JOY

Spring Fling at Dealey

On Thursday April 5th we had our Spring Fling at Dealey.  It was a huge success and a blast!  Even the Easter Bunny stopped by for a visit!

Ashley and Connor & Kimberly and Julian

 Andrew, Ashley and Connor

 As always, sweet Svea looking as cute as ever

 "Who are you?"

 "Mom, why are you making me sit here?"

No smiles but no cries either!  :)

 Jessica {Svea's mom} trying to corral the little wiggle worms

 Playing with Svea and her big sister

 Laran is the room mom in classroom 3.  She & I have fun planning events together.  

 Parties are exhausting!

Cheeks!

Keep Austin Weird

Reid's 1st trip to our state capitol was anything but weird.  Instead, it was the celebration of a joining of families.  Grandma & Grandpa Andersen, Jeff, Reid and I made our way to Austin last weekend to surprise Amy.  

Travis proposed to Amy on March 27th {her birthday!}.  Then that weekend, the two of them headed to Austin to attend Travis' nephew's 1st birthday party. Little did Aunt Amy know, there was much more than a birthday party in store for her that weekend. After the party, Travis' whole family went back to his parents' house, and to Amy's amazement, her own family showed up just a little later to join in on the surprise engagement party.  We all had a wonderful time celebrating with the Powell family, and I know Amy enjoyed the fun surprise that Travis worked so hard on.  

Congratulations Aunt Amy & Uncle Travis!!!  

xoxo, Reid

Before we surprised Aunt Amy we met up with the grandparents for lunch in Austin

Playing tug of war with grandma

Reid got his first Easter basket from his grandparents while we passed the time waiting to surprise Aunt Amy

I think it's safe to say the puffs were his favorite part of the basket full of fun

Reid got to meet Travis' nephew, Miles.  Miles just turned one in March.  It took him a little while to warm up to Reid, but they quickly became instant buds!

Reid and Bentley...two peas in a pod

Chatting with his new friend, Miles

I'm sorry to say I don't have a picture of Aunt Amy's face when we walked into Travis' parents' house and surprised her.  But I think it's safe to say she was definitely surprised.  It was SO much fun, and it couldn't have happened to a better SIL!

After we spent some time at the Powell house, Travis' parents took us all out to dinner to celebrate.  What a fun time!  

Happy parents of the bride!

Reid was such a trooper.  This was the latest he's EVER stayed up past his bedtime.  I was so proud of what a sweet boy he was despite his exhaustion.  

Do you see that man behind us who is wiping his mouth with the white napkin?  At one point, I put Reid in his car seat to my left {right next to that gentleman}, and Reid proceeded to "grunt" himself to sleep as he often does when he's in his car seat.  As the grunting commenced, I leaned back, tapped the gentleman on his shoulder and explained to him that the grunting would only last a few minutes.  I explained that the boy would soon be asleep and wouldn't be a bother to them any longer.  As I had hoped, this man happens to be a grandpa himself, and he couldn't have been nicer about it {as was everyone at the table}!  Thank you, kind sir {whoever you are}.  Your kindness and understanding were much appreciated!

Out like a light!

Happy Easter!

Preparing to Say Goodbye

How do you say goodbye...to the place you call home?  To the first home you ever owned?

I've made so many wonderful memories here with family and friends over the past 10 years.  Ferndale Road began with just Halley and me in June of 2002, and over the years it has witnessed the blossoming of a full-fledged family.  From the day I brought Jeff "home" to meet Halley in June of 2004 {the very day he flicked her sweet, floppy ear and despite that I fell in love with him anyway} to the day we welcomed home Hudson in March of 2010 to the best day of our lives when Reid Louis graced us with his birth in June of 2011.

We brought our first born son home to Ferndale Road.  We designed and furnished his nursery with such enthusiasm and energy.  We labored over every detail because love really is in the details.

How do you say goodbye to a home that always made you feel safe, secure and happy? As much as I love to travel, I'm always happy to return home...to THIS home.

I know it's just brick and mortar and the memories {and photos} will always be with us and that we'll make plenty of new memories in our next home, but there's still a part of me that grieves.

I guess goodbyes are always hard.  Anyone who knows me really well, knows that I prefer "hellos" over "goodbyes" any day.  I'm one of those awful people who would rather sneak away than have to say goodbye.  Hellos are happy, joyous, renewing. Goodbyes are difficult, sorrowful, alone.  Yet our lives are defined by change...by the transitions we make.  No great thing happens without change.  If only that knowledge made saying goodbye easier.

I will always have fond memories of Ferndale Road and all the beauty and life that has blossomed in this home.  I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to be its steward.  And I pray that the next owner will love it as we have loved it, care for it as we have cared for it and will thrive and blossom as we have.

All that being said, I'm a believer in ripping the band-aid off, so please, God, let our home sell fast!

Jeff and his yard...the envy of all our neighbors!

As of three hours ago, the sign is in the yard!