Daddy and Tonsils

We weren't planning to see Nick for a total of 58 consecutive days but since Brooks was having his tonsils and adenoids removed we shorted our separation to 45 days.  Which is a big difference after having gone all summer without him, sleeping in a lot of different beds and having very little routine.  After about 4 weeks we're more than over-due for Daddy. Thankfully my dad, Papa steps up and hits the ball out of the park when it comes to what the boys need from a father figure!  He's the best Papa EVER!

We did a little baking to welcome daddy back to Texas.  Red velvet of course!!

 

It would be an absolute nightmare for me to be away from my babies for as long as Nick endures it.  Its extremely challenging for all of us but he does such an amazing job keeping up with the boys and Georgia by mail and skype.  It sounds crazy but being at home in Texas for the summer break is important to both of us for our kids sake.  Not to mention I have no desire to stay in the Doha heat or my own heart's deseire to be home in Texas.  This summer seemed easier and more pleasant for a few reasons but mostly its because the boys are more independent and don't require so much from mama!  

So excited to finally see him.

 

 

 

 

 

On the morning of August 10th we headed to Cook's Childrens Surgery Center for tonsils and adenoids to be history for Brooks.  We of course had Brooks' fan club present.  Honey, Papa plus Ash and crew.  Georgia and Bear loved having cousins to play with.  Papa played hookie from football to be with his Brooks and there was no talking him out of it  

 

Ready to go...before drugs

 

After drugs and a few minutes away from la-la land! 

 

Brooks did awesome!  Came quickly out of anesthesia and was happy to see us.  Brooks is a usual puker so we took a few doses anti nausea meds.  He had a rough hour of being sick but we were eventually released and sent home. 

 

 

Before and after Pix!  It must be documented!

 

One of our best buddies, Justin sent this awesome "You'll BEE ok" cookie basket. 

iphone pic

 

Tatty sent beloved legos and books.  Thank goodness there was something to do that kept him inactive. No chance he was staying in his bed or on the couch.  Daddy took him for ice cream one day and the next day they went to a movie.  We were so so thankful Daddy came for the surgery. He took care of giving medicine 2x during the night while jet lagged.

 

Honey is a little crazy when it comes to keeping up with every single part of a toy.  Which is a wonderful thing and completely opposite from me :) She still has the Perfection game from when Ash and I were little.  Nick and Brooks both loved it! 

 

While Brooks was getting well Barrett spent the night with his cuzzies!  Anna Lou got to have a slumber party in her room with Barrett on the floor.  Two Peas! 

 We had a little outing to Aunt Sissy's house to pick up Barrett and to enjoy Papa Murphy's pizza (and the cinnamon wheel...which will never to be forgotten).

 

Another pair of peanuts! 

 

Never fear, the Preschool expert can always pull through with incredible entertainment! 

Thank you Honey!!

This one involved a diet coke and sunkist, plus a few mentos!

 

Sunkist

Diet Coke

 

Georgia giving Buddy some love. 

 

Last hugs and kisses before Daddy headed back to Doha.

 

All of us a little tired but our only effort to take a picture of the 4 of us all summer. Some little people around here always hog the camera.

 

So long to Daddy!  Goodness we were glad to have him around.  We would have survived but there's nothing like the presence of Daddy and Husband.  We love you for being by our side Daddy!

River Rats!

We weren't the typical River Rat but I could get used to an annual girl's trip to the River.  Back in March one of my best friend Jenise and I started to thinking of a little getaway for the summer.  We kicked around a few ideas and landed on a trip to the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels.  Our sisters would joins us as well as our besties Shannon and Tracy.  Jenise in all her glory planned the entire trip with all details worked out for accommodations, eating, floating the river and shopping the outlets in San Marcus.  Unfortunately Jenise's grandfather passed away just a few days before we were leaving on the trip.  So Jenise and her sister Julianne weren't able to come and they were GREATLY missed.  We barely survived making our own plans and nailing down the details because our trip advisor Jenise wasn't there!!  BUT without a doubt Tracy, Shannon, Ashley and I had an absolute blast. 

Ashley and I drove from Dallas and Shannon and Tracy came from Houston together.  There is nothing like a road trip without children and with your best friend!  So thankful for the precious time Ash and I had together.  

First stop lunch at the River House Tea Room in Gruene...an absolute must! Food was incredible!!

 

 Shopping in Gruene

 

Shannon and I in front of our cute cabin (part of Hideout on the Horseshoe

Again our trip planner Jenise picked the coolest place to stay.  Right on the Guadalupe.  Beautiful! 

 

A look down at the river from our porch.  Because of the drought in Texas, it was barely moving.  We quickly got the wheels turning to figure out a different plan for floating.  It wasn't going to be the Guadalupe.   It was pretty but not moving!

 

Who knows what we're laughing about but Lord knows she can make me laugh...this was our make shift living area.  And behind us is one of the 3 queen beds. There were 2 separate bed rooms in addition to larger great room where we had a small kitchen, couch and the extra bed.  Thanks to shannon for bringing the sweet chairs!  We needed some extra seating.

 

That evening we ate at Gruene River grill which was awesome.  We decided against the Grist Mill...I know sinful but it was SO HOT and we have all been there before.  We were happy to try something else and it was great.  That night consisted of some Walmart and CVS shopping and a lot of disappointment because apparently Dairy Queen closes early in New Braunfels. boo! 

The next morning we slept in a little and finally made our way to the Comal River.  We used our own floats which was the only way to go. 

 

The river was so relaxing with a few spots of quickly moving water.  Even sweet Tracy with baby #4 in her tummy enjoyed the ride!  

 

Now this is a river pic.  This kind lady from Lubbock took a picture of us between her legs obviously.  What you can't see is the 4 of us beyond her leg.  Gotta love the water camera.  

 

While temperatures were soaring the water temp was cold and refreshing.  Like take your breath away cold.  Apparently the Comal River is spring fed so its chilly.  The water and surrounding area is clean and beautiful.

This trip would be so much fun with any group.  Girls, couples, families, extended family...its a shame I haven't floated the river more being from Texas. 

Great picture...but proof we were there and had a blast!! 

 

Finally got our DQ treats after the float. 

 

and we enjoyed a little white trash, redneck, river rat cheese tray back at the house :)

 

Two really special best friends came to visit us for the afternoon and for dinner.  Cabell and Amanda both live in Austin and they graciously made the drive south to hang out with us.  I was so thankful!  We ate at the Huisache Grill and it was easily one of my favorite meals all summer. We shared a few things but the blue cheese steak was like nothing else!

 

Ash, Cabell, me and Tracy

 

The next morning we checked out, loaded up and headed North to San Marcos for some serious shopping. 

Shannon and I in front of our fave...also where we did the most damage!

 

I really was truly blessed by my friends this summer.  Another dear Houston friend of mine, Paige now lives in Blanco, Texas and she drove to come shop with us.  I envy her slow paced small town life in the Hill Country.

 

After an awesome trip with best friends ending with some serious shopping we wrapped things up and I said tearful goodbyes to Tracy and Shannon.  Precious friends that I will cherish forever!  Love you both so much!  And what a gift to spend 3 straight days with my sister and BFF without kids and just hanging out.  Time like that is so bitter sweet.  Love it but always leaves me wanting more!

 

A few weeks later I hooked up with Jenise and Julianne for dinner.  We missed them so much.  But thankful we managed to squeeze in some mexican food and one last hug before leaving! 

Jenise and me

Ringling!

The circus was awesome.  Honey and Papa treated me and the boys on Saturday afternoon while Aunt Sissy kept little Georgia.  Needless to say she wouldn't have enjoyed one second of it. But we did and the boys were amazed!

 

 

 

 

Our favorite act!

 

Oh the $13 snowcones!  Bless the Papa that can't help it.

 

 

 

Find the circus even more interesting now that I've read the "Water for Elephants" book.  Haven't seen the movie but want to.  I'm completely clueless to the Circus industry but its unique.  I trust that its changed a lot over the years but it seems Ringling has always been the best.  And they were!!  Thank you Honey and Papa for the special afternoon together. 

Friends!

While in Dallas we grabbed a few lunch playdates with some of our friends!

The Sheps, minus Cade

 

 

 

 

Swimming and lunch with the Heffernans

 

The best backyard EVER...soccer field included with the pool!! 

 

 

Playing with the Smith boys! Look at the little precious twinkies!!

 

Brooks always tending to the babies! 

 

These boys are within just months of each other in age.  Such special friends!!  This summer it was a blessing to see my boys build and continue relationships being older and able to remember our dear friends.  Stacey and Wyatt are missed and loved from Doha!

 

A Ball and A Toilet

I'm learning what boys are made of and when we're staying with Honey and Papa, they are too!!  Papa never seems that surprised.  He's always so patient and understanding while Honey and I are in shock.

This time there was a little problem involving the toilet and a ball.  One morning Barrett came rushing to the kitchen to tell us that water was coming out of the potty upstairs.  LORD HELP US!  Something about one brother going potty and not want the other to get the ball, then the ball bouncing into the potty after someone used the potty in more ways than one...so "I flushed it".  WHAT?! 

Nothin' like a little red neck affair in your front yard to get the neighbors curious!

 

I admit, its maddening at the time so taking pictures doesn't come naturally but its necessary for memories and a good laugh.  So glad I did.  Dad did all the nasty dirty disgusting work.  He tried all kinds of fancy tools after a quick run to Lowes.  But then the two of us finally got that ball out with an ice pick and needle nose pliers.  Oh and so sorry about ruining the ball!

Boys will be boys!