Late Night Date Night

We have been promising Truett and Emma a trip to the snowball stand for a couple of days, so last night, we headed to Bahama Buck's at 9:30!  We usually go through the drive-thru and take our treats home but being that it was so late, we weren't sure our kids would still be awake by the time we got home, so we decided to go in.

While Jay stood in line (yes, there was a line even that late at night!), I sat at the table with the kids and Emma's date (who is lying on the table and will be explained later in this post) and played checkers. 

Truett ordered his favorite - RAINBOW!  I'm pretty sure, just like every other kid, Rainbow is his favorite because, in theory, you assume it has more juice than the other flavors.  At least that's why it was MY fave as a kid!  :)

Jay gets something different each time, but it's usually some sort of 'cheesecake' flavored concoction.

Emma's flavors are usually based more on color than flavor, being that she's still not the cleanest eater around.  I went for the cream soda option, thinking it would be a clear color, but I guess Bahama Buck's thinks cream soda should be brown, instead!  Emma didn't really care WHAT color it was.  :)

Now, to Emma's date, Ken....So, my mom has had a Ken and Barbie doll at her house for as long as I can remember.  Emma has never really shown much interest in them, but Emma has this new found love for Ken eversince we took the kids to see Toy Story 3.  She LOVES Ken and refused to leave my mom's house without him.  She also LOVES taking off his Indy 500 racing uniform (NICE!), but we figured Bahama Buck's had a 'no shirt/no shoes/no service' policy, so my mom wrapped him in this raggedy old towel.  :)

Emma + Ken = True Love Forever!

This is what I found when I went to check on Emma before heading to bed that night!  Hopefully, Emma thinks that she and Ken are married!  :)

Happy Papa's Day....uh....Weekend!

We actually had 3 celebrations so our weekend was pretty busy! Jay and Truett picked out the gifts while Emma and I chose the Father's Day cards.

We started on Saturday, meeting for lunch and celebrating with Jay's dad (PaPaw). Truett was very proud of the flashlight he had chosen specifically for PaPaw. :) I'd say we enjoyed a nice, quiet lunch, but who am I kidding, right?? The food was good and the company was great, so it was definitely a success! :)

After lunch, we headed to my mom's where an impromptu 'mini-celebration' took place. Truett was so excited about giving his gifts to Uncle John (who is also Truett's Godfather) and my dad (PaGou) that we decided to let them get to opening. I always love seeing what Truett picks out as gifts and his reasons behind his choices. My brother plays baseball, so among his gifts was a package of Big League Chew bubblegum and a baseball bat-shaped container of sunflower seeds. :)

After leaving my mom's house, we thought we'd try something different for dinner, and chose to take the kids to a Hibachi grill. Yeah, well, now I know WHY we don't do 'different' more often! Let's just say that Hibachi grills, summer time temperatures and hungry kids DO NOT go together. :)

Sunday morning, we woke up, and gave Papa his gifts (gift cards to Home Depot and Bass Pro Shop) and cards. I was actually able to find a Father's Day card for Papas instead of Dads or Fathers. Jay was pretty excited, and so was I. I told MY dad to hold out....I just know that some time soon, there will be cards for PaGous! hahahaah!

Anyway, we had a pretty relaxing morning and after running a few errands, headed to Fuddrucker's for lunch. 

 

Emma and Truett turning in their 'free cookie' coupon after finishing their lunch.  I love how Emma is focused on the display of treats!  hahahah!

And since Fuddrucker's is in the same parking lot as Bass Pro, we stopped in for some shopping.

There is a free, electronic shooting range in the store, so Truett tested out his shooting skills....just like his Papa!

Emma, on the other hand, was not interested in the guns at all, and was much more content testing out her driving skills....just like her Mama!  hahaha!

While the kids were playing, Jay found the perfect Father's Day gift....

Unfortunately for Jay, the gift card we gave him did not cover the full cost of the boat, so he opted for a pocket knife instead. :)

After our 'big purchase', we headed home for NAPS! Actually, Jay and Emma napped while Truett and I made our Father's Day brownies. I found the recipe in a magazine and thought it was so cute, so I had to try it out. I think they turned out great and they were really good, too!

Once the nappers were up, we headed over to my mom's house for some Father's Day grilling and swimming. Truett and Emma LOVE swimming and being in the pool.

Truett showing off some of his new pool tricks...back flips and being able to reach the bottom of the pool.

Emma probably loves EATING by the pool more than she loves swimming, but she does enjoy swimming and splashing around, too. :)

Sarah hanging by the pool

Dinner was delicious and the brownies and my mom's homemade peach icecream were both big hits with little miss you-know-who!

After dinner, the rest of the family gave PaGou his gifts and cards.

It was a wonderful weekend. I'm so glad someone designated days for us to stop, thank, appreciate and honor the people we love so much. I'm sure none of us do it enough on a daily basis, so it's nice to really focus on our loved ones on their 'special' day.

Mr. James-

Thank you for being such an amazing role model for Jay. You instilled in Jay the qualities that I love most about him. You showed him how to be a family man, a hard-working man, a God-fearing man and a man of integrity. I am so blessed to have you as a father-in-law and as a PaPaw to our kids. We all love you very much!

Dan-

Thank you so much for loving me, providing for me and supporting me when I was growing up and even now, as an adult. I can't even imagine how different my life would be had I not had you as a father figure. Thank you for loving Mom in such a way that made me set higher standards for the man I would marry. Thank you for loving me in such a way that made me set high standards for the man I would want to be a father for my children. I love you so much and am so blessed to have you as a dad!

Jay-

You and I have both had strong male role models in our life who have set the bar really high when it comes to being a great dad. You have definitely exceeded those expectations and have proved to be an amazing Papa. I love the Truett decides what to wear based on what you're wearing. I love hearing him, throughout the day say, "Papa is gonna LOVE this!" I love when he says the blessing before dinner and asks God to "bring Papa home safe". I love the way Emma stops what she's doing, jumps up and runs through the living room yelling, "PAPA! PAPA!" when she hears the door open. I love when she sings I Love Candy and repeats, "I-I-I-I-I love Papa!" over and over again. Thank you for all you do and all you are. You are our world and are blessed to have you in ours! WE LOVE YOU! Happy Papa's Day!

To Infinity....AND BEYOND!!!!!!!!!!

Toy Story 1 and Toy Story 2 have been on constant rotation at our house so, needless to say, we were VERY excited for Toy Story 3 to come out. 

Truett also chose to have a Toy Story themed party for his birthday this year, where he received a Woody Costume, as well as a Buzz Lightyear costume, complete with mechanical wings! 

He also received some money that was designated specifically for going to see Toy Story 3 on opening day.  So, Jay and I took the kids to the movies on opening day, sporting their favorite characters' costumes!  Luckily, Jessie and Woody have similar outfits, so we made a few adjustments, and Emma went as Jessie!  :)

YEEEEEEE-HAAWWWWWW!!!!!!!!

To Infinity....AND BEYOND!!!!!!!

The "not everyone is enjoying this" Duo  :)

The movie was SO great...Jay and I both cried our eyes out and the kids loved it.  Since then, Truett has managed to collect almost every toy from the movie, and has also made several attempts to get us to change his name to Andy.  I don't see that happening.  :)

We Hear It's Your Birthday All Day Long!

Being that Truett was born 2 days before my mom's birthday, the last big celebration we had was 4 years ago. We actually had her party 2 weeks before, in May, because I was due with Truett the 2nd week in June. Plus, it was one of the 'big' birthdays (not telling which one) and we wanted to make it great. We did a surprise party and my grandma and aunts flew in for the party, etc....it was awesome, but like I said, the last BIG celebration we had. Truett's birthday seems to have overshadowed my mom's. :)

Each year, my mom always says not to make a big deal, and this year, she even tried to give me an 'out' for going over to her house to celebrate. Actually, I wasn't sure if she was trying to give ME an out, or if SHE was looking for an out in order to celebrate her birthday in peace! hahaha!

Anyway, we headed over to her house for dinner and cake. My dad grilled and put me in charge of the cake.

Fruit Pizza...YUM! I opted for two reasons....1. We were pretty much 'caked out' from Truett's birthday party the day before and 2. My mom likes sweets and stuff, but is pretty good about watching what she eats. Plus, if it has fruit, all calories and fat grams are automatically cancelled out, right??
The Birthday Girl -

Making a wish....

Emma enjoying some fruit pizza

Mom & Jay

Emma, PaGou & LeeLa'

Mom-

I know you're not one for being in the spotlight, but there is NO WAY we'd ever let a chance to honor you pass us by. It wasn't until I became a mom that I realized just how much you love all of us. It wasn't until I had my own children that I grasped just how much moms do and the many things they sacrifice that aren't appreciated, understood or realized. Even now that we're older, you still make sacrifices for us and give your time for us whether it's cheering us on at a baseball game, helping us fill out college applications, going to the store to make sure you have the right snacks at your house for our kids, or sending sweet letters and notes of encouragement to us in the mail. Of course, we love you and recognize the big things you do, but it's because of the little things, the things that often go unnoticed, that we have always FELT loved. Thank you for being such an amazing mom. We look forward to celebrating many, MANY more birthdays with you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!

Truett's Birthday AND BEYOND!!!!

Truett woke up Friday morning and decided on blueberry muffins for his birthday breakfast. After breakfast was over, it was time to get ready for our big day ahead and Truett's first birthday surprise. Ms. Modesta and Ms. Gabriella were here to clean the house, so I had them secretly put Truett's new Toy Story sheets on his bed. I took a video of his reaction, but am still working on loading videos to my blog, so it may be added later. ARGH!

***side note*** Truett was born on my inlaws' 40th wedding anniversary, so unfortunately for them, we haven't 'celebrated' their anniversary since then! :) We invited them to join us for a joint celebration of lunch and cupcakes.

After breakfast, Truett put on his outfit of choice: a shirt I had picked out for him, a pair of shorts HE picked out, along with his new hat he bought for himself with his own money, his boots...which he wears EVERYDAY, his Shrek watch from McDonald's and his coin wallet that Gramma got for him in Guatemala. HOT MESS! And YES, I did let him go out in public like this! :)

Emma posing for the camera

Once everyone was dressed and ready, we headed to Truett's restaurant of choice...Fat Daddy's.

We had a mini-celebration with cupcakes AND ice cream cones....Birthday lunch of champions! :)

That afternoon, we went over to my parents' house for some swimming and grilling. While we were there, LeeLa' and PaGou gave Truett a couple of birthday gifts.

Buzz and a Rex flashlight

Emma snuggling with PaGou and WoodyPaGou & Truett

LeeLa' & Emma

LeeLa', Truett & BuzzWhen we got home, Jay and I gave Truett one of his gifts and let him open his cards from my grandmothers.

Truett opening his new Woody doll....with Emma's help.The Birthday BoyMawMaw's card included a jungle scene with stickers

Truett was excited to open Gooey's card

Aunt Fran also sent a gift...all the way from Florida! It was 2 of Truett's favorite things....a book and stickers!!!

From the look of his gifts, can you tell what the theme was for his party???

Saturday morning, was Party Day! Truett was PUMPED UP about his party! We headed to Denton to pick up his cake, and stopped for breakfast at the Old West Cafe'. Of course, Buzz and Woody joined us for breakfast, too.

As soon as we got home, we started getting things ready for the party and waited for the guests to arrive.

The outfit - Sheriff Woody...hahahah!

Sweet EmmaThe Party Guests - (not all of whom I got pictures of from the party! OOPS!!! Those not pictured - PaGou, PaPaw, Uncle Jim, Aunt Stephanie & Dakota...SORRY GUYS!)

Gramma & Emma

Truett & Olivia

Nannie

LeeLa' & Emma

Uncle John

The Gifts

Bucket 'O Soldiers

Emma is such a great helper!

Lincoln Logs

Buzz Lightyear costume

Complete with WINGS!The Cake

As soon as the party was over and our guests left, we packed up and headed to Mass, followed by dinner. When we got home, all 4 of us piled into our bed and watched Toy Story 2. Well, maybe it was more like we all climbed into our bed and put the movie on. I'm not really sure just how much of the movie was actually watched by any of us, unless it was playing on the back of our eyelids!

Truett had a great birthday and told me this morning, "Mama, on my next birthday when I get to be 5, it's gonna be a 'nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah....BATMAAAAN party!" LAWD!!!!