Christmas is Upon Us

I know, it has been a while.  I have some summer blogs that were saved as drafts because I had no signal.  I will update those and send them...a wee bit late.

Outside lights have been up for a while.  Tuna got Abbie an inflatable Mickey Mouse Santa.  She loes it!  She screams "mou" every time we pull in the driveway - whether it is inflated or not!  We got our tree in the house today and put lights on it.  Decorating  is tomorrow.  Abbie is slightly afraid of the tree...but is getting used to it.  

I have to say that I did pick out a perfect tree.  

Now, her tree...she was all about decoarting it.  We captured a really cute video, but I can't upload it using this app.

Tomorrow is Christmas shopping and then decorating the house.  

Sunday brings cookie time with grandparents.

Abbie's First Road Trip: Day 3 - July 5, 2013

We got up and moving around 9:00 am.  We had to get packed up as we were moving on to Canyon, Texas where we staying the night.  We gathered everything up, had breakfast at the hotel, and then around 10:30 am headed out.  We actually took the proverbial scenic route through Silverton, TX.  It is amazing because you drive through what seems like gently rolling hills and then all of a sudden canyons and crevices appear out of nowhere!  It is what is called cap rock and it is stunningly beautiful.  We stopped briefly at a scenic outlook and took some pictures.  

When we got to Silverton were took a lap around the town square and stopped at an historical marker.  As we were reading the sign a nice gentlemen came up to us and wanted to know if we wanted a tour.  He said that he was the groundskeeper and that he lived nearby and knew the historic old jail well...but not because he had been in it!  He was a funny guy.  Abbie was asleep so we declined his offer (truthfully, I would have loved to have gotten out and seen the jail and indulged our new friend), but we moved on.

Or next stop was Happy, TX.  Let me tell you, there is not too much that is happy about Happy, TX.  But we took some pictures and moved on from there.

We got to Canyon abut 1:15 pm, but were too early to check-in.  So we went to Sonic for lunch.  We then decided to stop and check-out West Texas A&M University.  We walked around the campus and popped in to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for a quick look.  By then it was time to go back to the hotel to check-in.

We checked-in and then Abbie took a good, two hour nap.  She really needed it as she has really been thrown off her schedule, so that was good for her.  

About 6:30 we headed to Palo Duro Canyon to see "Texas" and have dinner, too.  Dinner was BBQ, again!  Once we finished eating, Abbie and I went to listen to the music, we danced, and we also signed the guest book and put a pin on the map to show where we were from.  About 8:30 the show began and Abbie and I watched the opening number.  She was fascinated by the dancing and the brightly colored dresses, but that was about all she could stand.  We went to the cry room...which is actually just behind the seats and had a live telecast of the play.  The problem is that there were stairs and all she waned to do was go up and down the stairs.  So we went to the flag area...she was fascinated by the flags!  At 9:30 pm we headed back to the car so she could sleep and we would wait for Dad and Guilford.  They came out the car at 9:50...and it was only intermission!  So we headed back to the hotel and hit the hay...lots of driving tomorrow!

Pictures from the day...

Abbie's First Road Trip: Preparing to Leave and Day 1

While Tuna is away working in Pecos, Abbie and  I are going on a road trip.  We were invited by my dad and Guilford to join them in going to Telluride, CO to Kent and Janet's ranch.  We are driving and making a road trip out of it!

Preparation - getting ready for a road trip is a tough task in itself.  Getting ready for a road trip with a one year old is even tougher...especially when you have to consider the fact the we are taking 4 days and two different hotel rooms to get there.  In this situation, I think that you pack the best way you can and see what works.  Ultimately, no way is really going to be easy.  We had to get some long sleeves and were only able to find a hoodie for Abs.  Hopefully, CO won't be THAT cold!  Also, considering food has been a challenge, but we shall see if I packed the right stuff!  We are spending the night at Grandpa and GG's house the night before we leave, so we can get everything packed the night before and then just get up and go.

Day One - Wednesday, July 3rd - Happy Anniversary to Us! - we got up early and at a little breakfast and packed the last minute items in the car.  Miraculously, we were off by 8:05 am (planned time to leave was 8:00 am).  We had a quick stop at Bucee's for ice and then we were on the road.  We traveled up through College Station and Waco then caught 35 West to Fort Worth.  We stopped for lunch at the Dairy Queen right outside of Hillsboro...which, by the way, does not have a baby changing station (even thought is newly constructed and along a busy highway!).  We made it through to Ft. Worth in good time with Abbie only catching a couple of short naps along the way.  We pulled in to the Clarendon Best Western around 5:15 pm.  Clarendon is the town where I have spent time as a child. It is the hometown of an old family friend and fellow State Farm agent, Billy Hearn.  He and his wife, Dolfia grew up there and on several occasions had my family up there for Thanksgiving and 4th of July.  We unloaded, freshened up and headed out to Dolfia's relative's house - the Shadles.  Specifically, Jim and Susie Shadle.  I saw people I haven't seen in over 30 years!  Joeneill and his family were there and many other new faces to me...but they remembered me from 30 years ago!  We had steaks and Abbie and I adventured around while Dad and Guilford chatted with old friends.  Everyone was SO nice and was so happy to have us there.  We headed back to the hotel about 9 pm (it had just gotten dark!) and called it a night.

Pictures of the Day...

My traveling buddy!

Sleeping on the job

Abbie enjoying the beautiful Texas night in the Shadle's hammock

Panhandle sunset from in front of the Shadle's house...what a beautiful end to the day!

Abbie - 1 and Mommy - 0

Today was cousin Maddie's 8th birthday party.  It was at a place called "Main Event" which is a close cousin of Dave and Busters.  Needless to say, for a newly walking, ready to explore the world, one year old this was sensory overload!  

From the second we walked in the door she was running...everywhere!  I began sweating the moment I walked in the door and didn't stop until we got home.  The second Abbie got in the door she took off running...with reckless abandon!  She was like a pinball bouncing off of people's legs.  She was going up and down stairs (3 steps) like a seasoned veteran...although it was her first time doing so.  She was darting across several bowling lanes, some of which were not our lanes.  She was "introducing" herself to strangers (I guess we need to talk about that one) and even attempting to rearrange the bowling balls.  

I decided to take her to the video game section.  I couldn't keep up.  She tried out Dance Revolution, sat atop the motorcycle game, helped some guys play Pop-A-Shot, was mesmerized by the taillights of a snowmobile game, and just ran amuck with me following close behind, apologizing to folks.  

Today was the first day where she didn't want me to help her with anything.  I could hear her saying, in her baby mind, "I got this mom...I don't need your help!"  Sad Mommy. 

We headed back to the bowling and she slowed down enough to get a few nibbles of pizza (her first time).  She was pretty indifferent to it.  She also sucked down her sippy full of milk...and I'd think so after running the equivalent of a marathon in baby distance.  

I thought the party was winding down, but in fact the kids were about to play laser tag.  I knew I couldn't keep up with her anymore and I threw in the proverbial towel.  We said our good-byes and headed home.  In the back of my mind I know that she could have kept on going, and going, and going...but not this mommy.  I tapped out.  

Here is the only picture from the day...with the birthday girl herself!

I Love Summer!

It has been a busy summer, so far!  The first weekend after school was out I left for Pennsylvania.  My second cousin, Ashleigh, got married in a beautiful historic barn.  

The barn was located near the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house, Fallingwater.  You have probably seen it...the cantilevered house with the waterfall under it.

It is a spectacular area and should not be missed if you are anywhere near there.  We also toured Laurel Caverns, adventured around Cucumber Falls, and tried not to get too lost.  The view from our hotel, The Summit Inn, was spectacular. 

It was great to spend time with family at such a happy occasion.  But I missed my family.  Tuna had just gotten home from a job in south Texas, so he and Abbie stayed home.  But they were sure busy, too.  The went to Brenham with Grandpa and GG, played with the Delco girls, went to a Skeeter's game and just had a great time being together.   Real daddy/daughter bonding time.

This past weekend we took Abbie to Beaver's for brunch!  Yummy!  

Abbie and I have taken it easy this week hanging at home.  Tuna leaves for Pecos tomorrow and we are quite sad about that.  28 days without Daddy is no fun.  Luckily, Abbie and I will be quite busy.  We are heading to Colorado next week with Grandpa and GG.  Then Dallas the weekend after we get back.  Then daddy gets home that Friday!  Yeah!

Abbie is weighing in at 21.5 pounds, has two teeth on the bottom and four on the top.  Our little girl is growing up too fast!  She is saying mama, dada, nana (banana...which is obviously confused for the word more), uh oh, and "dat".  "Dat" is accompanied with pointing and she is trying to ask, "what is that"?  It is too cute...but dang, it lasts all day long!  I wouldn't change it for the world!

I gave her one of my old Vera Bradley purses and she will not put it down. It has to be the cutest thing ever!  You can kind of see her with it below.

How cute is that?  

Tomorrow is swimming with Auntie Dani and a relaxing weekend getting ready for our road trip to Colorado!

School's Out!

So I am finished with school and couldn't be happier...two solid months with my little girl!  Happy, happy, happy!  Although tomorrow will be Abbie's last day at daycare because I am moving my stuff to  my new school!  

I will work this summer on trying to find a balance between staying home with her and getting her out.  I also need to find a group of other moms who have kids so she can get some socialization time.  Hopefully we can find our way to the library, early morning walks, pool time, and just getting out and seeing the world.  The heat will be a factor, but I am sure we can find a nice balance.

We will also be looking for a new daycare over the summer.  I think we have a pretty good lead on a lady in the neighborhood and will be contacting her next week.  I am excited about this prospect!  The teachers at her current daycare really love her and care for her, but the director has done many things that I feel are bordering on unethical.  And if that is what I have seen or found out, then what goes on behind closed doors?

Abbie has recovered nicely from her double ear infection.  She has cut one tooth up top and I am sure the other one is coming.  She is also pointing to everything, yet nothing specific, and saying, "Dat?".  I am sure she is trying to say, "What's that?" and it is so cute!  Of course, it is exhausting, too!  By the end of the day I find myself saying "I don't know"!  She is also walking - unofficially.  It isn't official until Daddy sees it.  But she is definitely walking!  So many changes for Abs!  

5 Days Away and Her First Ear Infection(s)

I spent 5 days away from my little girl over Memorial Day Weekend.  It was the longest I have been away from her and to complicate things Tuna was out of town.  Luckily we had family step-up and she stayed with them.  Preparing to leave for Knoxville, TN for DI Globals was no easy feat.  Making substitute plans for three days for my very "spirited" classes took a week and figuring out how to get Abbie from my mom's to Billy and Joyce's took a bit of coordinating.  And then, as things go, Abbie developed a double ear infection!  Of course she did...!

It started Monday with a call from daycare about her gunky eyes.  Interestingly they were only gunky at school.  Anyways...I get her to the doctor on Tuesday and low and behold...double ear infections.  Then the medicine they give could cause a massive break-out and the ear infection could get worse before it gets better.  No sweat...

Luckily, our family was happy to take care of her even with the ear infections and did and awesome job!  We appreciate them so much!  I missed her so much, but luckily I was super-busy in Knoxville.  But I was very happy to see her when I got back!

Abbie with her cousins Madison and Justin

A silly picture Joyce took and one of my DI-ers made this from the original!

Tuna will be back on Thursday or Friday and we are SO ready!  This weekend my dad and Guilford took Abbie and in and we went to dinner at a place called The Last Concert Cafe.  It is near downtown and is some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten (thanks Uncle Phil for the rec).  We have given Abbie limes before, but this is the first time we caught it n camera (sorry Abs...I love you).

Abbie LOVING limes...

Grandpa, Abbie and me!

One more week of school stuff and then it is off for the summer!  Yippee!  I can't wait!  No big plans...just time with my little girl!