Sunday, July 31, 2011

Big Boy



Right before our trip to New Orleans Hudson started climbing/falling out of his bed. A couple of times I would be in the other room and Hudson, who was supposed to be in bed, would come in crying. We weren't sure if Hannah was helping him or what and I was far to nervous about leaving them for the weekend anyway to really worry about it. While we were gone, Betty said he did it for her and sure enough when we got home I caught him on the video monitor throwing his leg over the side of the crib and then falling down the rest of the way. Hannah never did this! She started crawling in and out of her bed right before she turned three. Hudson, 2 weeks shy of turning 2 was out of there! That night after we got home we converted his crib to the toddler bed. I am not ready for him to be in a big boy yet. He loves his new bed and has done really well in it. We had to put the child proof lock on the back of the door so he cannot get out on his own but it is a matter of time before he learns to pry them apart like his sister. My baby is growing up too fast! He is a walking, talking, almost two year old! Something clicked and this boy started talking. He says a couple of sentences and his favorite words are car and I'm done. He repeats anything his sister says. He has even started beating up Hannah lately. When she takes something of his, he lets her have it. He is getting time out for biting, hitting, and pinching. What goes around comes around Hannah. He can point to his body parts and name them and loves to tell you the animal and the sound it makes. He can sing all of twinkle twinkle little star and loves to dance. I was walking through Dillards the other day and realized that I no longer shop for babies. My kids are in 2T and 4Ts. They both wear a size 8 1/2 shoe! Hudson weighs as much as Hannah and it won't be too long before he passes her up in height.

New Orleans

Last weekend Stuart and I left the kids at home for the first time ever and went to New Orleans to celebrate my friend Laura's 30th birthday. We have not been on a trip by ourselves since before Hannah was born and we really had a great time. I loved New Orleans! I loved the food, culture, smocked children's store, The Waldorf Astoria... I loved it all and cannot wait to go back! We were with a group friends and that made it even better. Stuart and I took some time to ourselves and took a carriage ride through the French Quarter and walked through some stores. I also did a little shopping on Magazine street and scored a great sale at Orient Expressed and went to the spa. We had wonderful meals and just really enjoyed ourselves!




















































Tuesday, July 12, 2011

201 - 2011


Two weekends ago I headed to the ranch to meet my freshman roommates for our annual 201 Girls Weekend. We had a great time catching up, eating, and shopping. I look forward to this every year and can't wait to see the girls again!
And, thanks Pops for being such a fabulous host!










































Lake Tahoe

We spent the week of Fourth of July at beautiful Lake Tahoe. This was our second trip to Tahoe. You may remember this post from two years ago. This trip had been booked for over a year and with the harsh temperatures here in Midland, we couldn't wait to get there!

The temperatures stayed in the 80's and cooled down to the 50's at night.




The first evening we ate at the hotel's fine dining restaurant the Lone Eagle. The hotel has a casino and we were able to do a little bit gambling through out the week.
The kids got to spend the evenings playing on the beach and making smores right outside the cottage.

Friday morning the grown-ups spent the morning at the spa enjoying facials and massages. After a spa morning we had lunch on the beach.

Played on the beach


We relaxed in our cabana taking in the beauty of the blue lake and snow covered mountains




Hannah couldn't get enough of it





Friday night we went on dinner cruise. The food was great and we had a wonderful time.





I was able to drive the boat!






Saturday morning the kids enjoyed a parade in Incline Village.
The kids loved spending their down time in the hammock.

We headed out on the lake again for a 4 hour lunch cruise.













That evening we had a wonderful dinner at Soule Domain. This restaurant is in a small cabin and owned by two brothers who both cook and wait tables. It was wonderful!







Sunday we enjoyed a brunch complete with mimosas and bloody marys! We were able to sit outside under heaters and enjoy the beautiful lake.



After brunch we took a gondola ride up the mountain to get a better view.










We played in the snow



Mommy didn't make the best shoe choice. Wedges are not recommended in the snow.

That evening we enjoyed another adult dinner at Big Water Grill. The food was as great as the view.

On the Fourth, we headed to Virginia City for a parade and lunch.






We spent the afternoon on a catamaran. We had a wonderful time and were served drinks, fresh fruit, and cheese and crackers. The lake was smooth and we just enjoyed sailing for a couple of hours.





After the catamaran we headed up the beach for a BBQ on the lawn. Later that night we sat outside and watched an incredible fireworks show over the lake from right outside our cottage.

We had a wonderful vacation. We truly appreciate the beautiful scenery and cool temperatures. Thanks Mimi and Pops for taking us on such a fabulous vacation and for bringing Lisa and Audrey to help with the kids. We couldn't have enjoyed this more!!!!