Thursday, April 26, 2012

Texas Bluebonnets!

"I woke up this morning,
Texas on my mind..."
-Pat Green


Anyone who grew up in Texas knows how amazing it is to witness bluebonnets in full bloom...covering every roadside and field! I was beyond excited when we stopped to take these photos - a Texas tradition growing up, was getting your picture taken every spring in the bluebonnets - and I couldn't wait to snap some of Hannah!

After the bluebonnets, we continued on to my Aunt Carla and Uncle Joey's ranch, in Llano, TX - and any visit to Llano isn't complete without lunch at Cooper's - one of the BEST spots for BBQ in Texas! Hannah is already a BBQ snob, preferring only her Daddy's or Rudy's, so you know Cooper's had to be amazing - and it was!

Hannah LOVED, and I mean LOVED...being out at the ranch! The longhorns and their calves were so beautiful - if you have never seen one close up or in person you need too! We also visited the horses, fed the fish, and helped count the new calves. Hannah was in awe of the animals and was definately in her element - with sunshine on her cheeks and wind blowing through her hair! I love my sweet little cowgirl! Thanks for a great time Aunt Carla and Uncle Joey - we'll be back soon!






Saturday, April 21, 2012

A Texas Birthday Fiesta!

On our recent trip to Texas, we celebrated an early 2nd birthday party for Hannah with family! I mean, everyone needs TWO parties when they turn TWO, right?! Since it was Fiesta in SA...we went with a fiesta themed party and Hannah loved it! Pinatas, flower garlands, cascarones, and yummy homemade chocolate cupcakes - delicious food from the grill and a perfect weather day! What an amazing party - thanks Mom & Dad! Thanks to all who came to celebrate! Happy 2nd Birthday Hannah! Ole!


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

23 Months Old!






Almost TWO...wow! We had a backyard "beach" day and Hannah loved it! We played outside all morning, even had lunch outside - crashing hard for her nap, but as soon as she woke up, Hannah wanted to go back to the beach! I love to listen to Hannah talk when she wakes up...no telling what sweet little stories she shares! She speaks in short phrases and is doing well with her vocabulary, alphabet (can almost say it without missing letters), and counting (10+ with a little help!). She loves singing "Wheels on the Bus" - definitely her favorite right now - as well as reading "Ten in the Bed" (and the little one said roll over...) Llama llama books, and anything Elmo or Abby. Play dough is a new favorite playtime activity, still loves coloring, and "cooking" and "baking" in her kitchen are popular too! If you ask her what she is making, the most common responses are cookies, soup, or tacos! She is also totally in love with her Little People Royal Princess Coach - so cute!



Hannah loves playing "ou-side!" (outside) and is always "ready go!" (ready to go) when I grab my keys and bag! Love to hear her say "peas" (please) and "tank you" (thank you) as well as "welcome" (your welcome). My current favorite is "jamas" for pajamas...she says it with emphasis on JA, so funny! She can almost turn the pedals on her trike, opens doors (yikes!), blows bubbles, and whispers and yells (we are working on our "inside" and "outside" volumes). She is becoming rascally at restaurants...not wanting to stay in her chair for very long - sigh - but her appetite is alright and she still is a pretty good little eater! She loves milk and apple juice, cookies, noodles and "apples" (the squeeze pouches of applesauce)- these are the most requested items. Hannah always wants a napkin when she eats as well as a fork or spoon, and does not want to wear bibs anymore. She also takes off her shoes a lot...but does do a great job of putting them back on properly!


Cows and horses make her so happy - yes, we do live in the country...and pass lots of animals when we go out! When we don't spot the cows, Hannah always responds with "shhh, ni-night, cows are ni-night!" Too cute! Love this little girl so much - excited to celebrate two years next month!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

A very blessed Easter...

"For God so loved the world,
That he gave his only Son,
So that everyone who believes in Him,
Shall not perish, but have eternal life. "
-John 3:16






Amidst the bunnies, chocolate candy, and Easter egg hunts...I think it is important not to forget the true meaning of Easter and why it is such a special time. While our afternoon was spent with family and friends, watching the Masters, and grilling out, my favorite part of the day was Easter Mass with my husband and daughter, and breakfast at our regular Sunday place! Simple and sweet - I loved sharing that time together as a family! Hope everyone's Easter was as blessed as ours was!