April Already....

I am amazed at how fast time flies...it feels like Christmas was just last week, yet Easter has now passed us by and we are almost halfway through April.  I've been bad about posting updates, so rather than do a million updates, I've decided to just show you in pictures what I've been up to the past couple of months. 

Bobby came to visit & we went to see Kenny Chesney at the Rodeo!

My new boots!

Eating Fried Oreos!

We went to dinner with the Manalansans!  Ashley & Bobby were good college friends & Paul & I were.  They got married back in the fall.

Bobby & his college friend, Matt.

Ashley is incredibly crafty & made this for Bobby's birthday.  She probably sends him the best care packages when he's deployed!

After dinner we went to Hotel Derek for drinks.  Ashley & Paul's reception was there & Bobby missed it since he was in Iraq.

Houston Rodeo for Brad Paisley

Houston Rodeo for Lady Antebellum

Mel's 27th Birthday.  We had a girls weekend at Hotel Zaza & Mel even arranged a photo-shoot!

Meeting Kate's (my college roommate) new baby boy, Mason.

He's such a cutie!

And yes, he spit up on Alan when he put him on his shoulders...and I did get an action shot!  Way to go, Mason!

Day Family Reunion - Easter 2010

Alan catching a butterfly for Mya & Jamison.

Ana & Brett getting ready to go hunt for eggs

Easter at the Tuttle's.

So that's what's been going on....promise I'll try to be more prompt!

Retirement?!

I wish!  But no, I'm not talking about me!  My parents, are however, quickly approaching that milestone and are contemplating where they are going to retire.  They have lots of different ideas, Amarillo (they are both from there & it's techincally "home", but I think they will get bored too easily there & it's a LONG drive for me), South Carolina (they have good friends there & love the golf & beach, but it's a long flight for me), Santa Fe or Colorado (gorgeous part of the country, but again, a long flight), and the Texas Hill Country (this one gets my vote!).  Now you may think I'm being selfish, this isn't my decision or where I will spend the rest of my life, but I do have a particular interest in this. I grew up all over the place, moved all the time, and was at times half way across the country- or at times across the world - from family.  I love my parents & would love even more for them to be close to me.  Don't get me wrong, I also want them to be happy!  I am happy with my life in Houston and don't anticipate leaving anytime soon, but I don't think Houston is for them. The Hill Country is beautiful though, has milder weather, and is only a short 3 hour drive from me! :)  They are seriously considering it, and even came down to look at some property in Kerrville at a golf community called Comanche Trace .  Alan & I drove to Kerrville for the weekend to meet them and check out the property.  It was a truely gorgeous area and something they are considering, but they are only in the early stages of making this decision, and are going to continue to look and compare.  Here's some pictures of our fun weekend.  And Good Luck, Mom & Dad!

Bathroom Mom & I LOVED!

Nice golf course view from one of the houses.

Dad dreaming of having this view for the rest of his life

Me loving everything & trying to convince Mom & Dad to move back to Texas!

View from one of the lots

View from the clubhouse...not too shabby!

Me golfing

Alan & Dad golfing

Watching my ball

Sunset on the golf course

Sunset from the clubhouse at dinner

Charlotte Trip - Feb 2010

Back in Febuary it was our turn to go see our good friends, Nick & Tracy.  They came to Houston to see us back in November and we took a fantastic trip to San Antonio.  Alan & Nick lived together, in the same room for all 4 years of college, and practically lived with Nick & Tracy when they moved to Charlotte, so they were going through withdrawal having not seen each other for 3 months!  Not to mention we LOVE the Allen's and have frequent web-cam dates with them but would much rather see them in person. 
We got lucky and had gorgeous weather!  The guys got to play golf on Saturday while the girls went to a baby shower & then Alan & Nick made a yummy seafood boil for dinner.  Tracy's sister Lauren, her husband Tige & new baby Ryder recently moved to Charlotte and invited us all over for brunch on Sunday morning.  Thre rest of the time we were just pretty lazy and just enjoyed some wine & the great company. 

Tracy & I have the same camera & are slightly obsessed with them!

              Tracy & Ryder                  

Look at those eyes!  He's so precious!

What they will look like when they are 80.

        

Haha!  I love this picture!