Beach Vacation? I think I will.

The McCools (my sister and her in-laws) go to S. Padre every summer because their family owns a condo down there.  I was in desperate need of a vacation this summer since we hadn't been anywhere since the year before Harper.  Plus, I had been redoing the interior of our house for 3 months and was ready to relax.  So we decided to meet my sister down there and spend the week hanging out at the beach and doing nothing.

Harper hates driving in the car if it's any distance over 20 miles, so she and I flew down to Padre Thursday morning.  Of course our plane was delayed, but Harper had fun meeting lots of new friends.  She even charmed the pilot, who was waiting there with us.  Cody was driving down with my parents and sisters, so they didn't get in until later that day.  They found us hanging at the pool.

Friday we all got up and played around the condo.  Carleigh and Taylor came over at 5:30 to take care of Grayson because that kid gets up at the crack of dawn.  So we watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (the first of hundreds of times), had breakfast, and played.  Then, we went down to the beach midmorning and Harper got to experience the beach for the first time.  She was kind of iffy, and then a big wave scared her pretty good and she was done with the water.  We sat on the shore and she enjoyed being outside and watching everyone play.  Everyone played frisbee and the girls went boogie boarding.  Grayson loves the beach.  He played in the sand, ran in the water, and hit his golfball up and down the beach.

Grayson is my favorite little boy ever.  I don't get to see him as much as I'd like, but I try to find ways to win him over when I get to visit.  This time, I brought him a nerf super soaker and he loved it!  Of course, Kristen and Brian didn't, but that's what aunts are for.  And Brian reminded me many times that I will get paid back in full from them when Harper grows up.

At lunch, we came in, ate and all the kiddos took naps (that includes Kristen and Baby Reese).  We played cards and hung out.  In the afternoon, we went to the baby pool and Harper got to walk around and play with Grayson in the water.  We had dinner and relaxed in the condo.  Eric also came that night with his girlfriend, Erin.  It was good to see him because he and Dane are always busy on the busses now.  But, Carleigh and Taylor were sunburned pretty bad so they went home early.  Sometimes it's better to listen to your older sisters when they tell you to put on more sunscreen.

Harper finally started really walking at the condo.  She's a speed racer now.

Saturday morning was a repeat of Friday.  Wake, eat, beach, nap, pool.  This time I joined Cody in the ocean and we went boogie boarding.  After about 30 minutes of trying to figure it out, I asked him "Is this it?"  Spending 5 minutes chocking down water for a 10 second ride didn't do it for me.  So we went back to relaxing on the beach.  

Grayson bored in the condo.

That evening we all got ready so we could take a family picture and go out to dinner.  We spent about 30 minutes standing on the beach while we set up the camera and took tons of pics.  Sadly, not one has everyone looking at the camera.  I guess we should have expected that with two kids.  Eric was the camera man so every time he set the timer and ran back to his spot, Harper would turn completely around to see where he was going.  Thus, no good pictures.  But I think that's just the way it goes.

Dinner was about the same story as the picture taking process.  It was a nice, outdoor patio with the beach in the background.  Harper was exhausted and fell asleep in the car and slept for half of dinner.  But then she woke up with a vengeance and dinner became chaotic.  Grayson doesn't really like to have to sit still for an hour in a chair and do nothing so he was up and down every five minutes.  He got to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the ipad for awhile until he kept touching the screen so his parents put it away.  I tried to tell him that if he touched the screen Mickey would die, but I don't think Kristen liked that very much. 

Grayson helping push Harper to the restaurant.  

He's gonna be a great big brother soon!

The kids were bored and the adults were tired.  

 

After dinner, we celebrated Father's Day with my dad, Cody's 31st birthday, and Taylor's 16th birthday.  Besides the cake and presents, we got visited by a huge cockroach that supposedly almost dive bombed Kristi.  All in all, a fun evening but I was definitely ready for bed.

Sunday morning, Kristen, Brian, and Grayson were flying home so we just relaxed at the condo.  Taylor and Carleigh were too sunburned to go outside and Eric and Erin went back to sleep at 10am.  But it ended up being a nice quiet day.  That afternoon Eric, Erin, Dad, and Carleigh went fishing off the pier and Cody, Taylor, Kristi, and I went shopping.  Dinner, a walk on the beach, and it was bedtime again.  

Harper eyeing Brian's sandwich. 

Grayson and Harper watching (very focused) Mickey Mouse 

Clubhouse while we packed/cleaned.

On our way to shop.

Sunday morning, Grayson ran out of diapers so he used one of Harper's.  

I guess they weren't big enough because his little cheek was hanging out all morning.

Monday morning was Cody and Taylor's birthday so it was a good day.  Kristi always makes the girls pancakes in the shape of their age, so Cody got to enjoy that too this year.  Then, we went to the beach again and this time we tried to convince Harper how fun the beach was.  The water wasn't as frigid and the waves weren't as big and she actually seemed to enjoy herself.  At lunchtime, Kristi and I took Harper up and fed her and put her down for a nap.  Then, we went out on the patio to read and a book and relax in the sun.  About 2 hours later and some nap time somewhere in there, I realized I was burnt on the left 1/2 of my body.  Sweet.  

Taylor hanging out of the port hole.

The Birthday Buddies

After dinner, we went out for a scenic tour and birthday ice cream. We saw jumping fish, drove on the ocean floor (where the tide had gone out for the night), picked out some nice real estate to buy, and shopped for souvenirs (always with cashiers following us around like we were shoplifters).  When we got to the ice cream parlor, Dad said to get the large cup, which came with 4 flavor options.  The cup looked to fit about 1-2 scoops of ice cream.  Well, when they say 4 flavors, they mean 4 flavors.  After I ordered, Dad busted out laughing because after they filled the bowl with the first scoop, they proceeded to shove the other three scoops on top until it was overflowing and almost falling off.  So, obviously I shared with Dad and the others got smaller cups.  

The small cup

Tuesday morning was all about packing up and cleaning the condo, a last walk on the beach and one last trip to get a coffee mug souvenir for Carleigh.  They drove Harper and I to the airport and then they headed home.  Harper and I landed in Dallas and were at our house by 2pm.  Sadly, Cody's drive lasted until about 9:30 due to traffic and rain.  All the luggage in the back of the truck means you have to deal with rain a bit differently.  It was a great vacation, a MUCH needed vacation.  I might go back later this summer, but maybe by myself.  

11 1/2 months...because she's just that cute

I forgot to take her 11 month pictures, so Harper gets two 11 month posts.  Plus, she's just so funny that I have even more stories to tell about her.

She is big on copying what we do these days.  Cody has her copying him when he makes the indian war holler.  He especially likes to do the "Michael Scott twirl and point" move to her and she will point back at him when he does.  

I think she's gonna be a singer one day.  I finally figured out that she was singing along with me when i sing to her at night or in the car.  She just finds a note and holds it for about 5-10 seconds.  It's pretty impressive.  It's not on key or anything, but I'm glad she likes to sing.

Standing and walking like speed racer

She has started peeing and pooping in the tub alot.  She loves to stand in the tub now and hold onto my leg while she throws her toys out.  Yes, I'm sure this isn't something I should be encouraging, but she loves it and it keeps her happy.  So now that she stands, she surprises herself when she starts peeing and sees this liquid running down her legs.  Pretty comical actually.  But the poop is pretty gross.  And the last time, she actually picked it up.  So not cool.  

Her favorite place to play is in our cabinet under the coffee bar.  There are baskets full of coffee K-cups in there that are the perfect size and make noise when you shake them.  She loves to get one and carry it around all morning wherever she goes.  Pretty cheap toy if you ask me.

Always banging something on the walls.

She still throws food to Maggie, but some meals I know that she won't.  If she's eating eggs, avocado, pinto/black beans or green beans, it's all hers.  But Maggie has figured out how to jump up on the foot rest and at least get the stuff that drops in her lap.  Less clean up, right?

Squatting and pointing at the same time.  She's a multi-tasker.

She really wants grownup food.  Whenever we are eating, she will stare at us with this sad, little face.  Then, while you take a bite, she leans in to you and opens her mouth like she could almost just taste the food.  The other day, she actually gave my friend, Jackie, a cold stare down because Jackie ate in front of her.  She loves to eat.  Not that those awesome chubby legs didn't give that away.  But we are super excited that in 2 weeks we will be done with formula!  Goodness - what an awesome thing that will be.

So here's to almost 1 year Harper Girl.  We love you!

Happy Birthday G!

My sweet, little nephew turned 2 years old!  I just can't believe it.  He is getting so big right before my eyes.  I have to say - I think he is the sweetest, cutest, funniest little boy I know.  I am biased - but I just love him so much.  So his birthday is definitely something to celebrate!

At the hospital when Grayson was born

Grayson had a joint birthday with 3 of his buddies who were all born in May 2010 as well.  They had a barnyard party with a petting zoo and it was so fun.  My sister, Kristen, did an amazing job decorating for the party.  She was like a pinterest queen.  Besides being crazy hot, it was a great party.

Rustic Barn Theme

2 years old and party favors - so fun!

All 4 birthday boys

Grayson in the petting zoo.  He loved it!

Grayson and the ducks

Harper and I in the shade - it was hot.

 Meeting Campbell.  Campbell's mom, Candice was very helpful because she had lots of the same problems as a baby as Harper.

Grayson trying to put Harper's shoe back on.  She hates shoes (it's probably because her feet are too chubby to fit in any shoe).  

Giving kisses to "Baby Parper".  He loves her so much.  

All the birthday boys lined up to get sung to and eat their birthday cupcakes.

Kristen and Grayson

Grayson asking his buddy Cason for some of his snack.

The Boettcher family was my second family growing up.  They are amazing people and I love getting to see them.  My friend, Carol, lives out of town.  But I got to visit with her parents and grandmother.  Such a sweet family.

On Grayson's actual birthday, we went to my sister's house and celebrated with the family.  We had fun hanging out and teaching Grayson everything about the number 2.  Grayson helped make the dip while I was dealing with slicing off part of my thumb.  Such a good helper!  Then, we sang Happy Birthday to him and he danced to the "Cha Cha Cha" part.  He opened presents and got lots of boy stuff.  Tools, baseball, golf and soccer stuff.  And he was all about those boy toys.  

Showing Pop his 2 dollars

He has this awesome new shy face and laugh.  He's so cute! 

He got golf clubs, a soccer ball and goal, and a new tee ball.  And I have to brag just a little because that kid has some good hand eye coordination.  He hit the ball on his first swing and slammed it right into his momma (he actually hit his baby sister but it was a wiffle ball and didn't hurt).  

Playing soccer with his new ball and goal.  He scored once against Harper before she quit.  

My sweet nephew is 2 and such a great kid.  Love getting to celebrate him.  

Happy 2nd Birthday Grayson Henry McCool!

11 Months and So Big!

Harper is now 11 months old and is becoming a toddler right before my eyes.  We have learned lots of new things this month and can't wait for our birthday party next month.

We are finally learning to say "mama."  It's cute to see her try the "m" sound.  Her new favorite thing now is trying to talk over us in the car.  Cody and I will be having a conversation and suddenly she is talking, very loudly, and very continuously.  And of course she is so stinking cute we just smile and laugh at her and ask her what she's talking about.

Playing with her new book in the car

She is walking...ALMOST!  She started standing up right after she turned 10 months.  Each day she would stand a little longer and a little longer.  At first, she immediately sat down.  Then, she'd enjoy standing for a second or two but would still squat pretty quickly.  Now, she just stands there doing whatever she wants and doesn't realize she's standing on her own until about 30 seconds.  Then, about a week ago, Cody and I tried the walking thing.  She really didn't want any party of it.  She would just fall forward from one person to the next without even moving her feet.  So a few days ago, we were so proud when she finally walked 1 step from me to the couch (she really wanted that remote).  Since then, she will take a step or two a day.  I'm sure she'll be walking in no time.  

Standing - It's blurry because she was taking a step!

Her food is pretty much the same but she has added snacks to her daily diet.  She has puffs and juice for her midmorning snack and a nutrigrain bar for her afternoon snack.  And usually she scarfs down every bite of snack I give her.  She likes people food way better than baby food, that's for sure.  Last week, she was throwing food to the dog, so I got up to put the dog outside.  But Maggie was quicker and had caught the food in the air before it hit the ground.  This of course delighted Harper and her sweet laugh was contagious.  So we sat there and laughed together while Harper threw her bites of food and Maggie caught them.  Then of course I realized what a nightmare I was creating and that ended quickly.

Throwing food to Maggie

Eating her granola bar

Our house is constantly in a state of chaos.  No matter how quickly I pick things up, she is capable of taking everything back out just a quickly.  No more folding clothes, there's really no point.  No more worrying about books being torn or pages ripped - she's going to get them no matter what.  So now we just play and live in chaos.  It's more fun for her that way anyways.  She is also getting taller.  She is now able to reach the 2nd set of drawers in her room and the kitchen.  She now enjoys playing with the tupperware and the ziplock baggies (300 in one box means hours of fun).

Playing with a box of 100 trash bags means tons of fun

Harper is still one of the happiest babies ever.  Every stranger that meets her loves her.  She still acts bashful but eventually comes around.  And she will still pick Mom over anyone, but she is used to her grandparents and Aunts.  And she always loves other kids.  They are just her size.

Sitting in a wagon (for the first time) with her friend, Avinley

Drinking from their own cups got boring, so they switched

The only bad part of this age is the fact that she has started wanting to have her way all the time.  In the movie, Dumb and Dumber, there is a scene where they are in this car driving to Aspen and Jim Carrey asks "Want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?"  And proceeds to shriek "Eeeeeeeehhhhhhh" for about 2 minutes.  It's horrible.  But I would say Harper can do a pretty good impression of that.  When she doesn't get her way, she just whines until she is distracted or gets what she wants.  Such a turkey.  And of course she cries when we tell her no.  Which is a lot these days.  Either she'll get used to it or I'll go crazy and just give in.

Playing at Mimi's house (she never gets told no there)

But I feel like she is just turning into this amazing little girl.  I pray every night that she would be different.  Stand out.  But a light in a dark world.  That others would see some difference in her that they can't explain.  That she would get to tell others about Jesus because they see His joy in her life.  So we are already excited about seeing what God has in store for her.  Because our sweet baby is becoming a toddler.  And that's gonna be some fun years ahead.