Trick or Treat

We mastered the art of "Trick or Treating." Run to door. Ring bell. Say peese, I mean, tick teet. Grab candy. Unwrap lollipop for the rode. Jump in wagon. Repeat!

The Velveteen Rabbitt

Marianne always comes up with the best activities for kids in Houston. She suggested the outdoor theatre production of the velveteen rabbit and I was excited to check it out. We packed lunch for Liam and Lainey and chose a seat in the back just in case our little wiggle worms need to roam. They really enjoyed the show and all the singing! Liam kept shouting from the back "wabbit" which I thought was adorable, just not so sure the other moms agreed. The best part was that the kids could run free up and down the grassy hill in the back. We had such a great afternoon with the Horton girls, even if two photographers happened to leave their cameras at home and all we got were iphone shots! smile...

Two Chicks to Love

A few Fridays back, Marianne and I took these little friends to the Children's Museum.

Robbins Playdate

I am officially giving up my membership to Gymboree and enrolling in Sayler's Playland.

Lainey Bug

This precious little Lainey bug turned one!

Star Spangled Celebration

I don't know why, but the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I am not sure if it is the time spent with families and friends eating some of my favorite foods or the overwhelming sense of pride you feel when you see a row of American Flags flying high on your neighbors' houses. July 4th brings back so many wonderful childhood memories at the Corsicana Country Club. My papaw almost always grilled out on the 4th and we all dressed in our best red, white and blue. We would load up and go down to the pond to enjoy the firework display with all of our closest friends. Blankets and blankets of families, staying up past their bedtime!. My mom would allow sparklers and the occasional Roman candle which was the very best part of the night, of course. There is nothing quite like celebrating the Fourth in a small town.

Robinsons in Whoville

When we first moved into the neighborhood, I met Marianne at our women's club. Unfortunately, we kept missing each other at the meetings and then I became pregnant and put on bedrest and then Marianne became pregnant. We never really had a chance to connect beyond knowing what a sweet neighbor she was. Our friendship; however was meant to be. It just so happens that Carin's "friend" close by that went to her highschool who was going to start joining our playdates and Claire's friend also same highschool living in the neighborhood and most recently Alicia's friend and Jenn's friend and so on and so one IS... Marianne Horton! As soon as it clicked; As soon as we got the chance to truly visit... it was like we had been friends for years. The best part is that their family lives so close that you could hit a golf ball into their yard from mine. I feel like my neighborhood stepped out of the movies where we walk in the evenings pushing the babies and drinking a little wine from time to time in the front yard. Where our littles splash in the pool and play on blankets laid out underneath the trees. Where the playground is within arms reach and where Liam will learn to ride his bicycle from the safety of a double cul de sac and protective moms with orange cones at the entrance.

We have literally dropped into Whoville. The city located on a single spec in this great big city protected by 'elephant' caring moms and neighbors. And my neighbor "Whos" are known for their characteristic welcoming spirits and warm hearts. I cannot believe it took us so long to finally connect with the precious Horton family. Marianne is the kind of friend everyone wishes for where she treats everyone like "A person's a person no matter how small" She is genuine and kind. And Kevin and Bill get along great having similar interests! Lainey is one of the most gorgeous little girls Liam and I have ever seen and her personality lights up the room. No dating until you are older little man! wink!

Photograph by Marianne Horton

Piggies and Paws Playdate

For May's playdate, I wanted to come up with something fun and different. When I heard that one of the moms in Liam's class was a Piggies and Paws artist, I knew it would make the perfect get together. Father's Day is just around the corner and Piggies and Paws offers hundreds of options to turn your child's fingers and toes into a masterpiece!