January 2013

In January, we had to say goodbye to our visitors Pam and AJ.  We had so much fun having them here.     But shortly after their departure, we had another visitor.  A friend/coworker of Justin's was coming down to see his beloved North Dakota State University play in a bowl game.  He stayed with us for a few days, and we enjoyed catching up and hanging out with him.  The rest of our month was filled with a variety of activities.

Griffin is a crawling machine.  He sometimes does this one legged crawl push thing.  It's hilarious.  I can't even describe it.

Got a mover on our hands now!

This is from Justin's friend/coworker's visit.  Stephen is from North Dakota and currently working on a project in Northern Canada.  Let's just say, I'm glad our option was Hawaii.  Justin and Stephen went to the bowl game to cheer his alma mater on.  All the NDSU fans loved our Hawaii plates and apparently it was plastered all over FaceBook that people even came from Hawaii to cheer them on. :)

After the bowl game, we met the boys to go to Jason's Deli

My two bubs

Princess Gracie gracing us with her presence.

This year, we celebrated Justin's birthday at home.  No beach :(  I know you all feel bad for us right?  Gracie was excited to bake a cake and sing to her daddy.  Can't believe we are another year older.  Why does time have to go so fast?  Especially as an adult!

Daddy's goodies

Waiting for Daddy.  And yes she still sucks her thumb.  I don't know how we will get her to stop.

The birthday boy with his babies :)

Some randoms...

It was finally warm enough to go to the park!  And yes, by warm I mean over 65 degrees.  I came from Hawaii people!  I still wear a jacket when it's 75 outside!

First swing ride! Loves it!

There were no swings in Hawaii so this is Griffin's first time and Gracie's first time in a year and a half.

Swinging at the park :) 

At Michael's being silly

Since moving here, I learned that I had family nearby.  My aunt, uncle, cousins and second cousins live about a hour northeast of Fort Worth.  I have not seen this part of my family in a very long time.  Probably over 10 years.  They are from my dad's side of the family and sadly, we rarely get to see them because none of my dad's family lives in Nebraska.  Many of them live in California, Arizona, Texas and Mexico.  We really only see them if we travel to them, which has always been a rare occasion for us.  So, needless to say, I was excited to see them and have Justin and the kids meet them.

My tia Luisa in the back; Mya and Gracie.  They had so much fun playing together.

Speaking of my dad's side of the family, when Griffin was first born, I couldn't believe how much he reminded me of my dad.  I still see it in these pictures with his eyes and nose.  Love my baby boy!

What a silly smile!

Cruisin' for a bruisin'

In one of her leotards for gymnastics.  She never wears this one and it's my favorite!

Since moving out to Hawaii, our couches started to deteriorate.  They were worse by the time they made it in the house here in Texas.  We looked, we searched, we waited, we searched some more and finally found some after Christmas.  Here's Gracie in a picture we sent to Justin to show him they were delivered.  We love them so much, especially our storage ottoman!  It's the best thing for an organizational freak like me.  Hides all the toys...well except for the big ones.

They are awesome!

 A couple more randoms of the kids...

Getting so big!

At gymnastics in her favorite pink leotard that she has to wear every week.

At the end of the month, we had South Central's District Meeting.  It was held in Dallas at the Omni Hotel.  Beautiful hotel with a pretty neat view.  South Central really impressed me with the mariachi band.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that is just about my favorite thing in the world.  I'd move anywhere if they allowed me to travel with and keep a mariachi band (only if it was paid for by them of course).

Wednesday night dinner

After Thursday night's dinner.  My band was waiting for me. <3 

Gracie and Daddy heading down the elevator to see the city lights 

Me and my girl

Gracie and Daddy

The infamous ball, The Dallas Ball.  Don't know what it is for or what's inside but it is still cool.

Even our hotel lit up and changed colors!  This was Gracie's favorite part. 

Friday night reception after dinner.  70s Pool Hall theme.

Justin and some of his coworkers

A few last randoms to end the month.  I just love my babies and taking their pictures.  I can't help myself!

Holding his bottle like a big boy now!

bahahahaha This expression is priceless.

Sweet baby

Whaaat?  She said that!?

Gracie telling Justin "Dad don't forget you iPad"

She wanted to try it out again.

Someone loves her daddy a whole lot.

I've realized now that we are not in Hawaii, our pictures and adventures are just not as exciting.  Texas you are boring!  Get a beach or a mountain or something exciting!  Hawaii I still miss you.