Glamping Anniversary

This weekend Ross and I celebrated the big oh-five anniversary. IT WAS PERFECT.

Saturday (our actual anniversary) was full of family fun. Starbucks and the park with Cade in the morning and then a full family outing to a family fall fest thing-a-ma-jigger. Mom and Dad arrived at our house just before dinnertime. We had a delicious steak dinner courtesy of the family chef/my stellar hubby and enjoyed a champagne toast. Cade stayed up all the way until 7:45p playing with his grandparents.

Yesterday was our big celebration day. And let me say again IT WAS PERFECT. We left around 9:30a, ran some errands and then met our friends at The Park for brunch and football. I thought we would have about 8 people but we ended up with 11, the surprise of the morning being Jon and Erin joining. We hadn't had all those people together in months. And we had a great table on the patio, could see all three games that we collectively cared about and the mimosas were just $1. Win, win, win.

After the noon game, Ross and I headed out to Wimberly for our glamping getaway. It was so cool!

The place is called Sinya on Lone Man Creek and the owner has done a great job thinking of everything. She showed us around when we first got there and then it was just time to kick back. We had drinks on the porch, ate our picnic dinner of salami, cheese, bread, olives and mushrooms. Then out to the back porch for star gazing from the hot tub. We stayed out there so long we got good and pruney. Then into sweatshirts and a couple hours around the campfire just chatting. We played a game of cards and called it a night around midnight.

We woke up around 7:30a to the first bit of light and then sat on the front porch and watched the sunrise over the hill country. Really. Yes, it was absolutely perfect. Then our hostess brought us a fruit, muffin and yogurt breakfast, complete with fresh squeezed OJ.

I don't think either of us knew how much we would enjoy a day and night like that. It was so so so fun to see our friends. Sinya was beautiful. It was so relaxing to be out away from everything and enjoy the quiet. And most of all, it was wonderful to have so much quality time with my sweet husband. Even though we see each other almost every day and talk all the time, we talked nearly the whole time we were together. Meaningful stuff, not meaningful stuff, everything.

I'd repeat this weekend any time.

Glamping selfie before hitting the road this morning

Pics from M+R Wedding!

I was like a kid in a candy store when Margeaux sent over the link to her wedding pics. So many great ones! Here's a few featuring my crew

Cade, the camera is thata way!

Down the aisle, straight to Dad

Post ceremony, pre-baby bedtime

M+R Wedding!

It's like a flashback to our wedding :)

They tied the knot! Yesterday was the big Margeaux and Ryan wedding with all members of the Family Black involved. We were extra lucky too because my Mom spent the weekend (and thus her birthday with us) to help celebrate and keep tabs on the cutie ring bearer. Hurray for grandmothers!

As you know, Cade got 1/2 ready at home (me and Mom  got full ready) and then we met Ross, the happy couple and the rest of the wedding party at the venue around 5. We finished getting Cade dressed, had some pics with the boys, snapped some selfies, changed a diaper, and snuck a look at the bride (just me that is). Then it was time for the big moment!

We weren't totally sure how Cade would do going down the aisle. He had two role models in Ryan's nephews but still, big crowd, new kiddos, it was all a little strange for him. BUT HE DID AWESOME!

I walked the boys into the building, pointed the older two in the right direction, put Cade down and told him to walk to Daddy. And so he did. All by himself. He stopped about 2/3 the way down the aisle to say hi to flirt with one of the lady guests but then toddled the rest of the way, straight into his Dad's arms. They stood at the front together for a minute and then right before Margeaux's entrance, Ross handed him off to my mom who was waiting with books, snacks and toys in the front row. He quietly sat with her for the whole ceremony. Like a champ. Cuz he's the best.

Ryan looked dapper, Margeaux was stunning and most important, they both seemed very confident and happy. They were sung out by a Michael Buble song, took some pics and then it was dinner and dancing to a live band.

It was a great night and we are so happy to have celebrated with our fun and loving framily all night long. Enjoy the pics!

Like father, like son

My best boy looking dashing in a bowtie and mustache

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Newlyweds

Getting Ready Pics

Every bride likes to have those special "getting ready" pics. Her mom adjusting her veil, groom's boutonniere being pinned on by his mother, bridesmaids in their yoga pants and button down shirts while getting their hair done, groomsmen helping ease the nerves with a beer together.

I didn't want Cade to be left out of the getting ready fun but it would have been unreasonable to request a photographer come to our house. So I took it upon myself and my iPhone to document it for Margeaux and Ryan.

Not 1 bubble bath, but 2

Get those pearly whites white!

A cold apple juice to calm the nerves

Obligatory selfie

Half-dressed

Guarding the door. No girls (besides Mommy and Grandma) allowed.

...who knows.

Aug 3 + Vegas = Wedding

Mrs. Vancil's new ring and her
"old new borrowed blue" wedding gift.

Last August, Val and Justin got hitched on the 3rd. In Vegas. At the Little White Wedding Chapel. In a pink Cadillac.

This year MEGAN AND STACY ELOPED on August 3 (ie yesterday). In Vegas. At the Little White Wedding Chapel. In a pink Cadillac.

So it appears that if you go to Vegas on August 3rd, you are bound to get married in a pink Cadillac.

And have family and friends who are over the moon happy for you.

Congrats to the newlyweds! We are so incredibly, unbelievably, really and truly overjoyed for you both and thrilled to welcome Stacy into the family officially.

Summer Vacation, Days 8 and 9

Pajamas at the park pre-party

These last two days of Cade's summer vacation have more or less been like any ordinary weekend. Parks, shopping, cartoons. The special occasion of the weekend was Will and Laure's engagement party in Buda. Last time we saw them, I was still pregnant so it was quite a treat to take Cade to meet them in person.

He only lasted til about 7p at the party but since he'd been up late the night before at the wedding, I don't think that's too shocking. Still, a short appearance is better than no appearance.

Today, unfortunately, started a new activity that I don't think Cade is too enthusiastic about. Pacifier weaning. We've been trying to gradually get him to use it less but no real hard and fast rules. This morning though Ross decided that his demands for the paci were a little too demanding and not nice at all. So the adventure of weaning him down to a paci only for sleeping began. From what I hear the morning (while I was at the gym and grocery store) was worse than the afternoon. I employed the strategies of cartoons, snacks, bubbles and his beloved monkey toy to get us through and it seems to have mostly worked.

Paci weaning aside, I think Cade had a good summer vacation. We stayed busy with activities and social events so I don't think his brain turned totally to mush. Tomorrow morning - back to Montessori!

Summer Vacation, Day 7

Wedding day!

Last night our dear family friend, my pseudo sister if you will, got married! Bryanna married her Army officer college sweetheart, John, in a patriotic 4th of July wedding in the Texas Hill Country. Talk about perfect!

During nap time, I loaded Cade in the car and started the drive down San Antonio way. He slept solidly for 45 minutes and then dozed/had quiet time for the following hour. We went to my parents hotel for a few hours to get some wiggles out. They took him swimming and he did much better than I expect. It must be the grandparent touch.

Now, my family is pretty low maintenance. We're not fussy people. But still, I think it is noteworthy that we got 3 adults and a toddler ready for a wedding sharing one hotel room in 40 minutes. And we all looked pretty sharp if I do say so myself.

Up the road to the Don Strange Ranch we went for wedding festivities. Cade fell asleep on the 15 minute drive so I sat in the car letting him rest until the last second possible. Cade did really well in the ceremony. A little fidgety, but that's part of being a toddler. My dad sorta walked and rocked him in his stroller to help him make it through and it worked! The only crying was at the very end but we think that was because all the whoopin' and hollerin' from "I now introduce..." scared the wee boy. A mom hug was all he needed to recover though.

A few notes from the actual wedding. The venue had these cool chandeliers made from branches and sticks. They were really pretty. I had heard the ceremony was going to be more formal than the reception but I wasn't really sure how the difference was going to be shown. Um by a FULL BRIDAL PARTY WARDROBE CHANGE that's how. I knew the long skirt on Bryanna's dress detached and she would have a short dress for the reception so I was expecting that. I wasn't expecting the bridesmaids to transition from identical navy dresses to "your own style" red dresses and boots or the groomsmen to go from their navy blazers (in many cases part of their Army dress blues) to jeans and white button downs. Even the mother of the bride transitioned from heels to flats. It was pretty cool. As a final non Cade note, I feel like I had a tiny part in the festivities and their years of good luck. Bryanna's "something borrowed" was my Swavorski earrings from our trip to Austria two years ago. I think they complemented the sparkle in her lace dress very nicely.

OK back to Cade. For the reception, he basically just ran around like a toddler tornado. Mom, Dad and I took turns chasing him while the others rested or snacked. I did get off relatively easy on the baby chasing front. In addition to just loving their grandson, their drive into town had been unusually long and I think they were both still anxious to do some wiggling themselves. I didn't take many pictures - I enjoyed my downtime as just plain downtime - but as is no surprise, Cade flirted with the photographer so I think we'll have at least a couple candids of us from the wedding, plus our family picture with Bryanna.

Dinner included grapes and mac n cheese so Cade was in food heaven. I think he grazed constantly from 4:30p at the hotel to 7:30p when we left the wedding.

The wedding was beautiful, the bride stunning, the groom lucky and my toddler was well behaved. 4th of July win!

Bride's family

 

Bachelor Party Boys

Saturday Ross organized a "mini" bachelor party for Ryan: driving range, dinner and bars. Ever the responsible group of guys (and their wives), it was decided they would not even have cars available to them to kill any temptation of driving or bad decision making.

After nap time, Cade and I carpooled Ross, Ryan and Jon down to the driving range/bar Top Golf. At first I was pretty amused that they were carpooling with a wife and toddler to the bachelor party but that was nothing compared to their conversation. They discussed babies the whole 20 minute drive. I mean every minute of it.

So we dropped them off and then headed to our playdate with Erin and Rowan. At about 8:30p Ross called to say he was done for the night but since I was still at Erin's, he would happily call a cab. We agreed to meet at home soon. At 9p he calls me back and says the cab thing didn't go so well and could I please pick him up. Sure, I was just leaving anyways and it really isn't that far out of the way. I told him he should convince Jon to come home with us as knowing he was safe and in bed would please his wife.

At 9:30p Cade and I picked up the boys. Then due to a forgotten credit card (but remembered within 100 yards of the bar) and a very slow drive-thru line (I swear they lost our order; I had to go inside and ask about it TWICE), it took another hour to get home. Cade stayed awake through the whole thing and Jon entertained him in the backseat of our car.

When we got home, I put Cade to bed and said I was going to have a drink. Jon joined me; Ross went upstairs. Mid-drink I say to Jon "10 bucks says Ross is taking a bubble bath." I swear to you not 2 minutes later Ross came downstairs in his towel. By 11:30p everyone was in bed, snoozing.

Cade woke up at 6:30a and was a fussy pants baby. But he'd stayed up late on his playdate (7:15p) and then been up for a random 90 car ride and then woke up 30 minutes early so I knew it was just him being tired still. Around 10a, Ross asked if I needed a break (yes, yes I did) so he took over baby-care and I went into the bedroom to continue my Downton Abbey binge. At 10:30 Ross quietly opens the door, gives me the "shhh" sign and whispers "you gotta come see this baby."

I walked into the gameroom and this is what I saw.



Fell asleep in the middle of his toys in his Las Vegas pajamas.

What can I say - the bachelor party stories and pictures of today are far different than a few years ago.

African Safari Style in Wimberley

Because as you know, the only print magazine I regularly read is Texas Monthly that's what I was reading this afternoon on the porch during part of Cade's nap. Specifically the issue with the weekend getaways cover story. I mean, c'mon, that issue has my name all over it.

The first getaway I spied was to Sinya on Lone Man Creek in Wimberley. And it looked AWESOME. See what I mean...

It is inspired by the owner's African safari travels and the idea of "glamour camping" which is as the Texas Monthly writer explains "for when you want to spend time in nature, just not without your hair straightener." This is definitely my type of camping. Plus in our recent travel conversation on my birthday, Ross said that he wants to take an African safari trip one day (he's said this before so I think it is actually a real thing he wants to do). So when I saw Sinya, I knew it was for us.

And that is how we came to have our anniversary getaway booked. This place is so popular (I'm guessing the recent Texas Monthly feature didn't hurt it), there was only one October date left, the night after our anniversary. Close enough for me. We've got it booked, plus their fancy schmancy continental breakfast to boot.

Woohoo! I am so looking forward to this! What a cool, different thing to go do and within a 2 hour drive!

The Last 20

Here it is, my last birthday as a 20-something. Or, more accurately, my first 29th birthday.

Today I celebrated with a slew of simple, yet good in life, activities.

Playing with my little boy, the gym and walking Lexi in the morning. Then Ross and I had an early lunch together outside at a Japanese steakhouse and sushi place (they have a really tasty cooked roll called the Round Rock Roll that I was craving). We spent lunch talking about our perfect child, our awesome Europe trip two years ago and daydreaming about future vacations. I told him again that I'd like to go back to Europe for our 10th wedding anniversary and he told me (again) that yes, that sounds like a good idea. The debate is now do we go to Germany/Switzerland or Spain/Portugal. I vote for the latter but we have 5 more years to decide so no worries.

Then it was on to a fancy schmancy spa pedicure. The day spa I went to served wine and had a crystal chandelier. FANCY. It was a lovely long pedicure and a great birthday treat.

While enjoying my pedi and wine, the weekly newsletter from Cade's school arrived in my email. Per the usual it was very cute. However this week it had an extra special inclusion. It said "After our viewing of the chrysalises [caterpillar cocoons], our youngest Sweet Pea [Cade] quickly moved to our library and chose The Very Hungry Caterpillar and began to look at it. What a remarkable cognitive connection!" Not that there was any doubt before, but clearly my child is a genius. Seriously though, I was so proud of him I almost injured myself grinning. I forwarded the newsletter to Ross, grandparents and Auntie Meg immediately. All agreed that he is an incredibly gifted and intelligent child.

After my pedi (and the most awesome preschool newsletter of all time) I headed up to the Round Rock outlets for some focused shopping time. I had five items I really wanted to buy during my birthday shopping spree: small-ish purse, nude shoes, black blazer, white button-down and a dress for Margeaux and Ryan's wedding. My shopping trip resulted in 2/5 and a slew of other items. At one point I was in Banana Republic and had to finally ask for a dressing room because I could not humanly carry any more clothes.

At the end of my shopping adventure I took home 2 dresses (including 1 for the wedding), a t-shirt, 3 tank tops (2 for working out), jeans (from Banana Republic that fit like a charm and were 60% off!), a cardigan, nude heels (actually purchased yesterday), a work blouse, pants for Cade (for Margeaux and Ryan's wedding) and a polo for Ross. It was a good shopping trip by all accounts. The highlight was probably the dress for the wedding which I sent a picture of to Nichole and she congratulated me on my purchase. That's right, my friend with a fashion degree congratulated me on a trendy purchase. She and I were both very proud.

Then I met Brittany for happy hour at a local wine bar. Mmmm, it was divine. Wine and delicious happy hour appetizers. Tasty!

I made it home just in time to snuggle Cade and put him to bed (Ross definitely had it covered but kept Cade up 5 minutes late so I could see him and say good night).

And so completes my birthday celebration. A great day indeed with lots of relaxation and some very much enjoyed indulgences.

6 Year Engage-iversary

Six years ago today my honey asked me to marry him. 

I'd say it's working out pretty well. Happy engage-iversary hubs!

Engagement Party!

Our Valentine's themed engagement party for Margeaux and Ryan is officially in the books! We had about 35 people over Saturday around happy hour time to celebrate. I was very pleased with how it all went. Everyone mingled; there was a healthy roar of conversation; the "love notes" to the couple to be opened on their first wedding anniversary (thanks for the idea Jane!) were a hit; I acquired as much wine as I purchased and the house was empty and clean before 8p!

Nancy took a great pic of Ross, Cade and me and as soon as I get it off my phone and onto Flickr I'll share it. In the meantime, enjoy this look at the happy couple!

Congrats Ryan and Margeaux!

While I was getting  my nails done today I checked Facebook to see if Margeaux changed her status to "engaged". Not because I knew anything definite but because I knew she and Ryan were in Fredericksburg for the weekend. She had not.

When I arrived home and Ross told me Ryan and Margeaux were coming over soon; I said "I hope they are coming over to tell us they are engaged!!!" Ross did not know if that was the case or not. But I had high hopes. Because, well, we LOVE Margeaux. And if Ryan didn't propose to her soon, I was going to do it for him (which is exactly what I told Nancy at lunch on Friday).

HE PROPOSED! SHE SAID YES!

Yes, that is what happened on Ryan's 35th birthday weekend getaway to the vineyards of Fredericksburg. He popped the question over a bottle of wine at their B&B and Margeaux said yes! WOOHOO!

And just when you think we couldn't possibly be any happier for them, yes, it got better. Today Ryan asked Ross to be one of his groomsmen and then they asked if Cade could serve as ring bearer. YES and YES.

We promptly asked if we could host their engagement party which it looks like we'll be doing in January. I couldn't be happier for them and am thrilled that my boys will be part of such a special day in life of two people we love very much.

CONGRATULATIONS RYAN AND MARGEAUX!

Four Celebration

A day after our anniversary we celebrated.

After a baby exchange with Nana at the usual Starbucks location, there was some mommy-time (shoe shopping resulting in super cute DSW brown leather "shooties" and then a pedicure). After which couple time began. We went zip lining!

This was a gift from Ross for my birthday but the weather did not cooperate back in the spring. So today was take 2. Much more successful. The tour included an 11 year old's birthday party, another couple about our age (thanks y'all for taking the picture!) and us. Hats off to the kids because they were very well behaved. Hat off also to our tour guides who enforced the "grown ups go first" rule at the last zip line which got us to the "lake side" bar a few minutes earlier. (If/when Baby Cade asks, please support us in our claim to have been cool...even if we aren't at the time. Historic pictures from Europe and now zip lining prove we were at least cool at one point. Right?)

Post zip lining we cleaned up and went out for a night on the (Round Rock) town. We had dinner at Jack Allen's Kitchen, a restaurant known for its very tasty locally-sourced menu. We started with the house guacamole (which included pumpkin seeds!) then on to entrees of sliders for him and ruby trout for me. We wrapped it up with dessert to-go (for tomorrow). Super tasty. An excellent dinner selection by the hubs.



Basically, Ross with his awesome sense of fun was totally #winning with all the plans he made/suggested for this anniversary. Two thumbs up for the hubs.

Lucky number 4

What's not to love

I've always liked the number four. I was born in the 4th month of the year so I think that started it. But today I have one more reason to like the number four. I've been married to my sweet husband for four wonderful years.

Four years of amazing and counting.

More Vegas Pics

Because what happens in Vegas no longer stays in Vegas. You can thank social media for that one.

40 Hours in Vegas

The trip was short and consequently did not include much sleep. Thus this blog post will also be short so I can go to sleep.

Friday afternoon we flew to Vegas to meet the Deltas for our annual trip. Ross and I stayed at Luxor and after a quick check-in met up with some of the girls for drinks. Ross left to join the boys and we had Val's Shower Hour and then dinner. Shower as in BRIDAL SHOWER. That's when she told us that yes, she and Justin would be getting married in Vegas. Hurray!

After dinner we met back up wit the boys for a comedy show at Bally's. It was hysterical! The headliner reminded us of Stacy in his look and mannerisms so that made it even funnier. The group adventured a bit together afterward but ended up splitting up based on interest. Val and I grabbed a midnight snack and drinks before venturing back down The Strip to our hotels.

Saturday was pretty laid back for the first part of the day. Ross and I pigged out at the hotel brunch and then he went off to gamble with Justin while I went exploring with the girls. I also snuck in some pool time and Ross played in a poker tournament.

Then it was more eating and drinking including the Minus 5 Ice Bar with the Deltas and an array of husbands. Ross played a LOT of craps. I wish I could tell you he won tons but while at the ice bar I received this text: "So I lost me $$...I said Ross u can go home with your other $$ and buy something nice...or u can grab that other $$ and be a true Black and lose it...all in."

So yeah. You can guess how that went ;)

The really good stuff though came late Saturday night. At 10:45p we met in the lobby of Mandalay Bay (where everyone else was staying) and piled into a Hummer limo (that was in the new movie Hangover 3). We swooped into MGM to grab AJ and Kristin who were at a concert and then off to the Little White Wedding Chapel for Val and Justin to get hitched!

Val and Justin were married a little before midnight in the back if a pink Cadillac and with an Elvis officiant. Their vows included Val promising not to step on Justin's blue suede shoes and Justin promising to be her hunk hunk a-burnin' love.

On the way back to the hotel, we sang "I am a T" in the limo (it's become a super fun and a little silly wedding tradition) and stopped at the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign where a professional photographer took a round of wedding photos for us.

Since Ross and I flew back at 7a today, we had to head to bed once we got back. As it was, we only got 2 hours of sleep. Which is why you will understand that now I must go to bed. But you should definitely enjoy this gem from the wedding. What you can't see is Ross just to their left practically giddy as he sang along with Elvis.



Congrats Val and Justin!!

Going to the Chapel

Or in Kevin and Carly's case, the vineyard. (A much better place to get married if you ask me.)

We spent Memorial Day weekend in northern California with my family celebrating little bro's nuptials. He and Carly married on Sunday evening at Ironstone Vineyard.

I was busy enjoying the wedding so I only took a few pictures but here's what I have. Congrats Kev & Carly!

Ooo la la the garter

Ross hit it off with Carly's bro-in-law, Robert. They have a serious bromance

St. Patty's Wedding

Jane and Chris got married!

Two posts ago I hinted at this and since then, it's actually happened. Friday morning I flew out of Austin wicked early (and forgot it was both SXSW and spring break so did not give myself enough time at the airport. Consequently I ran from security to my gate barefoot...fortunately it was the gate closest to security so that was only about 15 yards. After ascertaining that my flight had not left, I promptly put on my shoes and boarded).

I made it to Beantown a little after noon and met up with Val. We surprised ourselves with exactly how little we remembered of the T map but did in fact make it to the 1:20 commuter rail up to Salem that we were aiming for. We had lunch in a little cafe (mmm chowdah), checked into our Inn, took naps, shared a bottle of wine with Kristin and headed to dinner. Dinner turned into drinks which turned into dancing with the entire wedding party and many college friends to the tune of a 90s cover band. It was a good night.

Saturday (St. Patrick's Day) started with one Taygan being thrown into bed between Val and me. Cutie pie! Then lunch and then before we knew it, wedding time!

Jane and Chris officially earn the award for shortest (college) wedding ceremony. I think her beautiful self was down the aisle, married and back down with a hubby in all of 15 minutes. Nicely done you two.

Let's pause here to admire Jane. She was gorgeous! Her dress was fantastic: a full lace overlay, modest train and some sparkley beading. Her hair was very classy in a side ponytail with a great little headband and the make-up was perfect (hats off to Ang).

Then cocktail hour, during which I discovered just how many Deltas were in attendance and met Margo's soon-to-be-hubby; dinner - complete with lobster bisque - some very impressive speeches (Chris' was my fav) and then the dancing began. As was no surprise to anyone, Taygan was among the most popular dancing partners.

In true Delta fashion, we sang (chanted) "I am a T" and then had a group picture taken. (There were a few girls who hadn't been to the other weddings and I have to say, they looked a little surprised by the singing. Apparently they don't break out into sorority rush songs every time they attend a wedding. I recommended that they start.)

Post-wedding we hit up a wine bar in Salem to relax and continue chit chatting a bit. Then it was back to our Friday night location to wrap the night up with a dance party because everyone loves a dance party.

It's late now and I must get some sleep but I'll leave you with these two things: 1) I also saw my family during my trip which was awesome and relaxing. I loved spending my last day just hanging out with them in Wellesley. And 2) PICTURES!




Created with flickr slideshow.
These are some of my favs. I'll upload the rest to Flickr later this week.

Outta here!

Outta here and on a plane! To Boston! For Jane's wedding!