all the work, but I think I could be a cowgirl (just a rich cowgirl who could have hired hands to do all the work!). I mentioned that I could have spent an entire day at the Stockyards by myself, just walking around and photographing all the culture there. I did manage to get several photos during our short visit, but I am definitely planning my return trip. I love how these turned out and hope that someday I can go back and take more.

PS Be sure to scroll down my blog . . .I have added lots of posts with photos in the past day or so!!

Off to Ft Worth . . .

We stayed at Brenda's new house near Ft Worth for the second half of our Texas visit. She had a full house - her own family of 5, the 5 of us, plus Jill, Luke and Mia (13 if you are counting). It was a little chaotic at times, but I loved that all of us were able to stay together and visit. We spent one afternoon browsing the fun shops off the square in Weatherford, where they live and the rest of the time just hanging out and letting the kids play while we visited. I also took family photos for Brenda's family near the square. You'll have to check back in a day or so for those though!

Just hanging out and watching a movie. I loved Brenda and Scott's new couch...it was so big and comfy and we could squeeze a lot of people on to it! I think I would have a very hard time getting off the couch if I lived there! (You can also see a little peek of their family room and entry way).

Another photo of Miss Mia in her "cheese" pose for me. I just couldn't resist those little pony tails!!

On New Year's Day, we went to the Stockyards in Ft Worth (except for Marcus and Scott - they stayed home since Marcus had wrestling practice). I had been to the Stockyards once before, when Jacob was 6 weeks old, but we didn't see much, so I was excited to go back! The kids loved it. I think I could spend a whole day there (or maybe even more) just walking around taking photos. I may have to do that the next time I visit. I did manage to take a quite few photos, including pictures of Luke and Mia together for Jill (but you'll have to wait to see those!)

Lunch at Riscky's BBQ - YUMMY

A few I forgot . . .

A few more photos from our stay at Jill's house. We took a trip to Austin and went shopping at the Arboretum (Sephora!!!) , then ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and later stopped at the outlet mall. It doesn't get much better than Sephora, cheesecake, and outlet shopping!

Someone had put bubbles into the fountain at the Arboretum. The kids thought it was lots of fun to play with, especially Mia. Grandpa was holding on to her while she played in the bubbles.....and then let go. Poor Mia fell face first into the bubbles. He scooped her up before she could get too wet though! Unfortunately, I was too busy freaking out to snap a photo of her fall!


PS Jill ....did you ever hear back from Williams and Sanoma about your bowls?

Exhibit A: Grandpa is not holding on to Mia's shirt any more! Right after I snapped this she fell in!

A little taste of Texas . . .

We split our stay in Texas between Jill and Brenda's houses. Both of them moved into new houses this summer, so we were excited to finally see the houses in person!! We went to Jill's first and stayed there through Tuesday morning and then headed to Brenda's. Jill, Luke and Mia came along to Brenda's with us, so we were able to squeeze in lots of visiting and lots of cousin time while we were there. . . which meant lots of picture taking for me!

Hanging out at Jill and Marc's house . . .

Mia loves to wear everyone else's shoes around. I think these are Luke's flip flops that she stole to wear outside...
Luke used to hate my camera, but look at him now. . .

This is Mia's "cheese" pose. When I would ask her to look at my camera she would do this and then say "cheeeese". She is too cute!
Luke and Jenna with the first cupcake made with Jenna's new cupcake maker...
Sporting her little old lady look. This girl can move in heels!

Luke and Mia got a trampoline from Santa, so everyone (including some of the "big kids") had fun trying it out.

Warning. . . pink overload!

For their Christmas gift, Grandma took Jenna and Carsyn to the American Girl store in Dallas. Brenda, Jill and I also tagged along to take photos, eat and do a little shopping. Grandma let the girls take their dolls to get their hair done, eat brunch in the cafe and then pick out a new outfit for their dolls. The girls had so much fun and loved their very pink and girly gift from Grandpa and Grandma!

Picking out hairstyles for their dolls . . .

Brunch in the cafe . . .

Ready to go home . . .
Later, Brenda straightened both the girls' hair and styled Jenna's just like her doll's. She loved it! Their dolls have their new hairstyles and their new clothes from Grandma (and new glasses from me) . I think the girls look so much alike here!