Go Ponies

We took Nate to his first homecoming game at SMU. We tailgated on the boulevard, hung out with friends and the kiddo managed to last to halftime. It's always a scene of sundresses, cowboy boots and popped collars as well as total judgement.

Fall fun

A good bit of fall was spent at the arboretum. Weather was warm and kids can run free. Nate loves it, and the Chihuly exhibit was here all year. We took in a concert, the pumpkin patch and eventually Santa...but that is a post all by itself.

Santa Barbara

We took a trip in September for our anniversary to Santa Barbara (one of our favorite places). Minus the drama with American Airlines and the pilot strike, we made it finally and had a great 4 days of sunshine, beaches and wine tasting.

1st Birthday

Someone turned 1 in Aug. We kept it very low key. Family only. I can't do the over the top, themed kids birthday parties. I just don't get it. The larger question to me is wouldn't that $500-$1000 be better spent in a college fund? We think so around here.

A family pic.

He wasn't very info the cake. He had a few bites but overall he doesn't like sweets much. I have no idea how that's possible. He prefers carbs, and cheese.

California Dreamin

I spent 4 days in San Diego with Val and Colleen (who came in from San Francisco). It was my first solo weekend, and was such fun. We biked, walked on the beach, had drinks on the boardwalk, lounged in the sun with magazines, spent a day at the spa and got to meet the boyfriend. The weather was beautiful as usual, and spending time with them feels like home to me. We've been thru so much after all these years. We save up our life issues and secret questions for these visits.

Val's boyfriend is adorable. He also scared the crap out of me by sneaking up to the back bedroom door at night dressed as a zombie clown. I totally freaked. I don't like zombies or clowns.

In honor of Val's birthday we went to La Costa Resort & Spa for massages. The resort is amazing and after the spa treatments we spent 6 hours by the pool having lunch and drinks. If you're a visitor to San Diego I highly recommend it.

I miss them already, and am looking forward to our next visit. I did miss the guys in my life but Chris handled the single parenting with ease. I'm lucky to be married to someone that encourages my time with friends and makes it so nice to come home.

Happiness

This kid is pure happiness most of the time. He has his moments, but overall he's a walking smile. Everyone tells you it goes by so fast, and they're right. I love this chubby cheeked baby for a million reasons but my reason this week is because he calls me "momma".

4th of July

Given that our kiddo's bedtime is 7pm, we missed any live fireworks. Hopefully next year. Instead we headed to Rob's fire station for a family BBQ, and homemade ice cream. It's the first time we've been to the station or met the crew. They were all so nice and welcoming, and I can tell they like Rob. We didn't get many pics but his station has some impressive trucks, including a huge one that's only used for airport fires. Nate wasn't so sure about all the new people and things to see. Thanks Rob for the tour! We loved it.

Shaheinagaines

Last weekend was the 3rd annual Shaheinagaines (Shahan/Heinrich/Gaines) weekend. Even though the trip is generally without children, I was ordered to bring mine given that it's at my in-laws, and Rob and Allison had babysitting coverage issues. It was a weekend of the usual, food, drink, pool and fun with friends. My in-laws are saints for hosting and cooking for this crew. You can't beat quality time with good friends and the weekend doesn't feel long enough.

The arboretum

The husband and I, along with a few friends, went to a concert at the Arboretum last week. Le Freak: the greatest disco cover band in the world (self proclaimed), and bonus was the Chihuly nights installation that will be here until October.

The best part about concerts at the arboretum is that you can bring your own food, drinks and blankets etc. Had it been a little cooler it would have been perfect, but we had a great time. The band was fantastic.

It was a fun night sitting on the grass, listening to music while looking over the lake with good friends and some vino.