My parents came out for a week long visit and we had so much fun with them. We spent a few days in Houston visiting with my Aunt Rosanne and her family. We spent our days running, swimming, at the museum, and just visiting. We visited the Children's Museum in the woodlands and it was so fun. Lots of hands-on and sensory play for the kids. 

We also drove through Waco, Texas home to Chip and Joanna from everyone's favorite show FIXER UPPER. We toured the grounds, ate from food trucks, and did a little shopping. It was hot and busy but my dad and Brice were troopers. The kids loved swinging and playing outside on the lawn.

We also got to see some friends that just moved, the Memmotts. Blythe and Hazel are such good little friends. 
Back in Dallas we went to the Perot Museum, swam a lot, did swim lessons, and ate at yummy restaurants. 
^Swinging at Magnolia Market ^



^ Everyone is happy^

^ Brice wasn't so impressed but I was happy to be there ^
Having my parents around was a much needed break for me and Brice was more than ready for a few days off work. I'm so glad Hazel and Henry love them and am so grateful that they took the time to come visit us... and sleep on an air mattress...in the living room. 
:: hazel ::

1. learned how to swim this week on her own.
2. We did a week of swim lessons and she's got it down.
3. Loved swinging on the swings at Magnolia Market in Waco.
4. Got ice cream from Grandma and Grandpa 3 times last week and just loved their company.
5. Is so eager to make new friends. Yesterday afternoon at the pool she went right up to some people and said "Hi, I'm Hazel and I'm three and a half."
6. Gets super excited on the evenings I don't teach classes.
7. Wished in a wishing fountain for a new car and new shoes. #priorities
8. Asks so many questions and is just wanting to learn things so badly.

:: henry ::

1. His big swimming highlights are blowing bubbles, floating by himself, and putting his head in the water.
2. He loved snuggling with Grandma and Papa all week.
3. Has ripped two library books this week.
4. can now say water and snack.
5. His size 5 shoes are too tight so time for some new sneakers. Loves putting away our shoes in the evening for us.
6. Every night when he's done with dinner he chucks his spoon or fork so hard. We cannot get him to stop, but I want him to use a utensil.
:: hazel ::


1. we signed up for the summer reading program so we've been reading through books at lightening speed.
2. One of the prizes for the week was tickets to the Dallas Children's Theater to see Pinkalicious. Brice took her and she loved it.
3. Staying up until 9:00 wasn't fun the next day though.
4. Loves swimming especially doing cannonballs.
5. Helps make lunches now and can do the peanut butter spreading.
6. She has gotten quite impatient with Henry and gets so frustrated at him.
7. Tells me that Saturday is her favorite day because nobody has to work.

:: henry ::

1. This cute guy has turned into a little pill.
2. He gets into everything and does it just to irk me.
3. He unplugs the blow-dryer about 20 times while I dry my hair. 
4. Loves swimming too and isn't scared to jump right into someone's arms. He's very cautious about getting into the water until I say "okay ready!"
5. Is repeating more animal noises now but still pants like a dog instead of doing a bark or "woof " sound.
6. We have a pile of sticks under our staircase outside that he adds to daily. I am a mean mom and make him keep them all outside.
7. His separation anxiety reached its peak as we started with the nursery drop-offs.  He has a few tough minutes at the drop-off but we make him go and he seems happy as can be later when we check on him.
We got a day at the park this week which is pretty much unheard of all summer long in Dallas. The playground is usually too hot by 10 am but we got some cool weather and clouds so we went straight to our favorite park.



 I do try and take pictures of Hazel still but she's a little too fast running around. Henry is the perfect age for the camera. 

Hazel has learned how to pump her legs on the swing so that's big news. 
I got Henry his first pair of suspenders and was just dying looking at him on Sunday. 
I think he's the cutest- especially now that he's going to nursery.




Oh hey,umm hello...is anybody there. Does thing still work? 

For awhile there I just felt pretty unmotivated to document anything, but don't worry plenty of pictures will be coming soon. To get my fingers going again I wanted to share a recipe that I have been loving created by your very own (although I'm sure there's something to the sort out on the world wide web already.) 
KALE.
 I have been  on quite the KALE kick lately. like really a lot of kale and  I seriously love it! 
If you're not so sure that kale is you thing start with this yummy salad that I may or may not have eaten for dinner 6 days in a row. 

Kale & Quinoa Salad

- 1 bunch of kale leaves
- 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted almond slivers
- 1/4 cup craisins
- 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa

Mix everything together in a serving bowl and then toss with dressing.
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- juice from one lemon
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
 Whisk everything together and then pour over salad and mix thoroughly. I've been eating just the salad but add a side of grilled chicken or salmon and there you go! 

Welcome to our little space

Welcome to our little space
“No nobler work in this world can be performed by any mother than to rear and love the children with whom God has blessed her. That is her duty.” David O. McKay

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