Beach Trip 2014

Other than the wonderful company and adorable babies, I would say our trip to the beach was a solid bust...it rained pretty much whole time and was cool & windy. Not ideal conditions for fun in the sun. We did get to swim for about 20 minutes and we visited the Texas State Aquarium which was pretty cool, Allison seemed to really enjoy all of the fish. We really need to work on animal sounds though, every fish makes the "ruff, ruff" sound like her puppy! It's totally cute though! 

We are so lucky we got to spend 2 whole days with Mr. Jameson and his sweet parents Ashley and Zach! 

This picture is so indicative of their relationship...Allison immediately threw down her pot and spoon just so she could race over and take Jameson's away from him. She's kind of mean. 

Next time we will definitely plan better in regards to travel time and length of stay so that we can spend less time being tired and more time hanging out! 

Aren't they just the cutest?! 

The dolphin exhibit was by far our favorite! A ceiling to floor glass wall that you could see everything makes for a great show! 

I LOVE this picture! I don't remember what she was pointing at but she looks like she's telling daddy something really important! 

Since we never were able to make it to the actual beach we stopped at this little side strip. It was definitely not a traditional beach but Charles still enjoyed picking up some shells. :p 

Even though it didn't go according to plan, we still had a great time just getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life! 

Chalkin' it up on a Friday Night!

Chalk, Friday night, and burgers on the grill. That's what I love about Friday's! We are slowing being able to spend more and more time outside and although we have a long way to go until the backyard is completely 'user' friendly, we are still enjoying the fresh air and late sunsets! 

Allison is a chalk enthusiast...so is Miles. If Allison isn't chompin' on a stick of chalk, Miles is slyly trying to steal one. Sigh. 

She's getting so good at coloring! She knows how to go "back and forth"to make scribbles. Miles likes to eat the scribbles. 

If you look closely you can see the bits of colored chalk in her teeth...at least she likes to brush her teeth. Hope you all have a great weekend! We have our daddy home for the WHOLE weekend...no telling what kind of trouble we're going to get into! 

Wisconsin & Chicago Vaca.

Let me start off by saying, Allison is an absolute trooper. Despite being the recipient of none other than a lovely ear infection, 103 degree fever and  a cold hours before we took our first family vacation and plane ride to Wisconsin, she did ahhmazing. Seriously, I know adults who whine more than she did.  Thankfully, I cried more than she did on and off  the plane and we all made it through the week. Barely. The week was full of wedding festivities which kicked off with Allison and I holed up in the hotel trying to break her fever while Charles, Christopher & Kara went and met Rachel's brothers.

The non-rehearsal, rehearsal dinner at Rachel's aunts house was next on the schedule. Delicious brats and a fever free babe for even a couple of hours was the perfect ending to an other wise sick baby filled day. Thank God for Motrin. We even got this gem of a picture...isn't she just so beautiful. I'm in love with her little jeans.

Saturday was the wedding, Don't we look so fancy...this is probably the first time that I have actually dressed up since Allison was born. I have to admit, it was nice to feel pretty for once. I normally don't give two flying farts about how I look, but every once in a while it's fun. Isn't Josh's face priceless? So excited we got to see the 'first-look'. Rachel looked absolutely beautiful. We are excited to welcome her to the family. I just realized we don't have any pictures of Allison from the wedding?! I guess I should find Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Joe and see if they have any they can send me. Way ta go mom, geez. She looked beautiful as always though. Promise. 

Another fun part of our trip was that Allison got to meet her great Grandma & Grandpa B for the first time. I think she kinda likes them ;). Since she was sick, she didn't get to spend too much time with them but I know they enjoyed the little time together that they had.

The last leg of our trip was to Chicago where we spent two full days vacationing...literally doing nothing. It was fantastic.

Allison thinks she's hot stuff. Can't blame her for thinking that. I mean look at her. Yes I realize I will seriously regret the head inflation when she's in her teens, but for now...she's a perfect little princess.

At Millennium Park in Chicago.  A big giant mirror, bean.  Her day was made.

Daddy & Allie during our lunch break. Those smiles make my heart melt.

Learning to give kisses at Bubba Gumps on Navy Pier. The food was less than mediocre but the company was superb.

All-in-All, the trip was decent. Not as relaxing or enjoyable as it could have been but despite all of the illness, grumpiness, and stress we had a pretty good time. Also, I don't understand why people think it's such a hassle to travel with a baby. Sure it's more difficult than just taking care of yourself but it definitely isn't as bad as what people make it out to be. The trick...pack only carry on's, and buy diapers, wipes, food & formula there.