Memorial weekend in Houston

We traveled to Houston, Tx for memorial weekend to see Brett's brother Tim and his family, Cynthia, Garrek and Coby. What a great trip it was! It was so lush there, I wasn't quite picturing that, but I guess that is expected with all the humidity they have.

Their home was beautiful, decorated so well, spacious and so inviting! Maya was in heaven from the moment we got there, with the dog, the big back yard, and all the bubbles (her favorite word). It was so fun for her to play with her cousins! As soon as Coby got home from school he and Maya imbraced, so cute!

Maya so excited to see Coby!

Tim sporting Chief the dog in the Chiefs bag

We spent time at the pool, the beach, and in the yard with water toys. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect weekend, it was relaxing and fun all at the same time. Brett got to enjoy a Houston soccer game with Tim and a friend who recently moved to Houston. Cynthia treated me to dinner at a delicious mexican restuarant with a fun outside atmostphere (so tasty too).

Cousins

This is one of my favorites of Coby flying in the air

playing in the pool (maya drinking the water)

Maya love the slip in slide with the water spraying

I loved getting to spend time with Cynthia, just learning more about her and seeing her life. She is a great wife and mother. I love having a sister-in-law like her!

Tim and Cynthia were so generous with there time and money. We did not pay for a single thing while we were there, we were fully taken care and it was such a blessing. We are so thankful to have family like them. Much of our conversation was joking about us moving to Texas... and although we would totally love to be closer to them we know we are supposed to be in Colorado right now.

Photos at the Beach

It has been especially important for us to keep our ties close with Brett's family since his mother died. We really don't want to lose everything Fran was holding together and Tim has done such a great job of being a good brother to Brett. Tim has made it apparent in words and actions that he cares and wants Brett to forever be a part of his life.

Brothers

We love the Gratzers and can't wait to see them again! We might have to make a tradition out of visiting them on memorial weekend.

Aunt Cynthia

Uncle Tim

An Indian on the way home

playdate and Mothers day

We had a fun weekend!
On Friday Celine and Lane came over for a play date. It was great, Maya stole Lane's sippy cup, we went to the park, Maya wanted whatever toy Lane had, and Maya got to open another birthday present! She was so excited as she was opening her gift, at each tear her "O's" got louder and more exciting ooohh, OHH, OHHH!! EEEEE. It was hilarious! It was also just really nice talking to another mom with a baby my age. Celine is so sweet and easy to talk to, I truly love her company. Happy first Mother's Day Celine!

Maya & Lane playing with her new bubble toy

Saturday I enjoy a beautiful wedding at the Pinery in Black Forest. Everything about it was amazing and beautiful, especially the bride, my friend LaNee! We enjoyed a simple yet insightful ceremony, great appetizers, wine and a wonderful meal, all in an amazing setting with lots of Pink (my favorite)! I love LaNee, and will miss her since she is now moving to Florida. Her joy and laughter are contagious and I know that her life will be full of so many blessings as she is a blessing to so many.




Sunday was my 2nd Mother's and it was a relaxing, nice day. I got to enjoy my yellow tulips and Brett made smoothies and bagels for breakfast! Maya made me a card with her hand print (my favorite gift). The afternnoon was spent eating at Noodles, relaxing, Brett doing all the house work, and watching Fireproof. It was actually a good movie with a good message (despite some of the corny acting). I loved my day without a list of things to do. The only sad part.....Margie and Luke didn't win the amazing race....

Family Adventures

(grandpa & Maya)

We loved having my parents come visit from California. They came for Maya's birthday and my brother, Jordan's graduation from Focus on the Family Institue. They were here for a week and it was so much fun! We had many adventures together besides Maya's birthday. We got to go to the park, go swimming, visit Focus on the Family and just spend lots of family time together.

Maya found this dog in one of the classes at Focus on the Family and she loved it!


It was fun having my parents see Maya at this stage, walking, saying all kinds of crazy things, and showing her fun personality. They loved her and she definitely made the trip for them extra special.

It was sad saying goodbye to them and also to my brother Jordan who had lived here for 3 months. We loved having him close by even though it was for such a short amount of time.

Family Time at the Park

Swimming

Focus on the Family

A little boy who followed Maya everywhere ( i have no idea who he is)

Maya's First B-Day Party

(Maya is trying to drink her bubbles)

We celebrated Maya's first b-day today! We had the party about 2 weeks after her actual birthday because my parents were in town. It was a fun day and so special for my sweet little girl. I did a garden party/flower theme and got most of the ideas from Martha Stewart and the cupcakes from my BFF Sarah. The weather wasn't the best so everything was held it doors. I could not have done it without the help of my mom, and my friends Jaime, and Jamie, they were awesome! Brett also put a lot of work in make a Flower Photo Op. I think it turned out fantastic and love the whole party.

Maya was so much fun! She loved opening presents and was excited for each one! She even held up one of her dresses and walked around like she was showing it to everyone. We received so many wonderful gifts, Maya will be dressed so cute and well read! The best part was her eating her cupcake, she loved every moment of it and ate just about every crumb.



Thanks Sarah, for the cute flower cupcake idea!
Flower Photo Op time!



Opening Presents!

The "OH" face, that means she really loves it!

Uncle Jordan, Grandpa, Maya, Mommy & Grandma
The Girls
The Guys


Happy Birthday Maya, we love you and look forward to the year to come!