Lunch Date with Joni and the Aunties

So I have the coolest family ever! Yep, no refuting that! My cousin, Joni, came to Buhler last weekend, too, and we had a lunch date with the aunties as well as one night we got together and laughed and laughed about life. It was extremely refreshing and they make me more motivated to be silly any time life allows!

The Exotic Farm

Dad and Mom were in Texas for a week and we had a blast! We stayed at an exotic farm in Johnson City and it was a very unique and fun experience. First of all we went on a "safari" feeding all of the exotic animals. I have never been that close or fed a bison, elk or kangaroo. Then we went swimming and a camel would casually walk by or an elk would cry out to it's mates. Hilarious! Elli's cousin, Landon, made a "deer" friend and the guys made the most wonderful grilled meal. Our cabin was inside the safari grounds (with a fence) but my mom laughed and laughed because their bed was next to a window where the zebra were. When she would turn over, that's what she would see. It was the craziest time, but extremely fun and memorable! I highly recommend it to anyone with children.

Child Dedication

When Mom and Dad were out, we had a child dedication with them. It was a very special time.

Cute Grapevine, TX

Ooh Boy am I behind on blogging! But wanted to include a few pics of our week in Grapevine, TX (Dallas area). Paul had a conference there so instead of staying at the hotel, we rented a house downtown. We would walk (or run) to the cutest downtown area and enjoy a pastry everyday and Christmas shop or whatever. I took a jewelry making class and we enjoyed the marina, too, where we saw the biggest houseboat! It was a wonderful week! Also, Elli said her "first word", Mama appropiately! I am so honored, though it was while she was screaming after a fall. I got up one morning and went to a community garage sale and found Elli a toy and a great birthday week present for Paul (the remote controlled windsurfer). Every vacation is better with a great garage sale!

Spice Girl

Last week Elli decided baby food is for babies and wanted nothing more of it. So this week has been a nightmare because she hates textures and loves loves to eat a ton. I gave her all of the simple foods like strawberries, peaches, avocadoes, etc. and she threw them all of the high chair. Last night we were getting so frustrated in what to feed her, so I gave her what we were eating...spinach, tomatoes, garlic, turkey. She couldn't get enough! Yes, she is loving cooked spinach with garlic. The problem now is she is so excited that she needs a bath after every meal. Who knew, she just wanted spices!

Super Duper Saturday!

Saturday was soooo fun! Julia (my best friend from high school) came to visit with her husband, baby Will, and bro, Jeremy and his girlfriend, Louisa. We finally got to meet Will and just hang out. Elliana loved "rocking" Will in his car seat...he may have puked later. What a great day!

Wedding in Colorado

Wow, what a wonderful labor day weekend! We flew to Colorado for Christina and Kevin's wedding and it was beautiful! It was at a chapel/reception/lodge in Palmer Lake in the mountains. Their wedding was so creative...for example, a friend read Christina's and Kevin's journals from years ago as they longed for their future spouse. They choreographed their first dance. It was very sweet and special. We did get to sneak a few moments to see other friends quickly. I wish I had a pic of Elli with her new cousins, Mae and Tass. I have to admit, we miss Colorado mountains and weather (and of couse our Colorado friends).