December 31, 2013

The Allison chair

Allison got her own recliner for Christmas (from my parents).  It matched our furniture surprisingly well and has been a big hit so far.  



Zoo day

PToday was our last zoo day of the year and also Taylor's first trip to the zoo.  She slept through most of it but we had a great time and the weather was perfect.  Looking forward to more trips as a family of four.  





December 24, 2013

Stockings

It's Christmas Eve and I finished Taylor's stocking this morning.  Now it's hanging with all the others.  I'm officially ready for Christmas.  



December 23, 2013

Bailey Rides

One of Allison's favorite things about visiting Kevin's parents for the holidays is that Stacey and her dogs are here too.  Bailey needs an extra big bone from Santa for putting up with this.  


December 16, 2013

Girls Christmas lunch

We met Holly and Brooklyn in Las Colinas for our annual Christmas gift exchange.  The girls are growing up so fast.  



December 14, 2013

Cuddles

Allison climbed up in the rocker with Kevin and Taylor this afternoon.  They sure look cute all together.  

December 9, 2013

Ice Day

Almost as good as a snow day, though harder to play in.  Allison was so excited to go outside but a little frustrated when we wanted to make snow balls only to find that the white stuff wasn't exactly fluffy.  She still had a great time then went inside for a nice hot bath to warm up.  


December 2, 2013

Allison's tree

One of Allison's favorite Christmas activities is un-decorating the Christmas tree.  This year we gave Allison her own tree to play with so hopefully she will leave the big one alone.  She's already decorated it and the ornaments are currently scattered all over the living room.


December 1, 2013

Swing Set

Christmas came early for Allison this year.  Kevin's parents bought the girls a swing set for Christmas.  Kevin and his dad spent most of Friday putting it together and yesterday we did the big reveal.  Allison was so excited.  First thing this morning she wanted to go play. 





November 29, 2013

Superhero Allison


This was a fantastic easy project.  I made two superhero capes in about 30 minutes.  One for Allison and one for my friends son who just visited.  Both were made from some old t-shirts I had sitting around.  Andy's cape was cut from the front of one of my Rice t-shirts so he is a Rice superhero - his parents are both alums.  Allison's came from a fun run, so I used the plain back of the shirt and added iron on star designs.  So far she hasn't asked what kind of superhero she is, she just likes being a superhero.

I based my project on this tutorial I found on Pinterest:
http://thesoutherninstitute.com/2011/03/diy-superhero-cape-tutorial.html/

I simplified by using one shirt that already had the logo I wanted.  

November 27, 2013

Prepping pies

We are in charge of pies for tomorrow so have been baking this afternoon.  Pumpkin, pecan and apple.  This works out to about half a pie per person, but this means dessert is covered at least through Friday.  

Allison had a blast helping cook and loved playing with the rolling pin.  


November 25, 2013

Allison and Andy


Yesterday my best friend from college came to visit with her husband and son as they made the road trip to Texas for Thanksgiving with family.  Rachel's son, Andy, is about four months younger than Allison and they had the best time playing together.  When Allison got home from church she waked right up to Andy and said "Hi, I'm Allison, what's your name?" Andy started out shy but they quickly became good friends.  Last time they played together was before either of their first birthdays, so it's been awhile.  When everyone left after lunch today the kids were hugging goodbye and saying how much they would miss each other - we came close to tears.  Beyond adorable.  


November 21, 2013

Thanksgiving Feast

Allison's preschool had their Thanksgiving Feast today.  Cathy watched Taylor so that Kevin and I could be with Allison for her school party.  She was so excited to see us, and I love all the little girls in her class - there's a big group that were all in class together last year.  Sadie asked me where the baby in my tummy went, and then several of the kids wanted to see pictures of baby Taylor.  They were all so cute.  I'm already looking forward to planning their Christmas party!


November 18, 2013

Taylor Elaine

Taylor Elaine Martz was born on Saturday November 16, at 7:16am.  6 lbs 4 oz and 18.5 inches long.  We came home from the hospital this morning and everyone is doing well.  Allison is so excited to be a big sister.  



November 16, 2013

Almost time

We are at the hospital getting ready for surgery.  Baby will be here soon. 




November 11, 2013

Face Painting

All it took was 30 seconds of me and Cathy being distracted and Allison painted her face.  She was so proud of herself for being a kitty cat.  In all fairness she did a pretty good job for not using a mirror.  


October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween

Allison's preschool doesn't celebrate Halloween, but they always have a fall festival with a Noah's Ark theme.  So all the children are asked to dress as animals.  Here is our Halloween Kitty cat.  Not sure what she will be tonight - kitty cat, Rapunzel or purple fairy.  She had the best time getting her makeup done this morning and posing.  

October 30, 2013

Ready for baby

The nursery is pretty much done.  We got a sweet surprise on Sunday when our YP group gave us a diaper cake.  After Allison moved to her big girl room this summer we converted the bed back to a crib and then shut the room for awhile.  Now clothes are washed and ready, and we've pulled the infant car seat and all the baby stuff out of the attic and cleaned it up.  Some of the artwork moved with Allison, but aside from some bare walls we are ready to go.  




October 28, 2013

Haley's home

A neighbor called in a sighting and my dad spent an hour chasing her through muddy free belts and over barbed wire fences.  She was so panicked she kept running away from us.  Thankfully I finally managed to get her in the car.  Haley is very scared but seems un-injured.  

Pumpkin carving party

Saturday night the YP held their annual pumpkin carving party at Staci and Carter's house.  They have such a fun backyard for outdoor parties.  Allison drew on her little pumpkin but had way more fun trying to carve my pumpkin for me.  It ended up more like death by paper cuts, she was very enthusiastic.



On a less happy note, we had a bad storm pass through Saturday night, including hail.  While we didn't have any damage to the house or cars, our younger dog, Haley, got out of our yard and is now missing.  She is microchipped, but so far no luck in finding her.

October 27, 2013

Trunk or Treat

We got to celebrate Halloween early at Trunk or Treat this afternoon.  We helped out with the YP trunk, including Pumpkin Chucking, and decorated my car with a pumpkin patch theme.  One of Allison's friends from school, Riley, came out with her parents to enjoy the day with us.  Both girls dressed up as Rapunzel so we had double cute factor.  The girls had face paint, decorated pumpkins, and got lots of candy.  Allison's favorite trunks were the Little Mermaid truck and ours - she had fun tossing water balloons.  







October 25, 2013

Pony rides and pumpkin patch

Wednesday we drove out to Flower puns for the pumpkin patch and rides.  Allison loved the mini Ferris wheel and the pony rides.  There were maybe 10 kids in the whole place so we never had to wait.  

Allison rode the same horse twice - Hershey.  I was impressed with her balance and that she rode unassisted.  She definitely takes after me with her love of horses.  

October 21, 2013

Hug a tree

Allison wanted to "climb" this tree outside church yesterday.


October 17, 2013

Pumpkins

Central Market has a great display of pumpkins out front.  Allison ran up, said "it's just like a pumpkin patch" and told me she wanted to sit with the pumpkins.  

October 13, 2013

Sunday morning donut face

Conversation this morning:
Allison: "mommy is that your favorite?"
Me (eating an apple fritter): "yes sweetie, it tastes like apples"
Allison looks at her donut then replies "mine tastes like sprinkles"



October 10, 2013

Allison's first canoe ride

Kevin took Allison out in the canoe for the  first time tonight.  Just a quick trip in the pond by our house.  Allison looks ready for a paddle of her own.  






October 9, 2013

First trip to the Texas State Fair

Kevin took a vacation day so we could go to the State Fair today - we had great weather and very reasonable crowds.  

Our highlights were the petting zoo (that included zebras, kangaroos and a baby giraffe), the puppet show, and the bird show.  We each had a corn dog and Allison ate hers all by herself.