Week 43

After a pleasant holiday visit to Houston, we came home ready to work hard and quickly close the gap between the two big holiday's of the season. That dream didn't last long as I brought a head cold home with me, to which I passed to Kevin, who inevitably shared it with August. Conveniently we had his 10 month flu shot and head re-measurement already scheduled, so while I was there I had Dr. C check his ears. Sure enough our little guy was not only suffering with a head cold but his first ear infection as well. Thankfully his medicines and treatments started kicking in just in time for us to head back out of town.

Week 42/ Thanksgiving

 We spent August's first Thanksgiving with Kevin's extended family in Richmond, TX. We shared a great traditional feast in the company of immediate family members, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends alike. The weather was beautiful as we all enjoyed our meal in Aunt LaVerne's outdoor living area. We stayed with Kevin's cousin's family, who's little baby Aubrey is just 2 months younger than Augie...we are definitely looking forward to introducing them to the holiday traditions together as they grow. Finally, to cap off the wonderful holiday, my dear husband allowed us to listen to holiday tunes the entire drive back to Austin!

Granny's grandkids and their kids

( some of) Nana's grandkids and their kids

Pappy trying to teach Augie to say 'Gig 'Em'

Happy Holidays!

Day-Camping!

Several of our friends are turning the big 30 this year. While none of us are quite the blowout birthday bash type people, it is fun to do a little something special to mark the occasion. Our good friends the Sprad's, decided to do just the thing for Sarah's big day, and planned a camping trip out to Pace Bend Park complete with field day games! Though the weather was unseasonably warm, we decided that we would allow everyone the chance for a thorough night's slumber by just coming for the day. It was really fun to introduce August to his first state park, and pretend to camp, but it was even better getting to come home to a shower and a warm bed after the fun. We also picked up some delectable take-out pizza from the Austin Pizza Garden on our way home, definitely going back there!

birthday girl!

essentials: dogs, cold beverages, good music

the fascination with 'Uncle Josh's' beard continues

balloon toss

four-legged race?

three legged champions

at least we tried?

sunset over the lake

              

 

Week 41

Kevin offically completed the backyard this week. The planters looked nice before, but now that he separated our mammoth Agave plant, the planter boxes are full of little succulents waiting to grow. He also got the fountain back into working order. It is quite the little backyard oasis if I do say so myself. And August, he doesn't think it's too bad either!

Also this week, August moved beyond his toys. He has discovered that the dog food and water bowls are way more appealing than any of his flashy toys. Thankfully he has yet to attempt to consume any of the pieces, but he sure loves to massage his entire hands in the coarse little bites of venison. And naturally he needs to clean them afterwards, so he has a splash-fest in the water bowl. I am getting quite the workout moving him to the other side of the room all day long! 

Happy Fall!

I really do love everything about fall, though it seems that it has taken forever to really get here this year! The crisp cool mornings that beckon a sweater, sleeping with the windows open, pumpkin spice latte's, seasonal candle's, the leaves on the ground, the early setting of the sun, and yes, even football. You name it, I love it about this time of year. I have been oh so patiently waiting to layer my clothes and dress Augie in his sweaters and jackets. The cool front that has blown in over the past couple of days finally has me eager to introduce August to this season...just in time to decorate for the next.

  

I made these!
recipe

Best. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Ever

Another Austin Weekend

This past weekend was another glorious weekend spent at home! With the holidays approaching, and our calendar quickly filling up with trips, we savor the down time we are able to spend around the house and this great town. Saturday was primarily spent working in and around the house again. Kevin put in so many laborious hours on the back patio project once again, and was able to complete the new planter project! I think it is so functional, looks great, and am so happy to get out there and start enjoying it as a family in this new cool weather. (I of course will add more pics once the plants are in place and get Kevin's seal of approval) Sunday we were able to meet up with our good friends the Sprad's for brunch at the quaint Blue Dahlia bistro on the east side. We enjoyed a great meal and conversation before Kevin had to catch a flight out to Virginia. I am so thankful for such a capable, hard-working husband, and another beautiful weekend in central Texas.

Week 40

This week was a fairly typical week as far as our daily routine is concerned. August however made some noticeable developments. First of all, I can't believe how much hair this little man has now! It has really grown over the past few weeks and is becoming quite the 'big boy' head of hair. More excitingly, August found his way over to the toy box, stood up, and pulled the particular toys out that he wanted to play with. While that may not sound too thrilling to anyone else, it was the first time that I've noticed him express his preference for something with such focused intent. It's just one more example of how quickly he is transforming from a helpless little baby, and into a capable little human being. Also of late, August and Lilly have started to interact more frequently. Granted she is usually just stalking him for the chance to get a nibble of some crumbs pasted to his body, it's still really amusing to see how much they tolerate one another. She has always been quite protective of him from day one, laying next to anyone that was holding him, and checking in on him at night, but it seems that the two are  really buddying up to one another these days. Poor Daphne on the other hand bears the brunt of his hair pulling, tail chewing abuse, and takes any opportunity she can to run away when she sees him barreling towards her. 

so much hair!