Raising Kaitlyn

2011-11-19T19:29:00.009-06:00

Flask Section 106 UT Tailgaters

We have had so much fun this year tailgating with the UT Tailgaters. We have met some amazing people that hopefully will remain lifelong friends.

2011-11-19T19:17:00.003-06:00

Littlefield Fountain

Dallas, Kaitlyn & I decided to go walk around last weekend downtown. We walked by Littlefield Fountain and Kaitlyn just had to get in and get her feet wet.

Here is the history behind the fountain:

Littlefield Fountain is a monument by Italian-born sculptor Pompeo Coppini, located on the main campus of The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas.
The fountain was built with money from a $250,000 trust established by Major George W. Littlefield as a memorial for University of Texas students and alumni who died in The Great War, now commonly known as World War I.[1] It was unveiled in 1933, at a time when the Old Main Building was still in use.
The memorial fountain is enscribed in Latin with BREVIS A NATURA NOBIS VITA DATA EST AT MEMORIA BENE REDDITAE VITAE SEMPITERA. Translation - A short life hath been given by Nature unto man; but the remembrance of a life laid down in a good cause endureth forever. Beneath this enscription is a memorial bronze plaque that lists all UT students and alumni killed in The Great War.

2011-11-02T10:34:00.006-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

My Spooky House
My vampire Police Girl

Our Graveyard

Taylor Swift

2011-10-28T13:47:00.017-05:00

Wednesday, October 26, I picked Kaitlyn up from school just like any other day HOWEVER, she was about to have one of the biggest surprises EVER! Once we got home Dallas had surprised us with 2 tickets for Kaitlyn and I to go see..........

TAYLOR SWIFT

IN CONCERT

The moment she found out

The excitement in her is exuberating

Kaitlyn's first ride on a Pedicab

Red Carpet Photo Op!

Can hardly wait to get inside..................

We're finally in!

So intense

Singing away

And the music begins...........She said, "it's sooo loud mommy!"

This night was a night I will NEVER forget!

One great memory.......the best pictures of course are the ones inside my mind of us dancing and singing to every song she sang....I wish I could have captured that on film. :)

2011-10-28T11:57:00.004-05:00

Well, pregnancy this time around sure has slowed me down. I've been extremely abscent in so many regards....and blogging is one of them. I have so many pictures to post and stories to tell but I will start with baby steps. :)

These pictures were taken this summer when Nana came to visit.

Kaitlyn turned 6

2011-02-14T21:49:00.013-06:00

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn Paige!

You are the most incredible little person I have ever met in my life! I am so thankful that I get to spend every day watching you imagine, create, learn, and grow. You simply amaze me!

I'm so glad you enjoyed your candy party.

Kaitlyn 6 years old
Kaitlyn & Madison - I can't wait until they are older and see this picture. It's absolutely priceless!

I love this picture with Ro in the background.

My sweet 6 year old. I love you Punkin'!

Kaitlyn with some of her friends at the party.

Maddie only wants the icing! So cute.

UT Baseball

2011-02-14T21:35:00.011-06:00

UT Baseball 1/29/11

This is how we sled in Texas!!!!

And climbing back up the hill is just as exhilarating as going down.

WEEEEEE! She had so much fun at the baseball game sledding on the torn boxes we forgot there was even a game being played. Typical girls!

2011 UT baseball players

It is a really beautiful field

Kaitlyn was very prepared for the day; cool shirt: check, awesome rhinestone jeans: check, cool shades: check. Although daddy didn't think she was UT prepared enough, so first stop......

UT Co-op for a new longhorn shirt.

Playland Skate Center

2011-01-09T23:13:00.005-06:00

Playland Skate Center

1/9/10

Kaitlyn's first adventure with roller skates

Kaitlyn & I had the best day ever! We decided that we wanted to start a new activity together and we both decided that roller skating would be our "special time".

WHATEVER...........talk about a work out! Not only am I working my legs to the bone, I am holding a 6 year old up as well. My body is in complete shock tonight.

Although it seemed to be a complete struggle in the begining, it was completely worth it! I was not able to get many pictures due to the lack of hands, but I was able to capture a few.

Anyone want to join us next week?

2011-01-06T20:24:00.009-06:00

New Year's 2010

Celebrated at the Beaston's

2011-01-06T19:28:00.018-06:00

Daddy & Kaitlyn's hike (picnic) on Mt. Bonnell

2011-01-06T19:13:00.007-06:00

"My Winter Wonderland"

These pictures were taken in my home town. I love when it snows! Snow is always a sure thing of happiness for the kids (everyone above the age of 1 in my family are considered kids when it snows!)

Mt. Vernon, IL 12/24/10 - 12/25/10

Grandpa, Kaitlyn, Nana & "Stew"art Prescott (the bunny)...no 'bun' intended..Ha Ha!

Kaitlyn & Stew

Kaitlyn with Stewart Prescott & Rizzo Fluffy Fluff's mama

Travis Conner (8)

Kaitlyn Blachly (5)

Kaitlyn's first time on a snow sled

Dallas' truck 1st time in snow (he had to have this picture)

2011-01-06T18:30:00.006-06:00

Merry Christmas from The Blachly's & Conner's

Kinder Christmas Play

2010-12-13T19:07:00.009-06:00

Summitt Elementary Kindergarten Christmas Play

~2010~

Kaitlyn's Best Friend at school - McKayla

Kaitlyn just found me ~ she would not stop talking to me when she is suppose to be singing songs...Imagine that!

Daddy was so proud of his little rag doll.

I made the rag doll outfit without purchasing one item! So proud of myself.

2010-12-01T23:36:00.006-06:00

Happy Holiday's From the Blachly's

Just a taste of my village that I love so much.

Our new ornaments this year; Kaitlyn: Eiffel tower, Dallas & Jenny: Big Fat Snow Men holding presents....I loved them from hello!

Our tree with the topper that I just noticed was not straight! Thank goodness for pictures!

I love Christmas! I am sure there will be more pictures to come!

2010 Kaitlyn with Santa

2010-12-01T21:20:00.008-06:00

My little snow bunny going to see Santa.......and I hope I at least have one more year to look forward to.

The most wonderful Nana in the world said, "bad idea about buying beige snow boots, they will be completely filthy the first time she wears them."

Guess what Nana???? They are not!

I love the Texan Santa! Check out those cowboy boots.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-01T20:44:00.012-06:00

Thanksgiving 2010 with Grandpa & Nana

We started our day going downtown to enjoy horsd'oeuvres at McCormick and Schmick's. After that we enjoyed watching Kaitlyn on Congress until the parade arrived.

Mom, Dad, Dallas & Pumpkin' Noodle

"Kaitlyn on Congress"

She was having a blast not only showing off for Nana & Grandpa, but for everyone else there to watch the parade. What a ham!!

Kaitlyn being Kaitlyn

She is the most fun child to be with....I am so lucky!

Not the best photo, but a building inside a building photo

I love this one!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T19:48:00.017-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

~2010~

We went to the Beaston's again this year and had a blast!! The kids are at the most adorable and enjoyable ages. Kaitlyn asked if we could trick or treat with Maddie every year for the rest of our lives.

Adam, Maddie & Kailtyn

Kaitlyn topped this cake herself.....she picked out the worms and said, "this will be really gross!"

Kaitlyn the Vampirette

Scary

I loved this picture because of the way Maddie is looking at Adam....Brother/Sister Love!!

Best Friends!

Maddie, Kaitlyn, Austin, Ethan, Adam & Lauren

The Trick or Treat Ride

Look at her eyes!

The really cool haunted house

The mummies after a long night of chasing after their little gobblins!

2010 Labor Day Weekend...New Pots, Plants & Decor

2010-09-06T20:20:00.011-05:00

~September 6~

Blachly Time

Potting Plants, Playing Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, Playing outdoor tennis and swimming....

2010-09-06T17:25:00.018-05:00

~September 5th~

Lake Travis

Blachly's and Webber's

Kaitlyn patiently waiting for the boat.

Daddy wanted to take a picture of us.

I suprised Dallas ...

Margie...

Kaitlyn and Ava threw an entire bag of chips in to see if the fish would bite......very creative way for a child to fish.

Dallas and Von

Lake Travis Sunset

Enjoying the Pier

View from the Pier

2010 Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T16:56:00.007-05:00

September 4th

As always, the best time with the Beaston's!!! Also, we were so happy that Von, Margie and Ava were able to come see us. It had been too long.....speaking of too long, Robert Webber came along and we have not seen him since our wedding. What a pleasure it was! Overall, just a great day with friends and family.

Breaststroke

2010-08-30T22:25:00.003-05:00

We are still working on keeping the head still in the water and to breathe from one side, but at the age of 5....I have to say, quite impressive!! Go Kailtyn!

Kindergarten Here We Come!!!!

2010-08-24T21:43:00.004-05:00

Kaitlyn's 1st Day of Kindergarten at Summitt Elementary

2nd Tooth

2010-08-20T23:24:00.002-05:00

2nd Tooth 8/20/10

Summitt Elementary

2010-08-20T22:48:00.003-05:00

GOING PUBLIC.....Summitt Elementary

GO EAGLES!!!

Yesterday was Kailtyn's "meet the teacher" day. How exciting.....not only was "I" a nervous wreck, Kaityln walked into Summitt like she knew where she was going.....OHHH BOY!!!

Kaitlyn has been introduced to several different "learning" establishments since she was born. We our proud of the decisions we have made for her in the early education department. I was the hesitant one in putting Kaitlyn in public school (which is what I attended myself and my parents so kindly reminded me) however, the second I met Ms. Brannies, Kaitlyn's Kindergarten teacher................I WAS MORE EXCITED THAN KAITLYN!!!!!

We are so proud of her and can't wait to see her grow into the most amazing girl we could have ever asked for.

WE LOVE YOU & ARE SO PROUD OF YOU PUNKIN' NOODLE!!

Lillian Vernon

2010-08-20T21:28:00.005-05:00

I love outdoor living!

I found this really inexpensive website that I thought I would share. Keep in mind, you have to search for items, not always the best products right in front of you.... www.lillianvernon.com

I purchased the small gecko for $9.98 to hang on my fence....anyone that knows me well, knows this gecko will be a red gecko!

All 3 $29.98

3 Stones in a set: $9.99 a set. Keep in mind they are not as hardy as real stepping stones. Nice for party nights or just to have for one summer.

Hope you enjoy!

Ms. Molly

2010-08-09T21:25:00.006-05:00

Oh Heir to Molly!!!

Molly is a reciprocate to the family heir loom......NOT!

Just a family battle. My family decided years ago that we all have enough throughout the year so, why is it necessary to give gifts at Christmas that no one would want anyway.

Family idea: purchase one gift that will be equal to a male or female......YEAH Right! My family is way to competitive. It doesn't matter if it is a teddy bear or the most wonderful flash light (flash lights seem to appear every year).

Well, then there is Molly.

Molly was the most beautiful, fluffy, soft, white bear you had ever seen. In my very young years I had a strong competitive nature at that time, right? Not only was I competitive, my family was competitive too. I told my dad- you better get me that bear!

WELL, I got the bear. At that young age, I did not realize how other people may have feelings too, so I fought and fought and then I put the pressure on my dad and he fought some more. WINNER....Jenny!

Although, I may have won, I hurt feelings in the time being. I did not know that at the time due to my immaturity (what was my dad's deal then right?).

My grandmother in-law was, let's just say older...and that was my biggest competition. She was really upset that I won (Dad won), Molly!

So, here's to Molly, Ms. Hobbs and my learning experience. I wanted to post a picture of Molly today. She has been a part of my life since that Christmas and very well loved. Now, she is part of my daughter's life and I know will continue to be loved.

Thanks Conner's, Hobb's & Gream's for such a wonderful Christmas experience!!!

Kaitlyn Joined Swim Team

2010-08-07T22:21:00.005-05:00

Kaitlyn has been registered for Nitro Swim in Cedar Park- check it out at: http://www.nitroswim.com/

We have been waiting for the perfect moment to put her in a swim program that she will really accelerate in. She is such a great swimmer and we have finally found the perfect place! She will start September 4, please wish her luck!

Kaitlyn's 1st Tooth came out

2010-07-23T20:18:00.002-05:00

Kaitlyn has lost something......................Guess who has it?

THE TOOTH FAIRY!

Conner Grandkids

2010-07-21T23:24:00.011-05:00

Conner Grandkids

Grandpa thinks, "these are the coolest kids in the entire world!" I have to say, "I concur"!

AUNTIE JENN LOVES TRAVIS, ASHLYN, KAITLYN & JAY MORE THAN THIS WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!!

July 4th at Grandpa & Nana's

2010-07-21T22:15:00.009-05:00

4th of July at Grandpa & Nana's

Jay, Kaitlyn & Ashlyn "thought" they were going to have a sleep over at the 'barn house' with me however, it only lasted for about 45 minutes until Jay & Ash wanted to walk across the yard to go home. It was a really fun 45 min. :)
Kaitlyn was trying to get down to take a picture with the chics, but they were grazing too fast for her to get the picture! Too cute!

My little one is the biggest city girl farmer/rancher out there!

The chics seemed to really like Jay! Jay wasn't too sure about it!

They love hard!!!!!

Beaston's House

2010-07-21T19:52:00.003-05:00

OH, how I love this girl! Thank you Samantha for being one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. I am so happy to be able to share all the wonderful memories we have started together as friends & mothers and growing together as phycho mom's that will follow our children around together when they are older!!! Hee! Hee! :) I love you!

2010-06-02T19:29:00.010-05:00

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

Kaitlyn with Madison & Rohan

Her very best of friends

2010-06-02T19:19:00.002-05:00

Just a Swingin'

2010-06-02T19:12:00.006-05:00

Kaitlyn, Rohan, Samantha & Sadie

Hangin' with the Beaston's

2010-06-02T18:49:00.006-05:00

Hangin' with the Beaston's

Sarah, Sam & I hangin' out with Carrie Underwood

2010-05-13T21:20:00.012-05:00

My Silly Oregano

2010-04-19T20:39:00.007-05:00

Button Project: Successful..............

Kaitlyn said to me, "mommy, I don't want my school plant to have buttons in it." That was before the project began.........Final product......Kaitlyn said, "mommy will you put the buttons in my plant too?" HELLO crafty mom........

turned out cute huh?

My Brother Russ, San Antonio & Texas Roadhouse

2010-04-19T19:22:00.007-05:00

Kaitlyn & I drove to San Antonio to meet my brother for lunch.......needless to say, I have not a clue about anything in San Antonio, except the Riverwalk and what is on it. So as we are about to walk out the door, my brother from Charlotte, North Carolina tells me..."you know that there's some sort of huge festival going on and it's going to be really hard to find a place on the Riverwalk to eat....(you know in that man's voice--you know what I'm talking about).....well, I hadn't the slightest............so, we planned on driving to SA and figure it out from there.

I really thought about this...I thought, this is not that big of a deal...we've had crowds before so, I called Rainforest Cafe' to see if we can make a reservation. YEAH, RIGHT! 2 1/2 wait. I know Russ has been to SA before BUT, he has not eaten at the Rainforest Cafe' (at least not with me & Kaitlyn) and Kaitlyn loves it there.........I contemplated, I contemplated, and after 45 min. of driving to meet my brother for lunch.......I know my brother Russ, he would have killed me!

Plan B: drive til' we meet in the middle (he was driving from nowhere'sville about an 1 1/2 north of San Antonio).............and of course, this was his idea.

So, long story short. I get to see my beloved brother, and we eat at: drum roll please................

Texas Roadhouse ....are you kidding me?

I love you Russ!

Sissy Rat trying to make it simple

Today is a wonderful day

2010-04-15T21:57:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I realize I am stressed out.....and sometimes, I realize somehow I take it out on the one's I love the most. So call today a stress free day.............

I am happy that I can look forward to seeing my mom & dad
I am happy I get to read the Bible to my child every night before she goes to sleep (thank you mom)
I am happy that my brother that lives in South Carolina is in San Antonio until next Saturday, so I get to see him, hopefully
I am happy that my mom is my best friend in this whole entire world
I am happy that my youngest brother is building a fish pond in his front yard, that he thinks is awesome - because my great aunt had one and I thought it was the most amazing thing ever and I still remember her with Russ & I out there
I am so happy that my Dad is the coolest person I know and I miss him every day but, I know he is just around the corner
I am happy that my very best friends are not needy
I am happy that I still get to look forward to a future at the age of 35
I am happy that my grandparents would be proud of me

and most of all...........I am so happy that I am a "flower mom"......that is what Kaitlyn told me today. I hope that means I am doing a good job!

Easter 2010 - Egg hunt

2010-04-06T22:59:00.013-05:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T23:48:00.017-05:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-02T23:24:00.012-05:00

2010-03-28T22:57:00.005-05:00

We went to a party today at the Zilker Clubhouse. What an amazing venue....so beautiful and gorgeous sites............Thank you Carols for the invite.

2010-03-28T21:33:00.016-05:00

Tonight we went to Kaitlyn's first Texas Rollergirls Rock-n-Rollerderby. It was so fun.......she had a blast !

Dallas' cousin Mindy (AKA: Rita Menweep) is the captain of the Honky Tonk Heartbeakers team and she is awesome! She literally would knock a girl down and then give her pretty smile to the crowd ~ it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I can't wait until the next bout of matches. The game is the last Sunday of every month at the Playland Skate Center (girls are not paid and all money goes to charity).

I highly recommend going!

Mindy, I mean Rita Menweep is bottom row, far right.

Rita's Signs we held up.

Kailtyn was so into the action of it all...........

Rita looking over at us during the game....Just kidding she is blocking that girl behind her that has a star on her head....the star symbols the points in the game.

Rita wears the tall white socks...she is a blocker

And the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kaitlyn and her 2nd cousin Mindy (Rita Menweep).

San Antonio

2010-03-24T21:42:00.005-05:00

This past weekend Kaitlyn & I went to meet my college roommate and her family in San Antonio for a day of fun at the Children's museum & the Riverwalk. Well, as we all know the weather was not the best! We still hit the museum & had lunch on the Riverwalk at the Rainforest Cafe' ~ after an hour 1/2 of waiting we decided to eat on the bottom level because it was going to be another 30-45 min. wait. Can you even believe that? Even though the weather was not the best, we still had the best time ever!!............and then it goes on...........

So, we go back to the hotel and Allison's mom was going to keep the kids while Jennifer, Allison & I went and spent some girl time together ---shopping! Somewhere during the running around stage Allison was looking on her handy dandy iphone and noticed that Sea World was closed Monday (the day that the travel agent booked tickets). Now, there is a few problems with this.... why did the travel agent not know that Sea World was closed & why did Sea World sell them tickets for that day? HUMMMM.......So, Allison called Sea World. This is how the conversation went:

"Hi, my name is Allison and my travel agent had booked us tickets for your park on Monday however, I just noticed while looking into your website that you will be closed that day." Agent: "Yes ma'am we are going to be closed." Allison: "Well sir, I hope you can do something about this because this is not going to turn into "family vacation" where I have 5 kids here that want to go to your park and when we arrive there is an moose outside that says, "Sorry folks, parks closed!" I know we are in Texas an all and I am sure that I can go to any convenient store to get me a b-b gun and you will be taking my family through Sea World if you don't fix this." Mr. Shawn the Sea World rep. honestly could not contain himself and promised that everything would be OK.

Kaitlyn & I decided to stay to enjoy another day with my friends at Sea World.......but honestly, I think deep down I was looking forward to watching Allison kidnap an employee hostage to take us around the park........

I swear Allison Ezzell is the funniest person I know.

Unfortunately, I did not have my camera to capture any of these wonderful moments but, here are just a few shots I got with my phone.

Kaitlyn's Style

2010-02-22T21:48:00.007-06:00

Kaitlyn's Room

I come home from work one day and Kaitlyn says, "Mommy, mommy, I cleaned up my room...you are going to be so happy!" I hope you all get the key words "you are going to be so happy". I get to her room and she has every stuffed animal out, every baby doll, every barbie, and every toy you can imagine....BUT organized. As I look at her room, I decide right then and there I am such a fuddy duddy. She has taken it upon herself to show me that kids will be kids. She truely thought that dragging out everything and placing it all in a line will make me happy. Although she has pulled out all stops, she has shown me that I need to take more time to realize she is 5.................AND, she did it in an organized way, so I have to applaud that!

Kaitlyn's barbie house: everything you can imagine that work's with the house Kaitlyn has pulled over to play with. Not only has she pulled out every toy but, she has them organized.

Every baby, stuffed animal, doll, pillow & santa have been lined up along her bed so she can "see" them. Check out my stuffed animal "molly" and Kaitlyn's hello kittly hangin' in the stroller waiting for a ride.

This is Kaitlyns room........per Mommy standard.

Bye Bye Sadie

2010-02-20T17:00:00.009-06:00

Today, our beautiful dachshund terrior went to a new loving home. Dallas and I have been looking for a home for Sadie for a while due to her behavior. Sadie is not good with little kids. She has bitten a friend of ours son 2 times and Kaitlyn probably 3-5 times. We wanted her in a loving home from a referral or a home we could possibly go visit from time to time instead of selling her or even giving her away through craigslist. Well, the day was today. A very nice family referred by our neighbor came and took our Sadie today. I think Dallas and Kaitlyn are just fine.....but for some reason even though I would get so mad at that little stinker, I can't stop crying. We'll miss our Sadie Girl!!!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T20:09:00.011-06:00

Today, we went bike riding, lost the dogs for a second, cleaned the house, had fun with arts and crafts.....and took a family photo...btw, dallas was not that into it~ so I simply made him put a tie on with his sleep pants and undershirt..he was ok then. Hope you all had as great of a day as we did!

Austin Museum of Art

2010-02-13T20:55:00.007-06:00

Today, Aunt Kari took Kaitlyn to the Austin Museum of Art. The museum has a family day the 2nd Saturday of every month. Kaitlyn had a blast! Thank you Aunt Kari ~ WE LOVE YOU!

2010-02-12T19:59:00.001-06:00

This is almost sinful....but I couldn't help myself

2010-02-12T19:48:00.003-06:00

This is for you mom

2010-02-07T15:56:00.017-06:00

She did it!! She is on 2 wheels

2010-01-28T20:25:00.005-06:00

Kaitlyn's 5th Birthday Party

2010-01-28T20:10:00.007-06:00

That's what friends are for..............

2010-01-20T22:55:00.006-06:00

Conner Christmas

2009-12-29T23:47:00.015-06:00

Blachly Christmas

2009-12-29T22:25:00.010-06:00

2009-10-10T20:51:00.007-05:00

Pumpkin Carving 2009

My dad has a pumpkin patch that he did for his grandkids. Kaitlyn returned home from Il. with 3 different shaped pumpkins that are awesome. We decided to carve 2 of them and paint the big one. I will post the painted pumpkin once completed.

Kaitlyn's Pumpkin

Mommy's Pumpkin

Check out skin & bones below in the fireplace..... :)

Even at Almost 5 ~ Don't Turn Your Head for a Second

2009-10-09T20:55:00.004-05:00

Long Live the Carpet

A few spills here and there, 2 dogs, 1 pool, 1 spa & 1 child, our carpet has made it thorough the past 3 1/2 years. Well, after this past week, Long Live the Carpet! Kaitlyn decided to do her arts & crafts in the living room floor. As you will see below exhibit A, B, & C. My professional cleaning skills failed so now I have to proceed with the big dogs (carpet cleaning company). If that doesn't work..............

I guess I get wood planking! (wish me luck)

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Rain, Rain, Go Away

2009-10-06T00:29:00.014-05:00

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND...........

My best friend Chanda and her husband John came to knock out two birds with one stone.....how were they suppose to know it was going to rain 3 days and 3 nights when ACL was going on..................

Kaitlyn was "showing off" that she could understand what John & Chanda were going through because, her party in her backyard was flooded too................

OOOPPPS.....

Somehow, they still look good enjoying it!

Lovin' Trudy's

All I can say about this one is....OMG...how cute!

Princess Chanda

Princess Chanda teaching princess Kaitlyn .......

Oh yeah, it was still a muddy mess...

Somehow, Kaitlyn love it!!!!! Thank you Uncle John & Aunt Chanda for coming and spending time with us.

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

San Antonio

2009-09-27T18:12:00.011-05:00

Once we arrived home.....my sweet child was exhausted BUT, Nana made her take a few pictures. What a trooper!

The Alamo

Riverwalk boat tour

The Alamo

Fountains in the hotel

In the mall

Blown Glass Company

Kate's Backyard Photoshoot (by Mommy)

2009-08-24T19:44:00.012-05:00

Pool Party

2009-08-24T18:29:00.011-05:00

Waco Zoo

2009-07-11T23:10:00.015-05:00

The Waco Zoo

Kaitlyn & Madison (BFF's) were able to experience the Waco Zoo for the first time with each other. This zoo is amazing. Lot's of trees - shady areas and has all the animals you would expect to see at a zoo. This picture was taken right when we arrived....don't they look so excited......BTW it was very hot!!!

Kaitlyn checking out the Lili Pads....she wanted to know where the frogs were.

This was to coolest dude.....Turtles are slow right???? Once he moved, we realized he really is the slowest guy on earth. Love the tortes. Laid back and never in a hurry!!!

For some reason, even tough this picture did not turn out clear, I love it! Sort of like a painted mirage.

So far, every visit to a zoo we have this photo....so I continue to post it and love the memory.

This was soooooo very cute. Adam was in the stroller however, he did not think it was fair that the girls were able to go enjoy the tee-pee, so as you see in this photo....he is on a mission.

We bought fish food........we thought it would be funny to feed the turkey the fish food. He enjoyed our visit that day.

I love this photo for one reason.......my mom's favorite animal is the giraffe....So, Mom I have posted a picture of your lovely Kaitlyn with a giraffe--Enjoy.

2009-06-19T22:29:00.019-05:00

"Bushel and a Peck" 2009 Dance Recital

Jessamine & Kaitlyn

Leah and Adysen

Kaitlyn, Jesika, Adysen, Leah, Lindsey, Lillian, Chloe, Jessamine, Addy & Claire.We were missing Sharanya & Miranda :(

Chloe, Lindsey, Kaitlyn & Jesika

Addy & Jesika

Leah, Adysen & Miranda

Claire & Lillian

2009-05-30T13:04:00.001-05:00

2009-05-02T21:44:00.000-05:00

2009-04-14T01:11:00.000-05:00

RIDE'EM COWGIRL.....

2009-04-13T21:59:00.000-05:00

"Our Little Water Bug"

2005

2006

2007

2008

2008 Dive

2009 ~ Deep End Band

Kaitlyn went to the YMCA today and recieved her "deep end" band. I am so proud and I thought I would share.

2009-04-13T20:59:00.000-05:00

Easter 2009

Kaitlyn's first experience coloring Easter eggs ~~all by herself........
Rinsing the eggs to cool them off...............
Smelling the vinegar and she said, "this is stinky!"............

Ready to color....................

Placing the eggs in the dye...................

Watching the eggs...............

Still watching the eggs....................

FINALLY.............the finished product. She was so proud of her beautiful eggs, and I was so proud of her!

2009-04-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

GUESS WHO?????

~KaItLyN & MaDiSon~

Best Friends Forever

I love this picture!!! I have to give props to Samantha on all the photos, but this is my fav....Priceless!

The girls were suppose to make a face like the Shark was eating them........Kaitlyn just stuck her tongue out and Madison was still posing from the first picture........scary huh???

"Say Cheese....."

2009-04-09T20:02:00.000-05:00

2009-04-04T19:46:00.000-05:00

"Swimming With a Mermaid"

Kaitlyn went to a birthday party today and there was a Real Live Mermaid that she was able to swim with!!!! Kaitlyn thought it was the coolest thing that has ever happened.

2009-03-21T20:19:00.001-05:00

This has been such an incredible weekend. I was able to share it with the two most important people in my life......after going to Mayfield Park today, so many memories just kept running through my head, so I thought I would share with you pictures from what was the beginning our our lives...........

2009-03-21T17:45:00.000-05:00

The Blachly's

2009-03-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Mayfield Park

2009-03-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

"DIRT PARTY"

Last night we went over to The Beaston's and when we arrived we saw the neighborhood friends hanging out at the Bint's driveway. I have to set this up for a visual.....everyone was hanging out at a dining room table on the front drive way (the table was in the garage b/c it is for sell) and there was a trailor full of dirt that the kids were playing in...needless to say, we had a blast!!!! We ended up ordering pizza and making a party of it!

2009-03-21T11:39:00.000-05:00

~ Sea World ~

This was the cutest show of all......."The Cannery Row Caper." Comical sea lion duo Clyde and Seamore where the sea lions attempt to unravel the mystery of disappearing fish in a nearby cannery. The set features a wharf exterior with a cannery, ice house and loading dock, as well as the interior of a diner and an office. Built-in special effects like water cannons and water jets are part of the fun and practical effects featured in each show.

"Big Bird's Beach Party"
Kaitlyn was able to dance and sing with the Seasame Street Gang. It took a few minutes, but once she got comfortable.....she was ready to jump on that stage with Big Bird & Elmo. She was the only child that kept getting in touble by the "stage protector lady".....I just thought it was funny.

Shamu was such a great experience for Kaitlyn...she could not believe how big they were. She decided since there were 4 Shamu's in the pool one was Daddy, one was mommy, one was sister and one was brother....who know's maybe she's right.

I love this picture!!!

Santa Claus is coming to town

2008-12-29T22:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2008

Kaitlyn was so excited to sit on Santa's lap to tell him what she wanted for Christmas. She started talking before she even hit his lap.

Look at the hands.....she is still talking......I love it!!!!

Kaitlyn's 4th B'day

2008-12-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

Puppy Name Update

2008-12-15T20:37:00.000-06:00

Marley...................

The New Addition to the Family

2008-11-04T19:38:00.001-06:00

Nameless Pup.....ooohhh!!!!

The newest addition to the family:

DOB: 8/30/08

Name: Unknown

Hospital: http://www.buypup.com/

2008-10-31T21:17:00.000-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008

Sapientia Montessori School

2008-10-21T20:02:00.001-05:00

Kaitlyn started attending Sapientia Montessori School in Cedar Park on September 2. I am proud to announce that she loves it. She is involved in additional enrichment programs such as Tumblebus, Soccer and Spanish. The school is a good distance from our house, but seeing her grow and learn is well worth my "road rage".

Our New Pet

2008-10-20T21:13:00.001-05:00

What an interesting evening.....Kaitlyn as calm as she could be said, "mommy, there is an owl in the other room." As I would assume most parents would, first, your child knowing what an owl is at 3 and second telling you there was one in your other room was to me.....far fetched. Once Kaitlyn grabbed my arm and told me to come and see this owl.....obviously I did not have a choice. Well, as she pointed to the exposed beams in the living room ceiling....there hung an owl upside down with it's beady eyes glaring at us. I grabbed my little dog as quickly as I could and told Kaitlyn to get back. I shut us off into the office and called 3-1-1.

THANKS FOR THE HELP COA!!!!

They told me to get a broom..................sounds like "the witch is in!"

The Pumpkins

2008-10-20T21:05:00.000-05:00

2008 Pumpkins

I am not sure if this one is worried, surprised or sad......

The bat...............

Long Lost Love

2008-10-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

I found these pictures tonight and just about lost it.....I miss my "little girl" so much and it is so hard and exciting at the same time to see her grow. These pictures were taken by Samantha Beaston on Kaitlyn's first day at her house when she was taking care of her. The little boy is Ethan and it just looks like the two of them were meant to be friends. How cute!

"The Witch is in"

2008-10-14T20:46:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share some of our halloween decor' with you......I love halloween!!!

Please stop by this year and pick up some good ol' treats.

Handtowels....how silly.

This is Ned....he is dead......he talks to you.....and he also likes to stick his tongue out....somehow I don't think Ned is quite right!

The most appropriate of them all......my front door "the witch is in!" Go ahead figure this one out on your own.......I think when Dallas said it was appropriate he was referring to me....... but, I still have not yet got it.

Short but sweet....happy halloween folks!

Officially Spoiled

2008-09-26T18:50:00.001-05:00

The great thing is.....Kaitlyn has a new outfit, hair ties and clips......

So, today on our way home after picking the "spoiled" one up from school, she told me---key word, "told" me that there is going to be a box at the front door for her. I proceeded to let her know that she doesn't just get boxes left at the front door for her on a regular basis. As confidently as she could possibly be, she said, "well, there will be one there today." I explained to her I did not want her feelings to get hurt if there was not a package, so I told her "there would not be one."

Well, little did I know.....the "spoiled" one showed me. We pull in the drive and got out of the car. She ran to the front door and brought me a box........what in the world........NANA????? I knew Nana was getting her this button dress, like Kaitlyn's cousin, but boy, did I feel like the jellyfish today.

So, here you go Nana, here is her button dress however, she will not put the blouse on. By the way it is really cute. It has buttons on the sleeves.

Chanda and John's Wedding Weekend

2008-09-21T00:08:00.001-05:00

Chanda and John Teas

Septemember 13, 2008

The happy couple

The beautiful Bride Chanda

Jenny's Weeeeeevvvveeeeee..........you have to know us to know us........

I'll take one of you if you take one of me.......I wonder how mine turned out????

Not sure if Jill is Rockin' hard or hookin' horns........

Three Amigos

Jess & Me

Black Sheep---Like I said, You have to know us, to know us.....I love each one of these girls so much................

Jill and Tara

Chanda, Lori, good witch, and bad witch

(don't you think the witches should have been switched....switched---hee hee)

"Mysterious" Kaitlyn

2008-09-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

Today, Kaitlyn and I had another mommy/daughter day. We went to Luby's for lunch and then went to get mani/pedi's. It was so nice and fun......

So, we get home and Kaitlyn knocks on the wall and runs to me and says, "Mommy, someone is at the door." Of course I knew it was her knock so I went with it....I said, "Should we go answer the door and find out who it is?" She said, no.....come on let's hide. So, we ran to the back bedroom and hid in the bathtub. I asked her, should we go answer the door? and she said, "no, mommy, this is mysterious!"

I love that my little girl has found life to be "mysterious". I hope it never stops and she enjoys the ride the whole way through........I know that her Nana & Grandpa really want her to be close to them, but since she is not, I have to say.....I think they have a huge part in her life and how she thinks life to be "mysterious". She pretends all the time with Nana and Grandpa in mind, and most of the time we are pretending we are on a plane going to their house. I am so proud of Kaitlyn and her imagination and I know they are too.

Brushy Creek Water Park

2008-08-31T21:26:00.001-05:00

Kaitlyn running through water........she is absolutely having a blast!

The big collied.......Kaitlyn and this other girl ran smack into one another when running through the same water explosion. Kaitlyn looked at me like she was about to start crying and all the sudden, she stands up and starts running around again.......YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

Kaitlyn is having a blast running around the water park. Just look at that smile!!!!!!

Kids just really need God and Santa....Right???

2008-08-29T19:29:00.000-05:00

I had the best conversation with Kaitlyn on our way home from school today.

K: Where is God?
M: In Heaven.
K: Does He watch us?
M: Yes, everyday.
K: I want to go to Heaven.
M: I want to go to Heaven too and we will one day....in a long, long time.
K: I want to go today.
M: We don't get to decide when we get to go to Heaven. God let's us know. He will come down from Heaven and pick us up. Then, He drives us to His palace....but....only when God is ready for us.
K: Then we get to go back home?
M: Honey, Heaven will be our home once God comes to pick us up.
K: Will Santa come to see me there too?
M: You bet!!!!!

God bless kids!!!!!!

2008-08-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn's First Beret

Kaitlyn's Going to Dance

2008-08-25T18:57:00.000-05:00

We are so excited.......

Kaitlyn starts dance class this week.

I took pictures of Kaitlyn before dance class starts.... so you all could enjoy her excitment like I have been doing over the past few weeks:

(by the way, this is Kaitlyn's plie)

And we hope and pray all the excitement doesn't go away and lead to this........................

2008-08-18T20:38:00.000-05:00

Saturday---What a great day!!!!

2008-08-18T20:14:00.000-05:00

Remembering our Dear Friend

2008-08-18T19:22:00.001-05:00

GRAHAM SCOTT RAFF

One of our dearest of friends Graham, is gone. Graham had the ability to make you smile whether you wanted to or not. I heard from a lifelong friend of his, that he can't even remember what color Graham's eyes were because he was so focused on his teeth....Graham smiled all the time! Graham had lived so much life in his short time.....he lived for the moment and enjoyed every minute of it.

I remember Graham coming over to the house the night before he was going sky diving (which was a regular occurrence for him) and asked if Dallas and I would like to go........which, neither of us did however, somehow I wish that I could enjoy that fearless life he had. Graham was not afraid to live life and in his 31 years here with his friends and family, trust me....he enjoyed life.

Graham did so much for so many people and would stop everything to help if you needed it. In my 5 years in Austin, Graham has moved my things 3 times. Like I said, anything for anyone.....moving is not fun!

I will miss our dear friend.

We love you Graham Cracker!!!!

Kaitlyn's Piano Recital

2008-08-05T19:07:00.000-05:00

That poor boy....Kaitlyn just pulled him around like a rag doll. This is a German dance that the kids learned from Mrs. Valerie (who is incredibly awesome).