Weekend Recap

We had such a great weekend! We didn't necessarily do anything out of the ordinary but I felt just so content by Sunday evening.  You know weekends like that right?  The Texas weather made a change (as usual) and it was absolutely beautiful outside.  Our kids love being outdoors, so when the weather is nice we will take advantage of it to more than likely visit the Dallas Zoo (if you/your kids love the zoo I STRONGLY suggest getting a membership).  But more on that as I go along...

Friday started out with a girls night out for this momma.  I always have a bit of "mommy guilt" when I leave my babies to go out with friends, but my husband is quick to remind me that it's okay to take that time away.  I have to remember that I am with them all day, everyday, and I give my all to taking care of them.  One night away isn't going to take that away.  And of course it isn't going to make my babies love me any less.  I think it's natural for moms to feel a bit of this guilt when we take "me time".  But I also truly believe that it's completely necessary for our sanity!  Never could I have imagined the change my life would make when I resigned from my teaching job and became a full time momma.  It is such a tough, 24/7 job, but it is also the most rewarding experience and it is what God put me on this earth to do: be a mommy. 

But back to my girls night.  My absolute best friend invited myself and three of our girlfriends over to her home for a dinner party and drinks.  These are the girls that I have been friends with since high school (some since middle school).  They are the girls that have SEEN IT ALL.  We've experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly.  We've experienced boyfriends, breakups, vacations, college, weddings, babies, etc.  I will always hold these girls close to my heart and treasure our friendship.  Now, we do not see a lot of each other because of life, work, and babies (babies just for me thus far) but we do our best to see each other often enough to keep up with each other's life happenings.  My bestie, Ashley, is totally meant to throw parties and gatherings!  She set up the dinner table and food table so nicely.  We really felt like grown ups having a dinner party. :)  I had such a fabulous night catching up with these ladies and just being able to relax a bit and have some wine and eat my dinner at a leisurely pace.  We always have so much fun and share so many laughs.  These girls truly make my heart happy anytime we get together.

Our lovely dinner table

 Our wonderful hostess and my ultimate bestie

 Our group <3

Saturday we attended a 1st birthday party for another one of my good friend's little guy.  It was about a 40 minute drive so of course both kids fell asleep in the car and took a bit to warm up to playing at the party because we obviously had to wake them.  However, once they woke up, they were all over the place.  There was a playroom at the house so they enjoyed playing in all the new toys and also with the other kids there.  Caroline had her first taste of chocolate ice cream, thanks to her daddy, and Noah enjoyed the yummy candy that he received when we left.  It was such a cute party...and it made me realize how soon Caroline's own party will be here so I really need to get on the crafty kick asap.

 And the girl's love for chocolate begins...

 Happy Birthday Kiyan!

Yummy party favor!

Sunday we took a trip to the Dallas Zoo.  We LOVE the zoo!! We have had a membership since Noah was probably one and it has been soooooo worth the money.  I would recommend it to anyone with kids who love animals.  The weather was perfect and we also got to visit with some of Noah's absolute favorite people, his cousins.  I love when we can all get together and get some fresh air.  The kids have a blast! Noah loves being able to sort of run free and he loves the animals.  This was the first trip we have made since Caroline starting walking and that girl was a wild woman.  She quickly figured out that she did not have to stay strapped into the stroller and instead she now had the skill to run loose like her brother.  That girl was in heaven! :) Needless to say they both got their energy out :) Seriously, if you've never checked out a zoo membership, take a close look here!  Now get ready for a bit of a picture overload :)

 Waiting for our cousins to arrive (These two are twins!  Even down to their expressions here while they waited lol)

 Carousel ride to begin brother's visit to the zoo while sister enjoys a bottle to get her energy up!

Group shot after climbing the rocks

You can't really tell in the first picture but Noah and his cousin are holding hands as they explore.  They are bffs.  And the littlest cousins hanging in the stroller :)

After to zoo we met my brother and parents for an early dinner and just some time to visit.  We met at, what I call, a "down home mexican restaurant".  I will say that the hole in the wall mexican restaurants are the best! You will find the best, real food!  This place also had a mariachi band that started as we were finishing our meal.  Both kids took interest in watching (though the loud trumpet startled Noah at first).  I felt like it was neat for my kids to experience a little bit of culture. With myself being mexican I really do want them to experience a bit of that culture and some of the fun stuff that I remember doing growing up.  I also really want them to learn Spanish because I hate that I didn't.  Maybe mommy will learn along with them. :) After eating we just went and hung out together at my brother's apartment.  The kids enjoyed playing outside on his balcony and eating the few snacks he had....oh the life of a single guy lol (just kidding Matthew...sort of).

                         Mariachi band                                                                                                                        This kid loves jello

Hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend and has a great week!  Coming up we have school for my little guy, bible study kicks back off for mommy, substituting for one of my favorite former coworkers, birthday get together for two of my brother-n-laws, and another 1st birthday party this weekend :)