2017 Resolutions

If I could pick one word for the year 2017, it would be: simple.

I want life to be simpler, slower, purposeful, and relaxed. I felt like 2016 was SO busy.. we went a good three/four months with having plans every single weekend. Friends and each other get put on the back burner because we never have time. I am ready for a more simple life. I have a feeling 2017 will take care of that in itself.. considering we have a newborn on the way! I am looking forward to relaxing nights and weekends at home while getting adjusted to our new life and new family member.

Whatever your new years resolution is, I hope you maintain it and have a wonderful 2017!

Post Christmas Road Trip!

Katie, Collin, Brooke, and I all took off Christmas night and headed for Tulsa! We had planned on visiting Jeff and Angel after Christmas.. and on the way to their house is the new Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Well, I'm obsessed so of course we detoured our trip to stop there! We slept in Tulsa Christmas night.. and woke up early to drive an hour to Pawhuska and eat breakfast at The Merc. It. was. awesome. I loved every little detail and can't wait to go back!!

 Here is Ree's father in law, Chuck. He seemed to love all the attention!

 Now, I'm not just saying this because I love the Pioneer Woman... but this seriously was the most delicious breakfast!! The flavored butter, special pancakes, and even the sausage.. everything was SO good!!

 We REALLY lucked out and saw the whole family!

Eek! I can't wait to go back!! :)

After a few hours of waiting around to meet Ree, we hit the road for Lee's Summit! I loved getting to see Jeff and Angel's house and wish I was still lounging in their basement watching TV!!

The cowboys costume was Cameron's 2nd Halloween costume. So sweet!!

She's never worn a skirt before and clearly doesn't know how to act lady like. Haha!

While we were there, we took Brooke to her first movie! Overall she did pretty good, but it'll probably be a while before we go back.

We had a great time and are finally starting to adjust to normal routine. Somewhere in the mix.. I turned 28 weeks pregnant, now 29. Time is flying!! I have felt just fine overall.. definitely craving sweets though! Other than that, no real persistent cravings. We are finally starting to work on her nursery and picked out a few things we need to purchase before she gets here. We can't wait to meet our little March baby!!!

My belly:

 Brooke's belly: lol!

Christmas 2016

We had a busy holiday season. We left a few days before Christmas to celebrate with Collin's family, home to celebrate with my family, then left Christmas night to celebrate with Jeff and Angel in Missouri! I am definitely craving some time at home and our every day routine.. it was a fast and furious holiday.

Brooke was so much fun this year! Anytime she saw Santa or anyone mentioned Santa she would immediately say "ho ho ho!". She loved looking at Christmas lights and especially loved snowmen and santa's in peoples yard.

We kicked off the holiday with what will most likely become a yearly tradition... downtown Grapevine! It was SO fun and the kids loved all the photo ops. It felt so Christmasy and we all loved it.

Of course, in true fashion... she hated Santa again. Cracks me up!!

Excited for Pajama Day at school!!

Christmas Eve Eve was spent like this :( poor girl had a double ear infection with the left one nearly rupturing.

After some medicine, she was all ready for Christmas Eve dinner at Copeland's!

Christmas Eve night we spent some time with family and then came home to put cookies out for Santa, read The Night Before Christmas, and tuck our sweet little girl into bed before Christmas morning!! 

She hated leaving the cookies out for Santa. She didn't understand getting a perfectly put together plate of cookies and a glass of milk, and then just leaving it there. She quickly snuck a couple bites when we weren't looking! 

Christmas morning was so fun :) Brooke is still too little, but her face definitely showed some excitement when she saw all the presents and toys under the tree. It filled my mama heart and I can't wait for all the years to come!

Katie and my dad came over Christmas morning and we had breakfast and let Brookie play with all her new toys.

After that, it was our big Christmas meal at my dads and family time. Doesn't get much better!!

 Our attempt at making the Southern Living christmas cake this year. I think we nailed it!

Christmas night, we hit the road for Tulsa, and then to Missouri for some more Christmas fun... and the PW Mercantile!!! I will catch up on that separately.. this is already a long one!!

Every year, the holidays seem to fly by, and every year I vow to slow down the next year. This year I TRULY mean it!! We watched a total of ONE Christmas movie this year, rushed through baking day, squeezed in Christmas lights here and there when we could.. and rarely had nights at home. I vow to soak up Christmas in 2017 with our growing family.. more nights at home, more hot chocolate, more christmas lights, and more dedicated family time. I can't wait!