Visitors...Liz & Sam

Through med. school and now the beginning of residency is seems like visitors are few and far between.  Iowa didn't seem too glamourous but once family came they all saw the charm and appeal of our new "home".  Now Texas is getting it's turn.  Despite all our complaints of no shopping immediately in the area (my complaint not Ben's or our bank accounts), and the sufficating heat and humidity, we finally persuaded Ben's darling sister Liz to come visit.  She brought her youngest Sam with her and it was a treat to finally meet this ball of chubby cuteness!

(Look at those baby blues...such a cute little guy)

Liz arrived Friday and the celebrating commenced.  Non-stop talking for the next 5 days!  We ate Chick-fil-a, Shipley doughnuts, Rudy's BBQ, shopping at Ross, Liz baby sat so we could have a date night, and a day trip down to the Round Rock Outlets.  Heaven people, it was just FUN!  We laughed, went on walks, talked, sipped our diet cokes, and eventually shed a few tears during our good-bye.  She had to head back home to a patiently waiting husband, and three more darling boys.  To say this girl has her hands full would be and understatement.  

In between all our running around and playing we spent a vast majority of our time outdoors since Texas decided to gift us with a cold front.  HALLELUJAH fall-ish weather.  The kids were in heaven with Sam and demanding attention from Aunt Liz.  Even Spencer got in on the action.  He didn't seem like quite the baby with an actual baby around.  (so not ready for him to get big)

 This is the classic Spencer face I get whenever a camera makes its apperance...thanks buddy!

(Love this pic...pure joy and happiness on that girls face)

 What a cute little flower!

Come back soon guys!  We miss you already.  The next trip though will hopefully include all 4 boys and a hubby.  It would be a full house, but boy would it be fun!  Imagine the late night horse laughs with that  one!!!

First Texas Visitor-Grandma!

This past week my mom made her voyage to visit us here in Texas.  I warned it would be HOT & HUMID.  I told her we would go to splash pads and play in the sprinklers.  So, of course the minute I pick her up in Austin it starts raining....then pouring!  It continued to rain off and on the entire time she was here.  (it had not rained once since we moved here prior to her arrival)

In between rain storms we got a lot done.  We HAD to take her to some authentic BBQ.  So down to Salt Lick we went.

We still played outside, just in our rain coats.

My mom helped me make the tops of the quilts for the boys beds.  Spencer is still in his crib, but I figured I better make matching ones now for the bunk.  I think it will take her awhile before she ever wants to hear the sound of the sewing machine again.   We shopped for new home decor, and put some finishing touches in the kids rooms.  It's always nice to have someone who will give you their honest opinion and ooh & ahh at all the right things.

We toured Temple, showcased the local 7-11,  indulged in Shipley doughnuts, made our ritual visit to Cracker Barrel and really just enjoyed being together.  Her time here always goes way too fast.  I tired to get a verbal commitment on when she would be coming back.  I sure hope sooner than later.

Thanks Mom for the fun trip!  Come back soon...please.