Thanksgiving in Houston

This year we decided to have Thanksgiving in Houston with my family. Sadly Marcin, my brother-in-law, and Brittany, my older sister, weren't able to make it down, but everyone else was there for the holiday. This trip down to Houston was definitely a special occasion because it was Cali's first visit to Texas! She doesn't know it yet, but she will of course love Texas and think it is the BEST state in country!! There was no mistaking it on this trip ... Cali was the main attraction the entire time. All of her grandmas couldn't get enough of her. In fact I think she spent more time being held than laying down. It was so great for Casey to have a break and just enjoy the holiday. We had such a wonderful time and look forward to our many, many more trips back down to Texas!!


Cali was able to meet her aunt Sydney for the very first time. Oh sorry, Sydney would like that to say "Favorite Aunt Sydney" (I know Brit... she's already brain washing her. You need to make a move on it before it's too late!).


Grandpa trying to make Cali laugh.


Grandma soaking up all the time she could with Cali.


Great grandma Norma also meeting Cali for the first time.


Brittany and Sydney will be laughing when they see this one!!!! We decided to take of picture of Cali with one of my grandma Norma's infamous Santa Clauses.


Nate showing us his bowling skills.


Casey did NOT want to pose like this for a picture. He whispered to me, "I feel so gay right now". I was laughing so hard!!


What a cute couple!


Cali's other great grandma, Sally. She is such a beautiful great grandma!


Riley being goofy and eating our yummy Thanksgiving appetizers!


The five generations. My mom, me, great great grandma Reba, grandma Norma, and Cali.


Only 97 years between the two of them. Mama Reba is one trooper!


They must have eaten too much turkey!!


Thanks to our friends Jordan and Rachel I was able to teach Riley the game of Nerts. What a fun game!


The couldn't get enough of her!


Me and my dad


Cali's newest thing is sticking out her tongue ... although she doesn't really know what she's doing. haha



Cali laughing and smiling!


She was showing grandma how strong her neck is.


What a perfect picture since Casey ADORES those dogs ... for those of you who don't know that was a joke!


Cali and her best bud


Perfect timing! If you can't tell I have Cali's pacifier in my mouth.


Yummy! We had just finished eating the best bar-b-q food at Doyle's


Riley's big birthday surprise!! This was so awesome to watch. My dad bought him an old beat up '68 mustang. They're planning on rebuilding it and having it ready to go a year from now when Ri turns 16. So cool!

Cali's First Milestone!!!

She rolled over!!!! I was so excited that I continued to place her on her stomach to keep the amazing feat going. Poor girl ... I think i tired her out, so eventually she started to cry out of frustration. Sorry Cali. The video camera of course was not charged, so I didn't get to film her amazing milestone. Now that the camera is charged she won't roll over anymore ... go figure!!

Three Wonderful Years!!!

Casey and I celebrated our three year anniversary yesterday! And what a wonderful three years it has been. We decided to make a mini trip up to one of our favorite resorts, Stein Erikson, and stay the night. This time was different for us because we brought Cali to join in the celebration! I'm not quite ready to leave her for a full day and a half. That time will come, but not yet.

Each year has brought so many great memories, but here are just a few from year three.

-Christmas in Houston! ( First time celebrating it with Brit and Marcin!)
-Building a home, moving in, and then selling it.
-Starting work with Apex Alarm.
-Getting pregnant.
-Bringing beautiful Cali into our lives.
-My graduation!!!!
-Moving to Austin for the summer (Too many memories there to list).
-Selling our two hyperactive boxers, Diesel and Daisy, to two wonderful families.
-Apex cruise, where we enjoyed the sun and met many wonderful friends.

These are some of the bigger memories that occurred this past year, but there are also the many many little memories not listed that we will cherish forever. Yea!!!! Three years and counting...

Pumpkin Carving

I meant to post this much sooner, but couldn't find the time. My girlfriend Mallory stopped by one night to carve pumpkins with me, and they couldn't have turned out better. Sooo cute!!!

We Love Halloween!!

This year for Halloween Casey and I decided to be Hippies ... or so I thought. When I was just about to get my costume on Casey walks in the door wearing a surprising costume. He was Mr. Incredible! It was hilarious until he whipped out my Mrs. Incredible costume!! I couldn't not match him, so I relented and became Mrs. Incredible for the night. I was thinking Cali wasn't going to be able to dress up as anything only because she is so little and hardly anything fits her, but I was wrong. While me and my girlfriend Mindi were shopping for our costumes, she pointed out a potential costume for Cali. It was a bumblebee outfit ... so cute. Very quickly I found out that the costume was actually fitted for a dog!! I bought it anyway and guess what ... it fit her perfectly. I was so excited!

We had such a blast celebrating the holiday! Our good friends Nick and Mindi were so kind and allowed us to have a party over at their new cute house. Because it was a holiday, we were able to enjoy all the YUMMY unhealthy food and treats without the guilt...my favorite part, and play our most favorite game MAFIA!!!!


The Duck and the Duck Hunter (aka Brooke and Justin)

The "Wanna Be Girl" and the "80's chick" (Calvin and Anne Marie)

The "Old Folks" (Brady and Virginia)

HILARIOUS!!!!

The "Down Home Country Women" (Anna ... only she isn't wearing her hilarious wig which totally made the costume!)

Sarah Palin and John McCain (Kirk and Shaugnessy)

While playing Mafia!!!




Cali the Bumblebee

Our Beautiful Cali

Many of you have heard and even taken pictures with Skye Johansen, but for those of you who have not she is a self-made photographer who does a phenomenal job. Casey and I took Cali when she was exactly one week old and were amazed at all the positions Skye was able to put her in. Of course Cali just stayed conked the entire time and didn't even seem bothered by all the positioning. The pictures turned out wonderful and will remember the experience forever.