December 31, 2011

Happy New Years Eve

I hope everyone is having a wonderful New Years Eve and spending today/tonight with family and friends. We are enjoying a long weekend in Lufkin with Kevin's parents. Last night we got to have a double date with Willie and Jennifer while Allison stayed home with her grandparents. Kevin and Gary shot 12 ducks this morning, then we all took Allison to the Lufkin zoo and now headed back to the house to watch the rest of the Aggie game. Hope y'all are having fun and see you next year!

December 27, 2011

New Dog House

A couple weeks ago Kevin spent the weekend building Sophie and Haley a new doghouse.  We left the old one back in Spring when we moved.  This one is definitely bigger and better - the dogs each have their own space and Kevin used extra stone from our fireplace renovation on the outside.  The roof is hinged so we (meaning Kevin) no longer have to climb inside to put new hay in.  Hopefully the dogs will like it.  It's positioned on the porch to try and avoid the wind - not an easy thing here.  We had to take down our wind chimes only a couple days after we hung them up - they were loud and never stopped!


Haley posing with her new house
The roof opens!

December 26, 2011

Christmas Stocking - Then and Now

Here's a picture of Allison with her stocking one year ago for her first Christmas, and one from yesterday.  Its amazing what a difference a year makes.  It has been such a wonderful year for us - watching her grow, moving to a wonderful home in a new city, and finding a church home.  


December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

We hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas and feels as blessed as we do this year.  Here are a few photos of our home decked out for the holidays for the friends and family who weren't able to come and visit this year.  We hope you make it to our house next year.  

Our front door

Kevin put up the lights himself

Kevin and I both have stockings made by our grandmothers.  Kevin's mom and sister helped me make Allison's.

December 23, 2011

Country Christmas

We are hanging out in the Stockyards checking out the decorations and currently having a drink at the White Elephant. Here is a video of Allison showing off her dance moves on the stage.

December 20, 2011

Presents!

I caught someone trying to open a Christmas present early. Luckily it was one for her and she didn't get very far!

Before now Allison had only been interested in the ornaments on the tree and not really noticed the presents underneath - aside from pulling off a couple bows.

December 18, 2011

Bobcats and Coyotes and Turkeys - Oh My

Yesterday morning we took a sunrise walk to the pond in our subdivision to see the ducks before breakfast. We also saw a group of geese flying low overhead and honking - we thought they were going to land in front of us. Kevin went to go stand closer to the pond for a picture and startled a bobcat who was sleeping less than 10 feet from where he and Allison were standing.

This morning on our way to church we saw a coyote run across the road, and a couple wild turkeys as we were driving back home. So much for suburban sprawl!

December 15, 2011

Balance beam

3 weeks ago she wouldn't go near the beams at Little Gym. Now it's one of her favorite things. Not the most graceful dismount but she kept her balance.

December 14, 2011

Morning routine

First we brush our teeth. Then we attack the bed head. Allison can brush her own teeth but it requires holding all 3 toothbrushes. I may have trained her a little too well. Maybe I should send this to my dentist - he would be so proud!

December 10, 2011

Dancing with daddy

Allison is 15 months old today. You can see how happy she is in this video twirling around the living room with her daddy. Note the baseball cap Kevin hung on the tree instead of putting it away earlier.

We've had a fun afternoon. A couple friends from church came by to help us make some homemade treat baskets for the church nursery staff. In between watching the kids play (reason ornaments not up yet) we made hot cocoa mix, granola and Oreo truffles. Our house smells amazing.

December 7, 2011

Eskimo Kiss

Allison and my dad saying goodbye before he heads back to Houston. The dogs are already moping, they love when my dad visits.

December 6, 2011

Sleepy girl

Yesterday we had a full morning. Holly and Brooklyn came over for an early playdate then Allison and I braved the rain to get groceries. I guess she played harder than I thought, she fell asleep a few minutes before we hit checkout. Luckily we had puppy with us which made a great pillow. Allison napped the whole way home and for 2 hours after that and was ready for playgroup yesterday afternoon with her friends Abby and Gus. We also got to meet Gus's new little sister, sweet baby Carson.

Hope everyone had a great Monday and stay warm!

December 3, 2011

Our Crazy Big Saturday

Kevin is on his way to his first Little Gym class with Allison, them we are meeting up for pictures with Santa at BNSF. Tonight our Sunday school Christmas party is at our house. Pictures coming soon. Hope you are having a fun December too!

December 1, 2011

Thursday night adventure

Allison in front of the fountains at Southlake Towncenter. We came out to walk around and look at the lights. Happy December everyone!

November 29, 2011

Allison's first phone call

Allison made her first solo phone call today. She was playing with my phone, unlocked it and called Kevin's mom on her cell phone. Guess I need to put a password back on my phone or you may be the next one to get a surprise call from Allison.

November 28, 2011

Afternoon naps

Allison cuddled up on the couch for a nap and Sophie decided to join her. So cute and perfect for today. Beef stew is in the crock pot and I'm running around (quietly) trying to get things done while everyone else sleeps.

Home again

We made it home yesterday and are settling back into our regular schedule. All the traveling must have worn Allison out - she slept through the night and then just fell asleep on the carpet next to me a minute ago. Too precious.

November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Allison's first Thanksgiving dinner - this time last year we were still measuring her age in weeks and she wasn't on solid foods. Sweet potato and stuffing were the favorites of the night.
Hope everyone has had a happy Thanksgiving and taken the opportunity to realize how much there is to be thankful for.

Sleeping through Thanksgiving dinner

I guess we can save her some turkey.

November 21, 2011

At the beach

Allison loved the beach and stay in the water until she started getting chilled. She slept through the ferry ride to Aransas then was ready to play when we hit the water.

November 19, 2011

View from the bay house

My phone doesn't have a zoom but the white on the right side of the little island is a dozen pelicans.

November 13, 2011

Kisses from Allison

This morning I was trying to get a photo of Allison wearing one of the new shirts her Nana got her last weekend. I turned on the video camera and actually caught her first time blowing kisses. Finally one time I actually having the camera on when she has a "first"! We hope you think she's as cute as we do.

November 10, 2011

Who wore the dogs out?

Allison wore both dogs out early tonight. I think they will be ready to see her leave tomorrow.

Pasta night

Allison enjoyed both her macaroni and a good portion of my lasagna tonight. I'm quite surprised how little of it is on her shirt, but to make up for that she made sure to rub some in her hair. Next up - bath time.

November 9, 2011

Cuddle buddies

Allison using 'uncle' Sparkie as a chair rest. They have been having fun playing this week, I think tonight she wore him out.

November 6, 2011

Grocery store adventures

Allison had a great time at HEB this afternoon. She got a balloon, a free cookie, free Fritos samples, watched peanut putter being made and someone told she was cute. All I can say is I miss HEB!

November 1, 2011

Merry Christmas?

I was in Kroger at 9am this morning (Nov 1).  The Halloween displays were in boxes in the aisles and they already had a Christmas tree up and the holiday displays were in full display.

In some ways its too early.  But given our travel schedule between now and Christmas I'm considering starting my holiday decorating soon so I actually get some time to enjoy the house while its all pretty, and to justify the time it takes to decorate.  I have lots of Christmas decorations - I don't have any fall or thanksgiving decorations so its easy to just skip over those!

October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween

Yesterday we had Trunk or Treat at Church from 4-7.  The weather was great, but too warm for Allison to wear her ladybug costume.  Instead she was a little kitty cat.  She can't say 'trick or treat' yet, so she traded high fives for candy until she got overwhelmed by too many people.

Hope everyone has a great and safe Halloween tonight and tomorrow I should have ladybug pictures.
Halloween Allison with her treat bag

October 29, 2011

Family Fun

The Wadlington side of the family all got together today in College Station at Stacey's house. Allison is loving the attention!

October 20, 2011

Ready to play outside

Long sleeves, jacket, socks and hat. Now we are ready to go for a walk.

October 18, 2011

Fun in the toy box

Yesterday Allison climbed into her toy box and had fun being surrounded by toys. Getting her out was a different issue!

October 15, 2011

All dressed up but no ticket for Allison

Stacey took Kevin to the Aggie game vs Baylor. Allison got dressed up anyways for her playdate with Bailey dog.

October 10, 2011

Butterflies

On our walk tonight we found two milkweed plants full of butterflies. Much more fun than the fire ants we found!

October 6, 2011

Chocolate Soup

More of our playdate adventures.  Michael and Allison made 'chocolate soup' in the dogs water bucket outside.  Then we had quiet time (a nap for Allison), a trip to the playground and homemade cookies.  It was a big afternoon!

 

Right after this they both started splashing and needed dry clothes when they came in!

Playdate

Today we got to have Michael over for a playdate.  Here are photos of Allison having her first ever marshmallow - Michael brought them for snacktime and offered to share.  In the first hour we've watched 2 movies (not all the way through), had a couple snacks and played with the puppies.  I expect an energy crash at some point - at least I can hope for one!
 

October 4, 2011

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday Kevin and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary.  We had a great dinner at home, and will go out to a nice dinner while Allison stays with friends in a couple weeks.  I hope everyone had a great Monday.

October 1, 2011

Maroon Out

We are geared up for game day. Thanks Stacey for giving us Aggie dresses this year as birthday gifts!

September 30, 2011

Goodbye formula

Tonight we finished off the last of the formula. We bought whole milk - which I can't remember ever having in the house. Another step to Allison becoming a big girl.

September 28, 2011

Learning to sew

Our last trip to Lufkin I had my first sewing machine lesson. I successfully made a new dog bed cover. When the dogs wouldn't sit still for a photo Allison took over. So far it meets kid and dog approval. Next step - curtains for the master bedroom.

September 15, 2011

Driving

A big thank you to April for taking this picture at Moms and Tots today. This was the first time Allison rode in a car her size. Her feet didn't touch the floor so I pushed her around. She looks pretty happy, guess we better start the car fund.

New Clothes

The temp was below 80 when we went out today so Allison got to break in a new birthday outfit. She didn't quite get the long sleeves at first and kept tugging on them! She looks so grown up.

September 14, 2011

Playgroup girls

Sadie, Allison, Abby
Mondays we have playgroup with the Step by Step families. Here is a great photo Lori took of the three girls playing together this week. I love that Allison has some little girl friends to grow up with!

September 12, 2011

Spin spin spin (video)

Playground video

Taken Sunday Sept 4 after the birthday party.  We took advantage of the nice weather and took a family walk, including a stop at the playground.

September 5, 2011

Birthday photos delay

Sunday Allison got baptized and we had an early birthday party to celebrate her turning 1.  My computer however is having photo software issues, so we have a slight delay in getting those pictures up.  I can post pictures from my phone, but the ones from my camera arent working.  I have a computer appt wednesday, so hopefully will get them up soon.

Thanks to everyone who was able to come and celebrate with us.