Video Montage

Here's a little video montage of our trip to Kingwood...sorry it's a little long but there was a lot of fun to capture

Christmas Rounds 1.5 & 2

You've missed me...I know
Man, did Reese hit the jackpot. She must have been a REALLY good baby this year because Santa and his elves were really nice to her. Before we left for Kingwood on Christmas Eve she got to open the toys/books that Mommy and Daddy Santa picked out for her. She knew what they were because she was shopping with us at the time of purchase, however, they were new all over again on the 24th and man were they fun. I think this will only work for one more year...then we might be in trouble. My favorite part of the day was her amazement at the new gifts. She would just stand and stare at them with her mouth wide open...so funny. She enjoyed her toys in Corpus for a short while and then departed on the trek to Kingwood. Reese was so excited about being on vacation she once again, decided not to sleep on the car ride there....4 long hours of talking. I have NO clue where she gets that from.
My family....before our trip to Houston

Reese was barking as we pulled in Mimi and Grampy's driveway because she knew Kobe was inside. She LOVES Kobe. Aunt Leslie arrived a short time later....Reese was so happy to see Leslie...she even threw a hissy fit when Leslie tried to put her down so she could go to the bathroom. Reese followed her right in there crying because Leslie wasn't holding her. Reese learned how to says "Sister" (what I call Leslie) while in Kingwood. Reese LOVES her Aunt Sister.
The Great-Grandparents (in above and below pics)

Reese played "Santa" on Christmas day, dolling out all the gifts, after all she had been playing with them all morning in their packages, a great way to distract her from the tree. After she opened her gifts she played in her red wagon all weekend (in the house and outside) and LOVES her Elmo Live!

Checking out her new ride.

My snow angel in her new snow vest

Also Ryan and I got a STEAL online and have a new camera on the way...I am such a great shopper...I saved $150 bucks buying it online.

Videos to come tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Christmas Round 1

We hit the road this weekend for Round 1 of Christmas. We headed to Geronimo on Friday night and stayed the weekend. Ryan even took the day off on Monday so we could stay an extra day. However our trip was marred by two unfortunate events. One: Our camera broke (yes the camera Leslie was kind enough to hand down to us). Thankfully we managed to take a few pictures through the view finder since our screen has been smashed beyond recognition. Sadly I will once again be camera shopping after the holidays. Two: Our sprinkler broke on Saturday (while we were gone) and water flowed freely out of our front yard for HOURS before the city was called to turn it off. I think I will have to offer up Reese for payment as I am sure our water bill will be equivalent to the price of our first born.
That being said we had a good time visiting family, Reese enjoyed Round 1 of Christmas and I am proud to say I ran 2.5 miles on Saturday morning (without my child) and didn't die afterwards. Things can only look up from here. If the pictures are jank don't blame me, Ryan insisted on taking pictures despite the camera passing on to the land where cameras go when they die. I don't know what the name of the land is but I am sure it's nice.
We're off to Kingwood tomorrow for Christmas Round 2. I am super excited and will hopefully come to you live from Kingwood sometime while we're gone. I will con Leslie into taking LOTS of pictures with her working camera while I figure out what to do about ours. Have Merry Christmas, I hope Santa brings everyone what the asked for.
At the "Country Christmas" in Geronimo...I don't know if Christmas included the weather being in the 70's and me sweating while we walked around, but I guess that's Texas for you. Reese is enjoying the mini-donkeys at the stables. I love me some mini donkeys...

Opening presents at Oma and Opa's house

Me laughing at Ryan for taking jank pictures with our busted camera

This morning at our house, she had no clue that bow was in her hair...little ones she can tell, this one she had no clue.

Tagged!

I was tagged! So I had to put up the 4th photo from my 4th photo file on my computer (and describe it). I have no words. I got the camera for Ryan for his birthday. I was out of town for work. I know this is the house he lived in with his cousin Justin. I have no friggin' clue what he was taking a picture of (I suppose his back patio in all it's glory) I hope those that I tag have better pictures than I do. Erin, I think you cheated...you can't tell me the 4th photo file you had was from this summer..you've been taking photos for a long time...wink wink
I tag....Elizabeth, Stephanie, Allison and Shannon

New Video

Here's a handy little video clip of our ride....

Santa and all the little childrens

Last night we ventured to the mall to see Santa (and all his little childrens...yes that is with an "S" and is a family joke). When we arrived we were told Santa and Mrs. Claus were eating some dinner and he would return at 6 p.m. Thus we had some free time. In our mall there is an old carousel which is an original from Germany. Don't ask me how Corpus got it but it's there and it's working. When we first moved and Reese was only a wee baby bun, I thought about how much fun it would be to take her on it when she got bigger. We don't frequent the mall too much so last night was our BIG night. I think I was more excited than she was about riding.

After the super fun ride we waited in line for Santa. It also happened to be bring your dog night as well. Reese was in doggie heaven...I however learned there are way too many chi-wa-wa-s in Corpus and their owners are crazy (note: This is not a true representation of all Chi-wa-wa owners...as we have lovely family in NC who has a few...my relatives are MUCH cooler than the people in line).
Long story short, we were behind a REALLY bad Chi-wa-wa owner and it took FOREVER to take their picture. You are allowed 2 of your own pictures with your personal camera....do not allow the ONE person in your group who does not know how to use the camera to take the picture. Santa is a Saint b/c I would have told that lady where to stuff her camera. Poor man is sweating, has a fan hitting him dead on and he's loaded down with four kids and two dogs who look like they might eat him while this old lady strains to take 2 pictures...and has to ask her grand-kids for help to use the camera. Thank goodness when they were done. We met back up with them in the check-out line. Ryan picked out, paid for, signed for and walked away with our pictures before the lady was even done with her transaction. It must take hours for that family to get anything done.
Waiting in line for the big ride

Waving at Daddy...she was so excited every time we went by Ryan..she would wave and say Daddy really loudly.

She really liked the ride...

Hi Dad

Watching the horse go up and down

My little pony trying to cheer us up...she didn't cry as much as I thought she would.

Just a few tears.

Maybe next year will be better....for her and Santa anyway.

Progress has been made

We have made some small progress in the world of hair bows. She managed to keep it in long enough for pictures this morning. I would say that is awesome considering she usually has it out .2 milliseconds after I put it in. We're all dressed up in our Christmas shirt to see Santa tonight. I am sure she will be a little weird around the jolly old man, but we're hoping for the best. It's also bring your pet to Santa night so maybe all the dogs will get her real excited and she'll smile nicely for Ol' Saint Nick.
Gimme that camera Mom....

I had the real camera, she has the old one...she was taking pictures as well.

Finally getting into the holiday spirit

We're a little late getting into the holiday spirit but we finally went and got our tree. It's a little late I know, but my trip to San Diego pushed back our tree trimming fun one weekend. We loaded up the family truckster and headed into town to hunt for the perfect tree. Unlike the Christmas Story we did not have a flat tire, but we did move the carseat into Ryan's truck...I think someone said the Queen Mother of all words...what's Christmas without one...right? We're also using the Herbst Christmas Tree box, which Ryan said would never work, but as I write this amazingly our tree is still standing. Sometimes he doubts my intelligence but I remind him constantly that most of the time I end up being right.
I figured I would treat everyone to a holiday classic. Our Christmas card from three years ago...As you can see Chewie REALLY loves Chritmas and getting all dressed up...we sort of dressed her up again this year...not as much fun...see below

A "baby" tree

How about this one Dad?

Ryan and Reese with the tree

Chilling in the Wal-Mart parking lot...I should mention that we as a family had a BIG laugh as the lady with the ukulele walked by (why you ask because she was playing the ukulele as she walked to her car, and wearing a Santa hat with Tigger on it) Better yet, she got in the passenger seat of her hubby's car and as they drove off she was STILL playing...we love Wal-mart. Oh and we secured a box on our Wal-Mart bingo playing card...a child without shoes. I should mention as well he was not just shoeless he was entire outfit-less (Go ahead I know you're thinking we're terrible people...we're totally ok with you thinking that)

Reese in the truck with the tree. We rode home from Corpus like this...NOT

How else can I torture the dog? Cover her in tree limbs as we trim the bottom of the tree...so much fun

Lights...with this being our first year, next year I will invest in more lights. I had to school Ryan in the art of putting on lights...he still needs work

I had to go light on the ornaments due to "little fingers". Props to Maryann and the AWESOME ornaments she sent us for our wedding shower...I LOVE them. Thanks also to Emily and Caroline (I will spare you of your nicknames) for the handmade ornaments as well.

Just added this for fun...In the kitchen at MiMi's house...totally clueless I was about to ditch her for several days...however she LOVED staying at MiMi and Grampy's house...Cute outfit...thanks Nana and Poppop

As exhibited below...the awesome FLIP that Mom and Dad got me allows for me to master my movie making skills. So here is a small preview of my film debut

FLIP

Mom and Dad were kind enough to buy me this snazzy new video camera for my birthday. Now I can take fancy new videos of Reese and share them with the world...here goes

Annoying

As any of you know we moved to Texas when I was 14. I will say the things I miss most about NY are the four actual seasons, changing leaves and SNOW. Sure I never had to drive in it etc...but either way I miss it. It snowed once in Kingwood since we lived there. However since moving to sunny South Texas it has not only snowed TWICE in College Station but it even snowed in Houston/Kingwood last night. I'm so ticked I missed the snow. Oh and did I mention that this weekend it will be in the 80's again...UGH! It's December! Here are Leslie and Sean's pics from the snow
Since moving downtown Leslie is getting slightly more trendy...she got bangs! I wish I had the ability to get trendy.

The roof of their condaloftium..it's an industry term

Leslie's "strong" man

I think he was aiming for me....or Leslie

So much to do so little time

Well folks I'm back....had a great trip to San Diego, CA and really enjoyed my Stroller Strides training. Reese had a BLAST at Mimi and Grampy's house. She picked up a few new tricks..most notable...how to say "AGGIE", she also learned to gobble like a turkey which is hilarious. She didn't cry for my once which is great so I guess she's allowed back in Kingwood soon.
No pics to post. By the time I had a chance to tour San Diego it was dark out. Damn daylight savings. I will work on pictures this week...I have a busy few days. 18 dozen cookies for Ryan's employees, one craft/play date, laundry, regular Mom stuff and team teaching my first Stroller Strides class. I am hoping to catch up on things this weekend but until then I'll be in the kitchen baking. Ryan owes me BIG time.
Oh and should I mentioned it snowed again in College Station...that's twice since we left. Now we live in HOT ass Crapus Christi...I mean Corpus Christi. Man I wish I was in CS for some snow! I love snow!

'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane...

As you can see...I'm leaving on a jet plane. I'm headed off to sunny San Diego, although I hear from am old college friend, that sunny San Diego is about to get a TON of rain. I'm leaving on Friday to attend my training to become a certified instructor for Stroller Strides. I'm excited for a small vacation and sleeping a few silent nights away from Sir Snores-a-lot in bed next to me. When I get back I'll be a lean mean teaching machine. We'll maybe not the lean and mean part but I'll be a instructor.
I'm leaving Reese in the capable hands of Mimi, Grampy and Aunt Leslie. I am sure she's going to have LOADS of fun. Ryan's off in Lubbock as we speak and I'm hoping a weekend alone will prompt him to finish his dissertation...we can all wish for things can't we?
Here' some more pics from our Thanksgiving weekend, I'll admit the ones from the previous post were probably more exciting.
Like I said...kid LOVES dog kennels

Thanksgiving dinner makes for a happy camper

Stuffing green beans in her mouth. I would say she ate 1/4 lb of green beans. I thought it would never stop...she was double fisting them. Ryan cooked them in bacon so I am sure that they had no redeeming health value whatsoever.

I'm HUNGRY

I know...gay that I'm wearing an apron. Long story short, this apron is Nana's and when we found it my sister and I brought it to the apartment...seriously it's classic. I like to wear it to remind Ryan in case he forgets.

My Cheetah girl...who needs a haircut. She also LOVES trying to call people on the phone.

My Cheetah girl dancing.

I'm out of pocket until next week, don't miss me too much. I am sure I'll have pics to post when I return.

a preview....

Here's a preview of our visit with the fam. We all made the trek to Mexico...even though Dad had an expired passport...We loved having the family visit and can't wait to see them all again soon. We'll post pictures from Thanksgiving later, Ryan and I cooked the first BIG holiday meal in our own home! (and all without a hitch...well except the whole issue of Ryan overflowing the oil while frying the turkey...but we avoided a fire so I would say everything went off without a hitch). Enjoy the pictures!
Mom and her girls

So Leslie got dressed first in this purple tank top and black sweater. I thought it would be funny to put on something identical...so we took pics to show we were "Twinkies" Reese joined in the fun with her purple as well.

Note: The Museum is only "partially handicap accessible"

At the King Ranch

The Bride of Frankenstein....Aqua Net undergoing it's greatest challenge! I think the cig makes this picture prize worthy

We left Chips in Mexico

At the border

Walking back to America!

Viva La Mexico!

Reese & Chips at the non-working fountain in Mexico On the bridge...Toto I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

Getting ready to venture across the border

She had no clue she was about to leave the country

Family pic '08

Bath time

Reese and her Coach purse (note: not her purse...she wishes)

Reese in the dog kennel....she also spent time in the wire one as well (By her own accord)