My brother's birthday - a weekend of drinking

My brother got into Houston on Friday night.

B and I had dinner with a few friends and then we all met up with him at a bar called Cottonwood. It was so much fun.  Think college bar - with bocce ball, bags, horseshoes and washers - and yet not dirty and gross.

We drank and celebrated.

A thrilled brother...

Saturday night was family dinner. We went to Coppa and it was fantastic. They even brought out cotton candy with a sparkler in it for him.  Afterwards, we all went back to Cottonwood. This included my parents and my grandfather.
We met up with more friends and just laughed.

All in all - a wonderful time.


I am still recovering.

Weekend Roundup

This past weekend B and I went to Austin.

We love Austin. We love the people there, we love the city. Austin is where we met. While Houston is where we fell in LOVE - Austin is where it all began so many years ago.

I was in my second year of college when B and I first met. We have no idea WHERE we first met. We suspect it was at one of his fraternity parties.  From meeting we became great friends. We would meet up for coffee and have long talks.  Then once I was of the 21 age - we would go to our corner bar.

This weekend we hit up our old places. We even tucked into our old corner bar where many a nights we spent talking. We were the oldest in that place by about 8 years, but while part of it had changed - it remained and felt a little like the old days. (Except this time I am the only girl in the bar wearing an engagement ring and we were the only ones that were not 5 drinks in.) I love that bar. I love the emotions I get from that place.  So many of my fun times in college were in that bar. So many stories, many friends and life. It was the "Cheers" of that era of my life. Of B's life as well. 

I love that our life together is preceeded by 6 years of friendship and stories of our friendship.


It was fun to go out, act like we were 21 without a care in the world (also to find out we are not 21 anymore and we cannot drink like we used to, even though we tried!) and see old friends.

I love Austin.

As I wrote the other day: 

There is no other place that makes me as happy as I am when I am in Austin. So many amazing memories- I made some of the best friendships here and met my future husband here. This is the best city!

in Thanksgiving

My brother lives in the same city as B's family. So this year for Thanksgiving, my family went to that city and we did Thanksgiving 3 times!

Thursday we went to a Latin Fusion restaurant with my parents, my grandfather, my brother and B's parents.  After eating we went to B's parents house and watched more football than ever before. Fun was had by everyone.

Friday, we went to a Pizza place with the same people as above but also including B's Dad's parents and B's dad's uncle. (B and B's dad are both only children.) Unfortunately, you can't see B's grandmother's face in the picture - but she is so lovely!



(Left side of the table front to back - my brother, B's grandfather, B's mom, B, my dad.

Right side of the table front to back- my grandfather, B's great uncle, B's dad, me, B's grandmother, my mom.)

Lastly - on Saturday we went to a Mexican restaurant with my family, B's parents and B's mom's side of the family. Everyone drank and ate way too much - but it was wonderful.


I feel truly blessed that the blending of our family has happened so easily. With B being an only child, my brother is our only sibling and I couldn't be more blessed to have him and B get along so well.  We are so blessed to have our amazing family!

Weekend roundup

B and I were in Dallas over the weekend for a wedding - his cousin got married.  We had a fantastic time.

B, myself, B's cousin and his wife - I feel truly blessed to be joining this family - they are so much fun!

Austin

It is obvious when you enter my world that I went to The University of Texas at Austin and I am incredibly proud of my school. I love Austin and hope one day to somehow make it back there full time.

I spent 18 hours in Austin this weekend. I got into Austin on Saturday afternoon and walked around, shopped some and just enjoyed BEING there.

I went to dinner with my best friend in the entire world - K. I was supposed to spend the previous evening at her house with her family, but I had been sick and I didn't want to get baby K sick so we opted for dinner instead.

I loved seeing her, talking with her and just knowing that no matter where life takes us, no matter what stages in life we are in - we will always be friends. I'm just truly lucky.

After dinner I met up with S, went to a concert, watched the rest of the Saints game and just chatted. She, another sorority sister, is my other "best friend" from college. We are completely different - in our views, our goals in life but as she stated we just click. We work. We truly are amazing friends.


I feel lucky to know some amazing friends. I would feel LUCKIER if they all lived in one city! :)

Christmas

I fail to take pictures. I fail at remembering my camera when we go places or do anything. Oh well.

B and I spend Christmas up at his parents house.

Let's rewind:

My birthday is the 22nd. We went to the tasting room and friends came and celebrated. I also invited my parents, brother and grandfather. It was wonderful. I loved having everyone there. I truly felt special that so many people took time out of their busy Christmas time schedules to come out and celebrate with me.

On the 23rd we went to B's parents house. They live about 5 hours from us. While we see them somewhat often, it is usually for a short period of time. We see my parents MUCH more often than his. On the 23rd we went to dinner with his parents and my godparents. It was lovely and the first time they had met.

On the 24th we went to his Grandparents (dad's side of the family). We had a tradition Christmas meal and they do a gift exchange. Everyone brings a $25 gift and then they follow the white elephant gift rules of being able to "steal" someone's gift or pick another to unwrap. It was fun and a good laugh. I truly enjoy being around his grandparents. I have lost all but one Grandparent. I only have my Abuelo still living so it is nice to see his grandmother and grandfather. His grandmother even made us cookies. :)

On the 25th we went to his Cousins house (his mom's side of the family) and spend the day with his Cousin, Aunt, Uncle, Grandfather (his grandmother on this side of the family has sadly passed away) and other family members. It was great getting to spend time with them and get to know them more. His Uncle went to the Bahamas with us this summer and his grandfather we went to Colorado off-roading with last year. They are the adventurous side of his family!

Late on the 25th we headed to my parents house and spend the night and hung out with my parents, brother and grandfather.

It was truly a wonderful way to spend Christmas.

Then on the 27th our parents met for the first time. Yes, for the first time and it went wonderfully. I couldn't have been more pleased with how well it went. With B being an only child and our family being so close, it was important to me that they all got along well. So my heart is full.

B's parents were in town all last week and it was just great seeing them more than usual. His father had to work during the day, but it was nice that B got to spend so much time with his parents.

We truly had a wonderful Holiday season. :)

Weekend Wrapup

UT lost - it was sad. I got over it.

I saw my brother - shortly, but still saw him. He looks good and I just hope hope hope he gets a job in TEXAS...preferrably Houston...but at this point - I will be ok with Dallas or Austin (not SA...I just don't like SA.) (Sorry SA peeps!)

Things are going well - just crazy. Is it Nov 1 yet? I am ready for FALL.


It rained all weekend. ALL WEEKEND. (ok Saturday afternoon-now)

I'm tired...and it is Monday...is it Friday yet?

Rodeo

Last weekend was fun. So much fun.

Saturday was the Houston Livestock Show and Rode BBQ Championships...and I got tickets from work to our tent - which included unlimited food and drinks...not too shabby.

So off B and I went with two of our good friends (my childhood bff and her husband). It was great. We bought tickets to the carnival, rode the bumper cars, played all those random - throw the softball and knock over the milk jugs, make the basketball go into the oval hoop, toss washers over soda bottles, pop balloons with blunt darts - all of those ridiculous games. We also ate our fair share of fried oreos, fried snickers bar, ice cream, brisket, and of course a funnel cake. All in all...it was great.  You can see that we did in fact win some prizes.

Weekend Wrapup

Short quick updates-

1. This weekend included my best friend's baby shower. It was a lot of fun, and she looked amazing. Most of all, it was wonderful seeing her again. Since she lives in Austin and I do not (I am not happy that I do not, but I don't!) I rarely get to see her - so it was lovely to spend a few hours in her company. She truly is the best friend I could ever have!

2. B and I went to the Farmers market and I think we picked up some great items - including FRESH Snapper. We met the fisherman and everything - love knowing where our food comes from.

3. WE watched Texas beat Missouri - Go Horns...at least one team can win these days ;)

3. Sunday was a lazy but wonderful day. Sometimes you just need to rest.

New Years

B and I had a fantastic New Years! (if you can't tell from the photo!)

It all started at a friends house - we grilled steaks and had a yummy dinner with champagne and wine. Then we headed to the St. Regis to ring in the New Year. We partied and truly had a wonderful time. We left around 12:45 as our friends were getting and so were we. Our friends live a few blocks away from one of B's fraternity brothers that was also having a party so we decided to stop by for a little bit. A LITTLE bit turned into almost 4:30AM. Needless to say, it was fun.

On our way home we saw some BEAUTIFUL German Shepherds running about a major road. So of course B pulls over, corrals them into the car and takes them to their home. WE called the number on their tags and since there was no answer we just went to their house. The dogs were precious. The owners....were a bit confused as they had no idea their HUGE dogs got out. Knocking on the door at almost 5AM...yeah they were a bit scared at us until we explained the situation...then they were nothing but so incredibly happy their dogs were home.

I'd be so upset if we lost Roxy so even though I thought B was CRAZY for putting them in the car, I am glad they are home with their owners. He always does the right thing!

Weekend Wrapup - Birthday and Christmas

My birthday was wonderful. Almost everyone came out and truly I felt so special and so loved to be surrounded by my amazing friends. :)

For my birthday...B surprised me with something I never would have guessed as it is so not like him to indulge me in things like this....

A while back I sent him the link to the Hermes Twilly that I just fell in love with. :) I love it even more tied to my wrist! :)


For Christmas he surprised me with MY E-READER!!!!!!!!! OMG I don't know how I lived without it.
He also buys me ornaments every year...and this year he got me...

The Hallmark Cupcake Ornament - 1st in series - reminds me of our random trips to Sprinkles and Crave for cupcakes :)

and he got me 2 UT ornaments - one that is a flip flop to remind us of our beach vacations this year and one that is a GORGEOUS globe that has the tower, bevo and littlefield fountain. Truly I loved them. 

Oh and my parents bought me the watch I wanted...so I guess I got everything on my Christmas list...I suppose I was Good this year ;)



This Christmas was lovely. B went to his parents and I went to mine. I got to have dinner with my brother one evening and it was wonderful. We caught back up on life and ate TONS of sushi...

My mom's surgery went well and she was pretty out of it for Christmas, but all in all, it was good and I am gald she's ok.

And now on to NEW YEARS! :)

Weekend Wrapup

I moved this past weekend. I have no idea where most of my stuff is...but I am in the city, near work and I have a place with an attached garage. I love it. Not to mention B is about 1 mile away...not too shabby.

We also had "Christmas" between the two of us since he is going to be going to his parents on the 23-26. It was fun. We made a fire in his fireplace, opened presents, made dinner and just enjoyed each others company. And..for those that are interested...He got me my e-reader!! (and a few other things!) Truly I am so blessed.

I think I have said it from the beginning - but truly as every day passes I look at my life and I am 100% happy. I couldn't have a better life than the one I have.

Weekend Wrapup

This weekend was fun...

THursday I had a dental appointment and I was left bruised with a swollen cheek. It was not pleasant! I went home early from work on Friday because it hurt so much. SO Friday was a bust of a day for me.

Saturday was B's Office Holiday Party - SO FUN and the food is out of this world. I easily could have gained 20 lbs! He works with some really great people.

Sunday we lazed around, went grocery shopping and made a Gingerbread house...we are NOT talented at icing gingerbread houses AT ALL. It was a disaster but fun - I am always laughing with him. It makes my heart smile!
Sunday evening my friend L had a dinner party - it was great seeing all of the girls and meeting everyone's significant others. I just had a wonderful time.

Too bad my face is still puffy and my cheek is black and blue! At least it doesn't hurt anymore!

I cannot wait - move day is fast approaching and I know once I have my place decorated I will post LOTS of pictures. I cannot wait. 

Weekend Wrapup

This weekend was my Company's Holiday Party. It was a lot of fun and I'm slowly getting to know my new coworkers. After the party B and I went for Sushi...DELISH and then we zonked out early for  Friday night.

Saturday had me running errands and decorating for Christmas. I don't go "all out" just a few things here and there to make it more festive...and a tree...which has yet to go up. Saturday night we met the usuals out at C.edar C.reek. I love that bar/grill place. It is just so nice and reminds me of Austin.

Sunday we ran errands and went to the mall- poor B was SO overwhelmed! WE cooked a FANTASTIC dinner together and crashed. Pork tenderloin with apples! MMM!!!


Question out there for everyone - B needs new jeans and well, where is a good place to find mens jeans that  Don't have holes in them (he can wear jeans to work...must be nice to be a geologist!)

Weekend Wrapup- Florida Thanksgiving

So our Thanksgiving took place in Florida this year. Actually the weekend before Thanksgiving B and I headed up to Dallas to have an early Thanksgiving with his grandparents. B is an only child as is his father, which makes him the only grandkid - If Grandma wants you there, you go. It was great. The food was delicious and OMG her cookies are AMAZING. We had our "traditional" meal early.

So we left on Wednesday the 24th for Sunny Florida. His parents picked us up from the Palm Beach airport (they had been there since Sunday) and we headed for the boat in Delray.

Thursday morning we woke up LATE. (I was asleep until past 9, which is unheard of for me.)  B and I headed to breakfast at Boheme Bistro - delish french toast! We picked up what we thought were Chocolate Brioche for his parents and headed back to the boat. We spent the day out at Boca Lake just relaxing and cooked some burgers and just had a great time. For our actual Thanksgiving- we went ITALIAN! Vic and Angelos in Delray was so incredibly good- I mean lick the plate omg delicious- I had four cheese pear tortelloni...SO good.

Friday we slept in and spent the day out and about in Delray. B and I had breakfast at Caffe Luna Rosa on Ocean Blvd. DELISH pancakes.  We went to different shops and just relaxed. We walked down Atlanic Ave and tried all of the "you just gotta try it" things. We had conch fritters (LOVE) and we had mini a Linda Bean Lobster Roll. Too much good food in Florida!   B and I walked a little bit on the beach, took a nap and I got to finish the book I was reading. Saturday night we all headed to a Greek Restaurant that B has been talking about FOREVER. It's called Greek Islands Taverna and it is in Fort Lauderdale. SO GOOD. We had saganaki, shrimp, octopus, chicken, steak, and I am sure more things that I can't think of right now.

Saturday we headed out early to take the boat to a different Marina - we went from Delray to Palm Beach Gardens. It was nice being out on the open water and just relaxing. Dinner was at Carmines and was good - and a nice hop skip and a jump from the boat! :)


As you can see...we ate A LOT...and it was so good...but the Greek Restaurant was by far the very best Greek Food I've had since I was in Greece!

Overall, it was just a nice relaxing trip. I needed it!

Weekend Wrapup

Friday my friend V and I went to dinner at Ruggles. SO DELISH! Then we headed to our old hangout Volcano - both of us love the frozen screwdrivers...who doesn't love a frozen screwdriver. As always, V and I had a fabulous time and I always love hanging out together. She's proven to be such a wonderful friend the past year and a half. While I've known her longer, it's only the past 1.5 years that we have truly hung out and I am so incredibly blessed by her friendship.

B came home on Saturday morning and we headed for the Hill Country. All in all - it was fun. I love camping - and each time we go, I think I get better at it. I did trip and fall and banged up my knee and lost a toenail from a fall - not too much blood but OH MY GOODNESS the pain. Oh well - it will all heal in time.

We got home last night and watched My Boys. WHY HAVE I NEVER WATCHED THIS SHOW BEFORE? I love it. He has me hooked and now we are going through past seasons. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

weekend

For the weekend B and I headed to the beach on Saturday. It was wonderful. I love the beach. It is crazy how close I've lived and yet never went and this summer we have gone A LOT.

Sunday was a cleaning day - We organized and cleaned and cleaned - it needed it! Plus we got to check that off the list!

And for a treat we went to Sprinkles! And of course...Roxy got a doggie cupcake.

Florida and a Baseball game

B and I headed to Florida last week to attend one of my best friend's weddings. I was a bridesmaid.

It was wonderful. The beach was perfect- and nothing beats drinking a margarita while sitting in crystal clear water. That is seaweed by my feet!

She got married on the beach - this was the set up.

I caught the bouquet- ok she totally threw it right at me - but it was a great time. I loved it.

When we got home a friend of B's had extra Astros tickets so we rounded up our vacay with a baseball game. The Astros beat the Braves. It was fantastic- and we were right behind home plate!

2 things checked off of our list already!

The Weekend

Friday B and I had our usual date night. I love date night. I love that he likes us to have us time. It makes me happy. We went for Sushi- always my favorite! Afterwards we met up with friends for a free Grey Goose Promo...I'm all about free Vodka! :)  Of course then everyone else wanted to eat dinner so we had margaritas and split an appetizer. All in all - fabulous night.

Saturday B and I met my family at the beach. Loved it. I love the beach and seeing my family. Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing B and my brother get along and laugh together. My brother is so important to me, and with B being an only child - he is the only sibling between us- I love my brother and I love that my brother loves B for me. Saturday night we went with some friends to listen to a live blues band. They were really good and B and I got to dance - not that he loved that part- but blues for him, dancing for me...good balance!

Sunday was our lazy day - grocery shopping, going to discovery green to see and play with the sailboats and movie night.

Fabulous weekend.

Weekend

So one of my longest ever friends had a baby this weekend. Baby D was born on Friday Evening - he is precious!



B and I headed to DFW area to visit his family this weekend. They are incredibly nice and I also got to meet his grandparents. It was a relaxing fun weekend - way too much food and lots of lounging - much needed! They also have two adorable dogs- Roxy's half brother and half sister. IT was fun seeing them play around and I really enjoy seeing his family.



We spent Sunday evening seeing Baby D and then going out to dinner with my parents and my grandfather. It was a very family friendly weekend. :)