Couples Retreat 2011

Have I ever mentioned how much I love my neighborhood and neighbors? They have become my family away from home. This year we decided to get a little crazy and take a trip together without kids. Only 5 couples were able to go and we had the BEST time. T and I headed down a day early to spend time with my Mom before we left the kids with her. {That will be a whole separate blog.} Anyway, we had a fun filled packed adventure. There was never a dull moment. Follow along the pictures as I will tell you all about it. Ha! Ha!

The house was called Lazy Lane Lodge. It had 4 master bedrooms and a private loft. The lake views were awesome. It also had a wrap around deck with hot tub and fire pit. Overall it was a great house. The owners... not so much. Ugh!

Friday....

The girls had a spa day planned while the guys played golf. First stop, the Arlington Hotel for "brunch" which really was lunch. We went there for the "historic experience" but I think the experience we had was definitely historic LOL! Let's just say someone in our group who was pregnant and was served the wrong drink {if you know what I mean}.We had a good laugh. This was my first drink of the day. LOL! I'm so dramatic! After lunch we walked around downtown the headed down to the spa for our facials and massages. Now that was nice. Awe.... I'm still thinking about it.

Later that night we headed off to the Belle of Hot Springs for our sunset dinner cruise. The scenery was fantastic... the food not so much. What can you expect from a 100 year old boat. We still manage to have an awesome time. Did I mention it had a full bar? Yea I think you get what I'm saying. LOL!

The Boat...

All Aboard!

The girls...

Sunset kiss! As Carsen would say... "that's nice"

The Ashwood Gang!

The original Three Amigas!

My bestie {Lara} and her hubby {Justin}

Once the boat ride was over we headed back to the house. The guys made a fire and we roasted marshmallows and made some yummy smore's. Good old fashion fun. I haven't done this since I was a little girl.

Katie roasting her marshmallow..

Tamra tasting the final product. I believe this was a success.

Saturday...

Race day! Every year we go to Lone Star Park for the day to watch and bet on the pony's. {This is what inspired the trip.} We woke up Saturday morning to the awesome smells of a breakfast feast. Tamra and Kylie put together one incredible breakfast. The menu included egg casserole, cheesy hash brown casserole, fresh cut fruit and dip, chocolate chip sticky buns, biscuits and gravy. Is your mouth watering yet? After we filled up our bellies we showered and headed off to the track. I was a big loser all day but still managed to have a blast!

Maybe I should have gone to a "person" to place my bets... hmmm

Ya I didn't pick that horse. Boo hoo...

Kylie, Katie, Me, and Lara... dang we look good. Hehehe

My sweet sweet brother Vinny. I love and miss you!

More pics of the hotties!

Travis and Vinny mapping out their plan of attack!

This guy is always smiling! Even when he loses. Love you babe!

That night we grilled ribeyes and complimented it with twice baked potatoes, green bean casserole, and homemade yeast rolls. Needless to say I gained like 10lbs over the weekend but it was all worth it!

Can't wait to plan our next trip! Where to now?

Sea World San Antonio Spring Break 2011

So much fun packed in 4 hours. We started out with the whale show "Believe". Carsen didn't have any idea what to expect and Chloe was just a wiggle worm. But once the whales came out both kids never took their eyes off them. They were in complete awe. We also made to the dolphin show, sea lion feeding tank, Bay of Play water park, bird cage, dolphin tank and sharks. Oh not to mention meeting Elmo and Cookie Monster. We had the BEST day with the kids and T's parents. They were such troopers and unbelievable grandparents. Thank you for such an awesome day together.

Our first pic of the day!

One excited boy! This was before the show " Believe" .

Me and my precious girl waiting for the show to begin...

Hello Shamu!

Carsen after a tidal wave was delivered by 3 killer whales. The funny thing is that right after this picture he looked at me and Travis and said... " that was so much fun!"

Chloe and I ducked under a towel and Ulli ducked behind us. LOL. A random stranger grabbed my camera to get this pick. They thought it was hilarious.

Splash Park Fun!

Can we say Daddy's girl...

The giant bird cage. The kids totally loved it but I think Travis and I more afraid of getting crapped on. They would land anywhere.

Carsen loving the birds..

My little besties... I can't tell you how many people asked me if they were twins. LOL! Watch out Carsen, Chloe is catching up fast!

Did someone say ICE CREAM!!

Two peas in a pod....

Chloe's new obsession

DONE, DONE , DONE...

Wordless Wednesday...

Bless The Memories Within Your Heart....

730 days and counting.... I miss you!

Just take a long look at this picture. Can you see the love and sweetness in his face. This picture is popular with the "Wolf Pack". I think we all have it in our homes. This is who he was, laid back, kindhearted and one funny guy. He was always keeping us laughing. Even down to his final hours. I couldn't imagine the humility he was going through having his kids taking care of him but he always made some kind of witty joke out of it to turn the humility around on us. He definitely left a lasting impression with all of us and whomever he met. I'm honored to have been his daughter and friend.

After my dad passed away, I was looking through the things on his desk for the memorial/funeral. I found this poem tape up next to his laptop. I had never seen it there before. It was like he left it for me to find and it was his goodbye letter. He never said goodbye to me which frustrated me. He would always say he's going to beat it and smile. But now I realize after reading this poem a 100 times what he was really saying to me. Just read it and you might understand as well.

It's weird, when I read it I can actually hear his voice.

"To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me"

When I am gone, release me, let me go,

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears

Be thankful for our beautiful years.

I gave you my love and you can only guess,

How much you gave in happiness.

I thank you for the love each of you have shown

But now it's time I travel alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a time that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far way, for life goes on,

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you cant see or touch me, I'll be near,

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear,

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with at smile

and say "Welcome Home."

Absent from the body; present with the Lord.

by Fawn Donaldson

Please take a moment to say a prayer for my family who's hearts are feeling pretty heavy today! Thank you! XOXO!

They Make Me Laugh and So Much More!

As a parent, your children complete your day in so many different ways. There is laughter, aggravation, warmness, happiness, tears, frustration and more laughter. How is it possible to have so many emotions in one day? The funny thing is that I thought one child was tough. Boy was I wrong. Some people even told me I was crazy to have 2 kids so close together {like I could do something about it at that point} but that really wasn't my plan. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though things don't work out according to your perfect plan, everything happens for a reason. Carsen and Chloe were meant to be siblings and close in age. They compliment each other in so many ways. Although they are complete opposite in looks and personality they are the same. They give my life a whole new meaning and I LOVE every minute of it!

Here's Carsen helping out with Chloe's highchair tray. He's my clean child. Loves to do anything with a vacuum, broom, rag or whatever. He just wants to help!

This is totally Chloe's personality. Always looking for something to get into. Here is T's undies! She got one of each! LOL! Sorry T! I'm sure they are clean ;-)

First time in "time out"

Millionth time in "time out" I may need a new strategy.

Brushing teeth together, a nightly routine.

They love sitting in the same chair. I think this is adorable. Sometimes it does end up in a wrestling match. Chloe can hold her own.

Having here first Dip Stick experience with cousin Shane. Needless to say she loved it for hours!

Dancing to Lady Gaga on the coffee table.

I wish you could see the smile behind this whistle.

Carsen naked wrestling with the panda!

Really this is my life?! Yes it is and would NEVER change it for anything in the world! Let's take a vote should we go for number 3?

Be My Valentine...

We had a fun Valentine's play date party today with our great friends. Thank you Stacie S. for opening your home. You did a fabulous job and everything was beautiful. It's so awesome to see all of our kids grow up together. Carsen and Chloe had a blast jumping in the bounce house, digging in the sand, "mowing the lawn", and eating all the sweet treats! Carsen especially had fun with his " latest" Valentine, Campbell. They were so cute together. I've haven't seen these two this friendly since their first meeting. LOL! They ate lunch together in the same chair and went for a little "car ride" upstairs. It was so cute! Meanwhile, Chloe was hanging out with the big boys doing her thing. She has no fear and that really scares me. It was a great day with my two little sweethearts!

My first little Valentine... Got to love this boy!

And then my second Valentine...

A sweet hug from big brother...

Having some fun with photo shop! Braydon was being a little tiger.

So Innocent...

Stacie and her little man Brody Bear

Carsen and Campbell having heart shaped PBJ's together.... being silly

On the "Car ride"..

This picture tells the story of my life and I'm sure Stacie's F's too. LOL!